Tiny Houses, Huge Hope in Ending Homelessness

It's not unusual for Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Joe DeFelice to begin his day with a "Cup of Joe." But, on August 22, Regional Administrator DeFelice enjoyed the first cup of coffee served in a 200-square-foot tiny house in Dover, Del. Along with Wilmington Field Office Director Maria Bynum and Regional Senior Advisor Elvis Solivan, Port Hope Delaware, Inc. co-founders Cathi Kopera and Sue Harris introduced the HUD team to their model home and their vision to reduce chronic homelessness in the First State's capital.

Armed with a $35,000 grant from the Welfare Foundation, the two passionate nonprofit leaders hope to create a tiny house village where each house would provide housing for at least one or two individuals. They are currently searching for a five-acre site to build 15 homes-and a supportive community to help them execute their plan.

"We are big fans of the tiny house movement," tweeted DeFelice as he shared photos of his tour. "We need to use all the tools in the tool box to battle homelessness and tiny houses are another option."

The tiny house model the HUD team toured that morning was spacious for its size-warm and inviting. With bamboo floors, the raised floor in the kitchen included a drawer containing a mattress that pulls out for sleeping. A tiny bathroom, closed off by a pocket door, included a shower, storage shelves, a sink and commode with room to move comfortably between them. The tiny home can be tailored to include a small range, microwave, furniture and other desired accessories. Modular storage units or a loft, for storage only, could be added per the occupants' needs. Two windows, one of which can be used as a fire exit, provide natural light and ventilation.

The model can be transported to different locations for others to see. The two partners hope to build tiny homes that are two-feet wider than their model; the cost for each one would range between $10,000 and $12,000 to build. They have partners who will provide some of the building materials, and they recently signed up a local college to help supply some of the labor to build the tiny homes.

Port Hope Delaware currently serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness by providing food donated by local restaurants, supportive services and advocating for affordable housing on their behalf.

"We're seeing a lot of individuals with mental illness who are homeless," said Harris. "We believe in the Housing First philosophy and the tiny houses provide the homeless with a place of their own."

They believe the tiny houses would serve as permanent supportive housing for those who are currently experiencing chronic homelessness. The tiny home occupants would pay about $300 a month for rent and work collaboratively with their neighbors to maintain the village community.

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