Hamilton’s first ‘tiny home’ could have huge impact on city’s affordable housing crisis

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Published March 29, 2022 at 1:55 pm

Hamilton's first 'tiny home' could have a huge impact on the city's affordable housing crisis
The Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters (HATS) is set to unveil the city's first "tiny home," which could have a big impact on the city's housing crisis.

With the pandemic exacerbating an affordable housing crisis that had already been stretched far beyond its limits, advocates have been hard at work finding solutions for Hamilton’s most vulnerable citizens.

While the issues at the core of the crisis need further exploration and more assistance from all levels of government, the Hamilton Alliance for Tiny Shelters (HATS) is set to unveil the city’s first “tiny home,” which could go a long way in preserving and restoring the health and dignity lost by the unhomed.

April 1st will be no joke for HATS when they present a demonstration cabin and release their research report on tiny homes across Canada that are currently providing shelter for those experiencing homelessness. The Open Cabin event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon at Christ’s Church Cathedral on James St. North.

The model was built and donated by In the Back Yard, a cabin-maker based in Stoney Creek.

Visitors will be able to step inside the tiny home and get a better sense of this latest concept.

Example of the versatility tiny homes can bring. (Photo by Ben Chun)

“HATS believes that giving someone a safe, warm place they can call home is one of the first stages in healing the whole person,” said Julia Kollek, President of HATS. “And these cabins provide a stepping stone for those currently experiencing homelessness as they journey towards more permanent housing.”

Hamilton’s first cabin will be situated at the Anglican cathedral for community demonstration purposes over the coming months.

According to HATS, the cabins are designed to provide warm, safe shelter. Residents living in them will be supported with health and wellness services, provided by organizations currently serving the unhomed across the city.

Inside, the cabins feature a bed, mattress and bedding; a microwave and small fridge; heating and power outlets; as well as a shelf for personal belongings.

HATS says the building materials are sprayed with fire retardant ahead of construction and will be fully insulated.

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