"Micro Home Village" to open on Miles Street this summer

Thunder Bay - Over the next few weeks, a local factory will begin building 16 tiny homes that will bring some stability to individuals in Thunder Bay facing mental health and addiction issues.

By August, the "village" will be established on a parking lot at 212 East Miles Street, near the intersection of May Street.

"As housing providers, we have witnessed how safe and affordable environments truly help people on their path to recovery," said Nicole Latour, executive director of Alpha Court Community Mental Health and Addiction Services.

"Until basic needs are met, people are just in survival mode; they can't see their future, hopes, and dreams because they are just looking for a place to stay overnight and get some food."

The News Watch first reported last month that Latour's agency had received nearly $4 million in project funding from the province's Homelessness Prevention Program.

Alpha Court is a non-profit housing corporation that already owns or leases many housing portfolios throughout the community.

This will be its first tiny home village and the first of its kind in Thunder Bay.

In a recent interview, Latour carefully explained that the Miles Street project is very different from the temporary shelter village the city initially considered building below the street, a location ultimately rejected by city council.

"The significant difference is that the homes in this project will be permanent. They will have full bathrooms, kitchens, and sleeping areas. They will also be accessible. They will have heating and cooling systems, lighting, and everything people need for long-term housing," she said.

Tenants of these 290-square-foot homes will pay affordable rent based on the housing allowances allocated through their respective income support programs.

Latour said some clients may only stay there until their personal situations stabilize, while others may live in the village long-term.

"Some of these units could also be permanent. We haven't decided on the model yet."

The target population is chronically homeless individuals aged 18 and over, who will be selected through the city's coordinated housing access list.

Latour said Alpha Court is working closely with community partners to arrange wrap-around services for village tenants who need various supports.

"We are in the planning stages, truly working hand-in-hand with our partners to provide wrap-around services for these individuals, really helping to ensure their successful transition into housing. We hope to obtain some concrete data on the success of this project in the future and replicate it when more funding opportunities arise."

She said that while this is a new model for Thunder Bay, it has already been successful in other parts of the province and across the country.

Latour said a key reason is that the village not only provides clients with a place of their own but also gives residents a vital sense of community.

Source: https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/tiny-home-village-to-open-on-miles-street-this-summer-10081617