Thank you Alain for sharing this with us.
Another tiny house community is going in in the USA. This is exactly what I am talking about! In fact, the image of this community is almost exactly the way that I would envision a pilot community in Hamilton (or anywhere, really) would look.
You all know why the USA is doing this? Because it works! It is sustainable not just for the planet, but also for the tax payer. It is also a beautiful way to live for human beings that have been dehumanized by their poverty and other issues, such as mental illness, grief, and the threat of eviction… It is an affordable way for people – ALL PEOPLE – to live. It allows dignity, in an inexpensive and sustainable way. These tiny houses are reminiscent of the early settlers places except with conveniences and that they allow people survival when they have nothing (or wish to thrive using very little resources).
Hamilton needs this, but really all of the major cities that have a housing crisis and or homeless crisis need this!
So let me put this out there. If you are the mayor/leader/person in charge of any community in Ontario that has a housing or homeless crisis. Or if you work for the city and have the ear of the leader you have please share this. I am putting out a call to any community in Ontario that will have us.
What we need is a serviced building near the downtown core that is usable and has a yard that is about an acre and a half, or larger, in size. We also need cooperation, the machines and manpower required to put in the pigtail infrastructure for septic and water to a bunch of tiny houses. Mostly we need the good will of your leadership and community
This structure must be suitable for myself and other volunteers to stay in while we build and it will eventually house the staff you hire, laundry facilities and a common area,
I would also donate my skills as a fund raiser and I am sure that I could raise 100,000. Lowes has already shown their interest, as well as my almost half a million reader and solid volunteer base.
Contact me if you are interested. You can do so here or at my blog. There are a lot of details to iron out, of course – but we can do this! It is not so hard and it is not so expensive!
The structure you donate to this cause could even potentially be a proceeds of crime building that you have acquired. This would certainly bring the cost of housing your homeless down, right?
What I would like is to build thirty 200 – 300 square foot houses, up to code (unless you have arbitrary size requirements which you will have to arrange to be omitted for the purpose of this pilot), each would have a small but full bathroom, bedroom, kitchen/dining/living room as well as a linen closet, bedroom closet and a porch. Similar to this:
Even if the cost of these houses were 10K each, the cost of 30 houses is just 300,000! This would bring 30 people (more if you choose any couples) off the street. I am willing to do fundraising, bring in volunteers and find companies who are willing to donate.
Anyone who has a community that fits, a house and a little power – let me start this pilot for your people! You can contact me here.
Tiny House Ontario 
This is a very interesting post. I have been looking into something lately but since I’m not a lawyer or business person or social expert I just don’t really have expertise in the subject…just opinion. But sometimes opinion gets others thinking.
Why is there a minimum building size requirement??? I can’t figure that out. I totally understand the building standards and safety requirements but minimum square footage???
So I have spent a few minutes looking at the Ontario Human Rights Act. It is my…opinion…that the minimum square footage requirements violate the OHRA and other Ontario land use policies.
How? Well it is no secret that people with disabilities and people new to Canada don’t have the financial resources that others enjoy.And what about seniors? Requiring larger homes means those homes cost more so you need more money-obviously-to purchase that home. How is a person with limited resources supposed to better themselves when a government-endorsed standard is holding them back?
Maybe there is something I’m missing but it would be great if someone with a little more experience with the issue would check it out.
I feel that a minimum standard (without cause) is holding people back.
Thanks.
PS – Hamilton os a terrific area to focus on because they’re one of the 6 designated sites for Syrian Refugees. This might be a terrific, cost-effective solution to get the government sponsored families into new, safe housing that they might not have thought of yet.
Just spitballin’ as an angle to approach the City if you’re looking for something.
Amazing! I’m in Burlington & am looking to give up my 1200 sq ft condo for something tiny. As long as I can drive to my doc in the area for appts, it’s really my only consideration. (i.e. Within an hour-ish of Burlington). A community of like minded peeps would be incredible! I kinda figured I’d be a crazy lady all alone on a tiny plot in the bush if I ever went tiny – but I wasn’t sure I could make that work ’cause I’m disabled & can’t do stuff like shovel or mow anymore.
We need to talk, tiny houses have been much of our discussions of late, as well as Eco Cabins up on Lake Huron and the Saugeen First Nations Reserve.
Hi Laura, I live in Newmarket Ontario and I have been reading your blog for few days and like what you are doing. I don’t know if you have discussed about this subject… If the minimum size of a house is 800sf in Ontario can you organize or help people to meet so two people can buy a land together and build a 800sf house that is divided into two small houses with separate entrances? I think that way there is no violation of the bylaw or zoning. Is it legal to share a land and house in Canada? If so why not try this route for those who want to build tiny house of up to 400sf but meet a roadblock of zoning code of a minimum 800sf. As you are organizing for the homeless, can you look into helping those who have little money and want to build their small houses? Thanks,
Michel
Laura, my apologies! I misnamed you in my last comment on this post! I am sending you a link to the Tiny Housing Project Proposal that I have been pushing for six year’s now. Presently in the process of filing a letter of intent with the Alliance to End Homelessness initiative, Broadening The Base, here in Ottawa. I would love to talk to you more about what you are doing, and if I could use that conversation for an article that I am writing for Tiny Living Canada.
http://tinylivingcanada.ca/index.php/2015/12/08/650/
Great to see some momentum here in Hamilton. I rent in the North End, and I’m going to the Hamilton Community Land Trust meeting tomorrow night at 294 James St. North (more info at http://www.hamiltonclt.org/2015/12/10/land-trust-visioning-workshops/)
Ah, this is interesting! I just got a message from Susan about this and the link did not work.
