Tiny Homes for Humanity, founded by President Earl Crossland and Board Chairman/Treasurer Larry Plum, aims to provide housing and a fresh start for unhoused veterans, individuals, and families. The organization plans to build a permanent supportive community, housing 14 veterans currently in temporary housing.
“We envision building a safe, supportive community where veterans continue to heal, become self-sufficient, develop economic independence and rebuild a better life,” Earl explains.
Since some residents will eventually move on to larger apartments or homes after three to four years, it will also create a continuous cycle of support for incoming residents, extending the impact for many years.
As a recently retired architect and owner of Mason-based architecture firm VSWC, Earl brings many years of design, construction and management experience to Tiny Homes for Humanity.
“I spent six months researching and designing a tiny home prototype,” Earl says. “We spent the next year and a half meeting with more than 30 community leaders and CEOs who work with veterans and unhoused people to seek input and support.”
After a challenging search for land in Cincinnati and Hamilton County to build the project, they learned that Gaines United Methodist Church was interested in developing affordable housing. They are now partnering with them to build a Tiny Home Veterans Village with 14 units on ¾ acre behind the church in Madisonville.
“This project is our first tiny home development, but the design goal of this and future communities is to create a neighborhood feel, encourage social interaction, build camaraderie and develop personal responsibility,” Larry Plum shares.
Rev. Paula Stewart of Gaines UMC adds, “We hope that this project becomes the model for tiny home development throughout the city to help curtail the trend of unaffordable housing.”
Tiny Homes for Humanity has received a commitment of a large government grant, conditional upon raising $760,000 in private funds by June 30. Each tiny home costs $70,000 to build, with a total project cost of $2,020,000, including site infrastructure, engineering and other costs. The units feature the comforts of home, including a small front porch, living area, kitchenette, dining area, full bathroom and bedroom area.
“We are proud of persevering through many challenges and creating a viable project from just a dream,” Earl enthuses. “Seeing people find a home and improve their lives at Veterans Village will be the ultimate reward.”
The community can get involved with Tiny Homes for Humanity by donating, volunteering to support the fundraising campaign, volunteering to help build the tiny homes and contributing in-kind materials or services. Naming opportunities are also available for the village itself and areas throughout.
Support offered serves as a positive investment for communities throughout the region, as over 500 vets are currently without permanent housing in the Cincinnati area. TinyHomesforHumanity.org
Tiny Homes for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, not affiliated with Habitat for Humanity.