Why We’re Not Fans of Tiny Home Communities for People with Disabilities 

by Marc Craig, former CEO & President

I wanted to share some thoughts this week about an article that I read about a housing development consisting of 40 “tiny homes” on a large plot of land. All of these homes would provide housing for people with mental health challenges. The developers were proud to be able to offer much needed housing for people who otherwise might be homeless.

I’ve learned never to condemn the well-intended choices of others. That said, while this development does provide much needed housing for people with disabilities, it is not consistent with my values or those of CHN. I’ll explain.

The idea of concentrating people with disabilities in one location dates back hundreds of years. The concept of “asylum,” meaning refuge or protection, led to the creation of institutions for people with disabilities. Creating a concentration of people with disabilities can be traced back to a concern for safety, and a perception that people with disabilities can thrive if they live near, and share supports with, people who are similar to them.  My experience and values do not support these views.

I think that the idea of “tiny homes” may have some merit, but not in this instance. To me, it implies that people with disabilities deserve something different than the rest of us. While it is certainly better than being homeless, I believe we can find a better way.

The work that CHN does promotes community integration and inclusion. The experience of living next door to someone different than you is beneficial to both neighbors. It gives us a chance to learn about each other, and make positive contributions to each other’s lives, and to the community. Everyone is valued.

While we are all aware of the severe lack of affordable, accessible housing in our community, we need to keep our focus on attracting resources to create more housing that promotes our core values of inclusion and full citizenship for everyone. Our principal belief is people and communities are more successful when everyone—including people struggling with homelessness, those with disabilities and individuals earning low incomes— is included in the fabric of sustainable communities.  By creating communities where people feel welcome and connected to one another, I believe that individuals and families are better equipped to weather difficult times.

Everything we do is focused on helping families thrive. In our work, we partner closely with local governments, community organizations, and other stakeholders to create inclusive neighborhoods that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Community Housing Network is committed to creating a world where everyone has a safe and stable place to call home. If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved in our work, we encourage you to visit our website or reach out to our team directly.