Nonprofit plans tiny homes for homeless
MUNCIE, Ind. (WISH) – A local nonprofit plans to create a village of tiny houses for homeless people. Bridges Community Services wants the homes built at the intersection of 8th and Liberty.
Organizers are seeking a variance from the city’s zoning board this Thursday.
“We are trying to eliminate chronic homelessness as we know it,” Bridges Community Services CEO Susie Kemp said. “We’re willing to do whatever it takes to get this project done.”
Kemp said her project is partly inspired by a similar village in Madison, Wisc.
Kemp’s plan includes six homes, each one 96 square feet. Under the roof: a bed, a desk, heating and electricity.
She said residents will share a kitchen, bathrooms, laundry rooms and a community garden.
Bridges Community Services already owns the property where they’d like the homes.
“The idea is to engage them. Bring them in here, let them see how societal living can be pretty good for them,” Kemp said.
Organizers plan to go into the community to find the people who need the homes the most.
Kemp estimates the project will cost about $72 thousand dollars.
She said the nonprofit already raised more than 75 percent of the money through donations, fundraisers and philanthropic grants. The group is brainstorming ways to raise the final 25 percent.
The village would be just behind Bridges Community Services’ headquarters. The group already runs a shelter for struggling families on the property.