It’s well known that many people experiencing homelessness won’t go to “congregate” shelters—shelters that put everyone in one large room—because they don’t offer privacy or a secure place to store belongings, among other reasons. Tiny houses are more appealing because they offer each person their own space with a door that locks. (Most also allow pets and, in some cities, don’t ban alcohol or drugs.) Depending on the village, there is usually also some ability to have agency in the rule-making and government of the village.
Pods made by Stanley Tiny Homes at Menlo Park Safe Rest Village in Portland.
But they’re meant to be temporary—and considering that, they have a high price tag. Some politicians and affordable housing nonprofits think tiny house villages are a waste of valuable public resources that could instead be used to create more investment in long-term affordable housing. I reported on this debate for Bloomberg CityLab last week.