Tackling Homelessness with Tiny Houses: An Inventory of Tiny House Villages in the United States

Evans, Krista

doi:10.1080/00330124.2020.1744170

Cited by 29 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…They typically include separate, individual units ranging from a canvas sleeping shelter to a “tiny home”, coupled with a communal space that provides kitchen, laundry, shower and toilet facilities. Nearly 100 such villages are either operational or planned across the USA (Evans, 2020). In Portland alone, villages range from completely self-organized and self-built communities on previously underutilized land to rigorously planned facilities run by a service provider on government, church, or nonprofit property.…”

Section: Case Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The homelessness research and action collaborative: case studies of the social innovation process at a university research center

Greene

2021

SEJ

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Purpose This paper aims to determine whether a combined set of process models for university contributions to social innovation can be effectively used to describe how higher education institutions facilitate and disseminate research for social value. Design/methodology/approach The author applies Cunha and Benneworth’s (2013) social innovation process model, with additions from the Nichols et al. (2013) model of campus-community collaboration and the Jain et al. (2020) social value framework, to a pair of case studies at Portland State University about research projects on homelessness. Information was gathered through primary sources, observation and secondary texts. Findings Applying the models to the case studies provides additional detail on the types and value of Portland State University’s contributions to addressing homelessness through social innovation. The models are found to be effective in describing and providing guidance for social innovation research projects at other higher education institutions. Research limitations/implications The models may have widespread applicability in understanding or designing university contributions to social innovation, but additional case studies and analysis are needed to understand the full range of project types and institutional contexts to which they can be successfully applied. Originality/value The projects described in the paper’s case studies have not been analyzed elsewhere using social innovation frameworks and are valuable in their own right as social innovations worthy of replication. The findings of the paper extend the applicability of a process model for university contributions to social innovation.

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Section: Case Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The homelessness research and action collaborative: case studies of the social innovation process at a university research center

Greene

2021

SEJ

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“…Tiny home villages gained popularity prior to the onset of COVID-19 to address the barriers and challenges of traditional congregate shelters for various groups of people experiencing homelessness. Though empirical evidence of the impact of tiny home villages on addressing homelessness has yet to be published, as of 2019, there were more than 115 tiny home villages for people experiencing homelessness in the USA (Evans, 2020 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…While there is no formal definition of what constitutes a tiny home, many agree that a home under 400 square feet is considered a tiny home (Evans, 2018 ). Tiny home living has become more popular in the general population as a way to reduce environmental impacts and pursue a minimalist lifestyle (Evans, 2020 ). As a response to homelessness, tiny homes have gained popularity over the past decade as a more inclusive and dignified housing option for those experiencing housing insecurity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The first formal use of tiny homes as a response to homelessness was in 2000 with Dignity Village in Portland, Oregon (Mingoya, 2015 ), and as of 2019, there were more than 115 tiny home villages for people experiencing homelessness (Evans, 2020 ). Moreover, as the debate for the right to housing advances in the USA, tiny homes have been framed as a way to advance the right to housing (Alexander, 2018 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…While affordability is a key argument for tiny home villages, the cost of a tiny home unit can vary greatly. The average cost of a tiny home unit is $21,160 but can range from $1,200 to $190,632 (Evans, 2020 ). They are also quick to build.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Promoting Safety and Connection During COVID-19: Tiny Homes as an Innovative Response to Homelessness in the USA

Calhoun

Wilson

Chassman

et al. 2022

J. Hum. Rights Soc. Work

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Using an international human rights framework, this study explores how tiny home villages have provided unhoused individuals with critical shelter necessary for preserving health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, while attending to the needs of social connection and community maintenance. The gaps and inadequacies of conventional shelter systems in the USA for people experiencing homelessness have been highlighted by COVID-19. Physical distancing can be challenging for people experiencing homelessness due to the crowded congregate shelters and encampments. Furthermore, closed agencies and limited transportation can increase risk for isolation. People experiencing homelessness are more likely than the general population to have health risks, such as diabetes and heart disease, both of which can increase the risk of death for people who test positive for COVID-19. Through qualitative analysis of 32 open-ended survey responses of experts working and/or living in tiny home communities addressing homelessness, we explore how these leaders in the field responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two primary themes emerged through analysis: (1) villages prioritize safety through physical distancing, and (2) villages preserve social connection and combat isolation. This balance of being responsive to the safety guidelines of COVID-19, while also maintaining social connection and community building, highlights the need for social work to embrace new and innovative responses to homelessness and other social issues, particularly given the uncertainties and complexities of the future.

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Home is Where the Tiny House is? Re‐framing Downsized Livings Potential

Evans

2023

Transforming Issues in Housing Design

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Tackling Homelessness with Tiny Houses: An Inventory of Tiny House Villages in the United States

Cited by 29 publications

References 21 publications

The homelessness research and action collaborative: case studies of the social innovation process at a university research center

The homelessness research and action collaborative: case studies of the social innovation process at a university research center

Promoting Safety and Connection During COVID-19: Tiny Homes as an Innovative Response to Homelessness in the USA

Home is Where the Tiny House is? Re‐framing Downsized Livings Potential

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