Well maintained, dignified, and safe housing is necessary for people to live a safe and productive life. Unfortunately safe and dignified housing is a struggle to afford housing for people who earn their income from day-to-day labor or temporary assistance. Often individuals are forced to turn to the streets and emergency shelters as permanent residencies, which cannot provide the support they need to get on their feet. Individuals facing chronic homelessness have a life expectancy of 48 to 52 years (O’Connell, 2005) and are significantly less likely to have regular healthcare than the general population (Whitbeck, 2009). Although people facing chronic homelessness only make up ten percent of the homeless population, they utilize fifty percent of public service resources, placing a significant burden on community organizations. So what can be done? In order to permanently house those facing chronic homelessness, there must be an appropriate housing model and support structures readily available. A Tiny Home for Good, Inc. constructs and maintains tiny homes for people struggling with homelessness. Homes are built on vacant city lots, three homes per lot. The homes are between 150 and 200 square feet and are equipped with all the amenities of a regular home. Once built, each home is offered to one individual facing chronic homelessness. Rent is determined on a sliding scale dependent on the resident’s income. Each resident is connected with a professional care manager through a partnership with one of the several care management organizations in the Syracuse area.
