Innovative Affordable Housing Solutions

Recently, Philadelphia was on track to develop a tiny housing plan offering a housing alternative to its growing homeless population. The Tiny Housing Plan was set to begin construction this spring in Philadelphia’s Northeast Holmesburg area. Like many cities in the U.S., a lack of affordable housing and inflation costs have further driven up rents and continue to increase housing insecurity in the region. This tiny housing village was a plan that was established by a nonprofit, Sanctuary Village that raised funds to construct 12 tiny homes measuring 12 by 8 feet as part of a community to serve the homeless population. The goal was to provide transitional housing for those looking to break free from homelessness. 

I researched other tiny housing communities and learned about The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI), which believes “that affordable housing does not mean poor quality housing. We believe that innovative partnerships, creative project development and sustainable design features in affordable housing makes for a healthy, strong, and committed community.” See https://www.lihihousing.org/tinyhouses. In an article published on Axios Seattle on January 11, 2024, Washington State was rated the 6th highest homeless population in the U.S. It found that the most recent count for the Seattle/King County area had over 15,000 homeless people on a given day. https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2024/01/11/highest-homelessness-rate-federal-report

LIHI has become one of the most productive affordable housing developers with these increased homeless numbers. LIHI owns and manages over 3,400 housing units at 75 sites different sites throughout the Seattle region. While this is not enough to resolve the homeless problem in Seattle sufficiently, it is a start. In addition, the villages provide several social service programs to help participants with case management, life skills training, technology access and training, and children’s activities in LIHI housing. And more importantly, they act as an example of what other cities could create.

A program like this would be an excellent start for Philadelphia, but sadly, in March 2024, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration discontinued the project. The decision surprised Sanctuary Village leaders; however, Staci Scott, who took over as Sanctuary’s executive director, indicated that they hope to find alternative locations soon. I am hopeful this will not be a permanent setback.

Another option that recently came to fruition through Atlanta’s Rapid Housing Initiative is the Atlanta shipping container development, The Melody. The Melody, named in honor of an Atlanta native who passed away following a prolonged struggle with chronic homelessness, represents the city’s newest initiative to offer housing for the homeless population.

Image from dwell.com

Brammhi Balarajan, a journalist for CNN stated in an article on February 25, 2024, “The tiny homes are complete with a bed, sink, shower, refrigerator, oven, and microwave. A little window lets tenants look out into the courtyard of red porch chairs and grass. Although the containers are small, tenants joked they felt anything but tiny.”

The Melody showcases the strength of shared goals, showing that profound changes can emerge when we unite and confront challenges together.

Until next time..