One of the tiny homes planned for the Way Veterans Village was on display Thursday at the Manteca Way Church.

Bakari Grant referred to the model ADU as “one of the smaller ones” during the community open house event at the church located at 715 E. North St.

He’s the CEO and founder of the WellNest Company, which is described as “a holistic housing company” based in the Bay Area that’s bringing in innovative solution to the state’s housing crises by specializing in alternative independent living.

The tiny home at the open house was a 200-square-foot one-bedroom studio with a spacious bathroom and living / dining quarters. The WellNest pod was ADA-accessible with high ceilings and can be powered via solar battery.

Grant, a former professional football player – he had stints as a wide receiver in both the NFL and CFL – noted that WellNest also offers 300- and 400- square-foot ADUs.

According to Bobby Arte, who is the Chief Operating Officer, noted that WellNest was one of several looking to work with Manteca Way Church on the proposed Way Veterans Village to accommodate local vets.

The others are Anchor CM and the Keystone Foundation.

“It’s not just us but several (who are looking to partner together),” said Pastor David Rangel-Diaz of the Way Veterans Village plan.

Since 2019, his church has been providing a safe parking program for the homeless, who can park overnight and sleep in their vehicles.

The plan calls for 15 tiny homes to be situated at an underutilized property of the church grounds, at the northeast corner of North Street and Roosevelt Avenue.

The community open house was held for those living in the surrounding areas – they were afforded the opportunity to provide feedback on the site design as well as the integration to the community and safety measures on the proposed Way Veterans Village.

The plan still has a way to go, said Rangel-Diaz.

He and others involved in this project are hopeful that this event was useful in moving forward.