Local county considers $1 million investment for ‘tiny home villages’ for veterans

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Hamilton County Commissioners are considering a $1 million investment to develop “tiny home villages” as a solution to homelessness and affordable housing for veterans.

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Tommy Anderson, who is currently homeless, shared his perspective on life on the streets.

“You know, you make decisions when you’re 16, 17, 18 years old that affect the whole course of your life,” Anderson said.

He described his experience as “hard” and “cumbersome,” adding, “You feel ostracized; I’m a pariah in society.”

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Commissioner Denise Driehaus explained the concept behind the tiny home villages.

“What you have in a tiny home village is support systems in that village. So, you’re living near people that have similar issues. So, there’s some peer-to-peer support going on there, but there can also be other supports provided either nearby or within the tiny home village itself,” Driehaus said.

When asked why not invest in existing large apartment buildings, Driehaus responded:

“Well, we’re doing some of that. I mean, we have spent $40 million creating housing in this community. We’re setting aside $1 million to target the idea of tiny homes.”

Kevin Finn from Strategies to End Homelessness also supports the tiny house concept.

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“It gives them some safety, warmth, that sort of thing. But it still allows them to, you know, sort of be in their own space,” Finn said. “A tiny home is sort of a step up for them but still gives them that level of separation.”

The idea of tiny home villages has seen mixed results in other areas. In Seattle, where there are currently 10 tiny house villages, some residents have raised concerns about hoarding, trash, and crime. David Preston, a critic of the tiny house villages, said:

“The camps look great for the first six months; the paint is new. Then things start to look pretty trashy.”

Governor Jay Inslee of Washington has been advocating for increased funding to accelerate this type of housing.

Hamilton County Commissioners are expected to make a decision this summer after reviewing the results of a study on the feasibility of tiny home villages. Anderson is skeptical that the commissioners will come through with a tiny house for him but remains hopeful.

“I want out,” Anderson said. “I’d like to get out. I just need a hand.”