Thank you for letting me know.
I am interested.
Thank you!
L
Hi Laura, I live in Newmarket Ontario and I have been reading your blog for few days and like what you are doing. I don’t know if you have discussed about this subject… If the minimum size of a house is 800sf in Ontario can you organize or help people to meet so two people can buy a land together and build a 800sf house that is divided into two small houses with separate entrances? I think that way there is no violation of the bylaw or zoning. Is it legal to share a land and house in Canada? If so why not try this route for those who want to build tiny house of up to 400sf but meet a roadblock of zoning code of a minimum 800sf. As you are organizing for the homeless, can you look into helping those who have little money and want to build their small houses? Thanks,
Michel
:Laura, You might have seen this already but I just did and it’s so interesting to me as this is what I am looking for a senior community of tiny homes. This was a recent article in a U.S. paper. Have a look. Here is the link to the article:
http://sfglobe.com/2015/12/01/granny-pods-can-be-the-end-of-nursing-homes-the-interior-is-a-dream/?src=fbfan_47223&t=fbad&k=ip2a4g3t2
Granny pods, I want one. lol. Now we just need a bunch of seniors to band together and build one. I am in Ottawa. Have spoken to you before.
Dear Laura,
is there any way to contact you via e-mail? I have some important questions about the community and the housing possibilities!
Thank you so much 🙂
Kate
Hi Kate, You can reach me privately on Facebook at the Tiny House Ontario site.
http://www.sustainablecitiescollective.com/klaus-philipsen/1134457/tactical-pop-urbanism-homeless?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=hootsuite_tweets
Mentions Dignity Village
This is a wonderful idea….and it is time for a change in thinking….but it is almost impossible to find small affordable apartments, and builders only want to build large.
I am a senior and I would love to live in a tiny house community of seniors – that’s just one idea. We don’t want to be tucked away in nursing homes and although we have some medical challenges sometimes that can all be built into a tiny house and besides we can’t handle a big place to tidy. Builders will soon realize there is a big market for this. Hopefully. Look at this:
http://sfglobe.com/2015/12/01/granny-pods-can-be-the-end-of-nursing-homes-the-interior-is-a-dream/?src=fbfan_47223&t=fbad&k=ip2a4g3t2
Dear Laura,
is there any way to contact you via mail? I have an some questions about this community and housing possibilities!
Thank you so much 🙂
You might like the floor plan of the microlofts at “The Arcade” in Providence, RI. I watched a great video on faircompanies. I’d link to it but I’m on a shared computer.
I currently live in a self contained 300 sq. ft. one bedroom in Toronto. It is clearly evident that large Cities are looking to high density structures, and I can understand that, from the prospective of the developer as well as the City. I am sure a project such as this, along with many others will help, if there is political will to do so, at all levels of government, and participants. The problem is that many people are already living in poverty, deeply entrenched and reliant on social benefits, without the assistance to get out of it, and then, as well, working families teetering on the economic edge.
Daunting- yes, but impossible, no. I think it is important to link up like minded individuals to get greater feedback to one another about ongoing projects, and see where people can help; be it through volunteer help, fundraising or a myriad of other ways.
I look forward to seeing where this goes, as for myself I am looking at ways off getting people access to community gardens, where they can participate and share in what is produced, while living in the City.
It is great that you were able to find a 300 square foot apartment! I think all the cities should have numerous units like this downtown.
Hello Laura,
First let me say that seeing you follow your passion is such a blessing to everyone, purpose in life is so very vital.
May I speak to you privately?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely
Marie
Hi Marie, I can be reached more easily at the Tiny House Ontario site on Facebook. Kind regards, Laura
Susan, I was once homeless! I now live in subsidized housing in Ottawa, I am grateful to have a home yet my meager disability pension allows for little room financially! I dream of living in a community of like minded people, sharing and caring for one another, and for our planet. I have written a proposal that has now been presented half a dozen times over six years. As someone with Lived Experience, I have hoped that the will to care for all might become apparent. You give me hope! Keep shining your light!
Sorry Laura my other dog Diesel jumped up on me lol do not were I was but anyways Nelly had cancer and over the Christmas Nelly took a turn for the worst I was nursing her and then we made the choice to put Nelly to sleep it was the hardest thing to do I was in the nursing feel so I new what to do for her but it got worse for her and things had happen and we put her to sleep but its’ over now but we are missing . I’m sorry for telling you all of this but it helps to talk wile I’m about to say that you are awesome person. I do not know you Laura but I see what you are doing for so many people in need and I am doing well again and working on getting a car and I would love to volunteer in anyway I can I’m a fast learner and can do anything Evan to build. I just have to say that you are an angle and if you believe in god you well have a place in his hart I’m not a god pusher I just like to tell good people what I think and you are a good soul.
I’m behind it and everything it stands for .
This is something I could afford before I retire in 11 years. I am currently renting and cannot afford to buy a house but would like to live mortgage free, since I won’t have much of a pension. I live near Hamilton in Oakville so I would very interested in this type of community. i will share this on Facebook. thanks,
Susan
Absolutely Susan! I full well understand your desire to have something like this. Tiny house communities should be built for young and older folks as well. It would help to allow young people into the housing market and seniors to stay in the housing market.
Lets hope that the municipalities get off of their collective duff on this!