3 Ways Tiny Houses Can Change The World For Good

“Housing First” Approach

Housing First is basically an approach “that centers on providing homeless people with housing quickly and then providing services as needed.” In other words, if homeless people are given access to permanent housing, many of their other issues involved in homelessness can be more quickly alleviated and even eliminated. The theory of Housing First recognizes “health and recovery are so much more attainable when people have a safe and stable home.” This makes a great deal of sense, since security, health, and safety free up people’s energy and attention to focus on other aspects of their lives besides basic survival.

Sam Tsemberis founded Pathways to Housing and developed the Housing First model, which also claims that, once people are provided with stable housing, the rest of the support they need to become a participating community member again—such as substance abuse treatment, counseling, and job search assistance—will be more successful. Also, studies have shown the Housing First approach “produces greater stability in housing, decreases use of drugs and alcohol, and is more cost-effective than more traditional approaches to homelessness.”

This is especially important considering many homeless people are also Army or Navy veterans with mental health issues like PTSD. Tiny house collectives made up with members of this population can be especially important because they provide a community that allows veterans a chance to get to know other veterans, which can combat loneliness and allows them to meet others who understand what they’re going through. For example, in Savannah, Georgia, soldiers from Fort Stewart are helping to build tiny houses for homeless veterans. In addition to helping veterans without housing, the program helps military service members transition into civilian life by teaching them skills that they can use when applying for jobs after their time in the service.

A 2015 study of male homeless shelter users conducted by researchers at Bradley University found that, “to provide holistic care to the homeless, it is imperative that surrounding social and personal issues be addressed.” Therefore, the meeting of basic needs is merely the first step in a complex process involving a great deal of social, mental, and emotional support and structure. It was found that “Supportive housing alone does not affect societal reintegration of homeless adults,” and that “structured, goal-oriented programming is essential.” However, as a component that is one part of a multi-pronged, comprehensive approach, stable housing serves as the crucial first step.

Tiny houses have seen quite an evolution: from a novelty real estate trend marketed toward middle class and affluent house hunters to one part of a multi-pronged solution to homelessness, the miniature home has proven itself to be versatile and impressive in scope and depth. Whether your plan is to stake a claim in a family member’s backyard or to spearhead the latest effort to combat homelessness in your hometown, be sure to acquaint yourself with local zoning codes, budget for more expenses than you originally anticipated, and find some friends to accompany you on your tiny home journey. And remember: build tiny but think big!