Tiny Homes: A Step Forwards or Backwards in Solving Homelessness? Perspectives from USA
Barbara Poppe Barbara Poppe and Associates Overview • Growing movement in U.S. • Clarifying purpose • Considerations for development and operations • Assessing benefits v. costs • Closing thoughts
https://dignityvillage.org
Dignity Village is longest-existing, continually operating, city-sanctioned Homeless Village in the United States • An intentional community for the homeless; welcome couples and pets to foster the dignity that comes with making your own choice about who stays with you. • City of Portland-owned land; shares the lot with the municipal leaf composting facility. • Cross between a transitional housing option and an intentional community; a limit of two years per person with extensions for Villagers in leadership positions and working to move out. • Each residence comes with a bed and a propane heater - no power or running water. There are two shared sinks, one shower for the whole Village, and several port-a- lets. • Self-funded through resident contributions, private donations, and micro-business. Pinellas Hope assist the homeless with 250 units of emergency shelter and 156 subsidized efficiency apartment units located in Clearwater (Pinellas Park) on the over 20 acres of land provided by Diocese of St. Petersburg in 2007. Pinellas Hope was established to serve street homeless adults by providing temporary emergency shelter. Residents are assisted with food, transportation, employment assistance and social services New: Pinellas Hope is repurposing 50 shipping containers into sleeping quarters for 150 residents. The 20-foot long steel containers are re-configured into three separate (56 sq. ft.) “Certified for Habitation” living spaces. A multi- level improvement over existing tents, these individual sleeping rooms provide: • Safety: Built to withstand Category 4 Hurricane winds (Miami-Dade building code) • Privacy: Individual room, lockable steel door with security peephole, and exterior light • Comfort: Air conditioned space, bed , LED (night) light, window (for natural light), bug-free http://pinellashope.org Community First! Village is a 27-acre master planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for the disabled, chronically homeless in Central Texas. A development of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, this transformative residential program exists to love and serve our neighbors who have been living on the streets, while also empowering the surrounding community into a lifestyle of service with the homeless. https://mlf.org/community-first/ https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr-edge-inpractice-040317.html The BLOCK Project Approach: Seattle, WA Integrated: The BLOCK Project allows people to heal within the embrace of community. By surveying hosts, blocks, and residents regarding their strengths, passions, hobbies, and needs; the BLOCK Project will cultivate communities where everyone in the neighborhood has a fuller, happier, more connected life. Dignified: Our built environment shapes who we are and how we live. BLOCK Project homes have a cutting-edge design and are fully self- sufficient, with kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, and storage. Sustainable: The construction of off-grid homes on abundant residential property represents a financially and environmentally sustainable solution.
•Kitchen, bathroom, sleeping and living area, storage, & porch •Solar panels for all power needs •On-site water catchment & filtration •Greywater disposal system •Composting toilet http://the-block-project.org/home/ What is the purpose of the Tiny Home as a type of intervention on continuum of care for people who experience homelessness? ➢ Emergency (temporary) shelter? ➢ Bridge (interim) housing? ➢ Transitional housing? ➢ Permanent housing?
What population will be served? ➢ Adults and couples? ➢ Families with children? ➢ Chronic homelessness? Where will Tiny Homes be located? ➢ Vacant land within city? ➢ Rural setting? ➢ Backyards of homeowners?
What is intended timeframe for the Tiny Home to be located at the site? ➢ Time-limited? ➢ Permanent? What is the organizational framework? ➢ Sober living? ➢ Housing First? ➢ Peer-run? ➢ Intentional community? ➢ Part of community response system or alternative/independent response?
What is the services model? ➢ No services? ➢ Peer supports? ➢ Onsite case management by outside agency? ➢ Referrals to community organizations? How will basic needs be met? ➢ Water, power, heat and sanitation ➢ Food preparation and storage ➢ Safety and security
Other considerations? ➢ Amenities, e.g. playground, recreational space, community gardens ➢ Resident paid fees or free ➢ Resident due process protections from eviction ➢ Admission criteria, e.g. criminal histories, credit checks, etc. ➢ Onsite use of illegal substances U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness
1) Will the tiny homes you are considering provide a home-like environment and meet housing quality standards? 2) Do tiny homes provide a living environment that a potential resident would choose? 3) What role will tiny homes play within your systemic efforts to end homelessness? 4) Are tiny home developments the best use of financial and land resources? 5) How will the tiny homes be appropriately integrated into the community? https://www.usich.gov/news/asking-the-right-questions-about-tiny-houses Closing thoughts…if you do tiny homes for people who experience homelessness then it must:
✓ Be voluntary choice among other options (not the only option) ✓ Meet all basic human needs ✓ Be humane, dignified and non-stigmatizing ✓ Provide resident privacy protections and due process ✓ Provide highest and best use for land ✓ All-in costs must be considered ✓ Offer pathway to mainstream housing and length of stay is flexible not fixed ✓ Be developed and designed inclusively with residents ✓ STAY LASER-FOCUSED ON PERMANENT HOUSING Barbara Poppe Columbus, Ohio [email protected] www.poppeassociates.com