Photo: NCR photo | Katie Collins Scott
A dearth of affordable housing, stagnant wages, and the economic aftermath of the pandemic have led to an increase in homelessness, and tiny home dwellings have become increasingly popular as shelters and transitional housing. A number of local Catholic service agencies, including St. Vincent de Paul and Catholic Charities, have started to manage a broad range of tiny home communities. The micro-residences span from one-room units to miniature houses with a bathroom and kitchen. Most villages have communal elements and include a range of services. While there are concerns about the concept, the proponents maintain that tiny home villages are relatively fast to build, appeal to people for whom traditional dorm-style shelters are not appropriate, and they simultaneously provide an individual with community and a door that locks. “It’s amazing to see when someone is safe, warm, valued and not worried about their stuff getting stolen. In a village they can begin to heal. And then, slowly, they can start thinking about what comes next,” said Gabe Ash, a program director with Catholic Community Services.
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