A Tiny Solution To Homelessness Greg Cantori American Tiny House Association
What are Tiny houses? Year round living - unlike RV’s Typically less than 400 square feet Permanent, or on wheels
What we face: 600k+ homeless in US Waiting lists for affordable housing, shelters, support services Little serious conversation at political or national level Stereotyping, fear and discrimination What Housing First can do: Save thousands of $ Safety, sleep and health care Stability Community Support An address!
Why tiny: Very affordable Truly mobile…Park anywhere vehicles are allowed Lower Utilities: Potential for off-grid More location options: Back yards…construction sites…unbuildable lots…infill Can be moved closer to work Greater potential for ownership benefits vs renting
How: Buy or build Rent or buy land Accessory dwellings Convert garages, sheds, barns
Decisions: Location? Manufactured homes? RV's? Clustered or scattered site? Meet housing first goals? Provision of services? Counseling, mentoring, addiction treatment mental health, jobs….. Most important: What about the neighborhood? Oxford house: Doesn't ask permission. Move in like any family would. Good neighbors in good neighborhoods Adapt to codes and zoning? Variance? Pilot Program? Change them? Self organized autonomous vs. nonprofit organization?
Quixote Village Photograph by Leah Nash for BuzzFeed
Dignity Village Photograph by Leah Nash for BuzzFeed
Opportunity Village Photograph by Leah Nash for BuzzFeed
Make tiny homes reflect the quality of the people living there Strive for high quality Strive for Mutual Respect Strive for a Tiny solution Greg Cantori