A Tiny Home for Good, a Syracuse-based nonprofit, has built 23 tiny homes and refurbished almost two dozen other properties for people experiencing homelessness. The organization’s founder, Andrew Lunetta, saw a pattern of men leaving homeless shelters and returning after a short time, and realized that housing was failing them, not the other way around.
Support and Stability
The tiny homes provide a sense of calm and stability, which is especially important for people dealing with trauma, mental illness, or substance use disorder. The homes are small but complete, with a kitchen, bathroom, and a washer and dryer, and residents have their own space without roommates or shared areas.
The organization also provides long-term support, including help with managing addiction, mental health care, and day-to-day resources. This support is tailored to each tenant’s needs, with some requiring daily check-ins and others needing less frequent contact.
A New Lease on Life
For resident Rhea Holmes, her tiny home has been a lifeline. After losing her husband and her home, she spent eight months living at his grave. But with the help of A Tiny Home for Good, she has been able to rebuild her life and find hope and freedom.
The organization’s model is based on patience, consistency, and understanding that progress will not look the same for everyone. Tenants sign standard leases and pay rent based on their income, and there is no sobriety requirement or deadline to leave.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
