Community leaders will hold a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, July 26 at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate the opening of five new tiny houses at 945 Maynard Street. Each tiny house is approximately 400 square feet of habitable space and includes a living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, hallway, closet, and dining space. Each house will be occupied by a single person who is homeless and who has been diagnosed with a disability.
“These Tiny Houses will be used to bridge the gap between the street and shelter by providing permanent housing for homeless individuals,” says Cass Hatcher, River Edge Chief Facilities Development Officer. “It will also give us the chance to connect to services needed to address any issues or challenges they might be facing to improve their quality of life. We Make Life Better.”
“We are always looking for opportunities to provide decent, affordable housing for low to moderate income individuals and families,” says Wanzina Jackson, Director of Macon-Bibb’s Economic and Community Development Department. “The Tiny House Project takes that to another level by using an innovative housing concept being introduced nationwide and making it available as permanent housing for homeless individuals.”
Tenants will be identified through the Coordinated Entry Assessment at the Salvation Army of Central Georgia. The process includes assessing the best housing choice for the person, matching the right level of service and housing resource to the person, and making a referral for housing and services to the appropriate agency.
The five tiny houses are a partnership between Macon-Bibb County, River Edge Behavioral Health, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Continuum of Care (COC) program. Their construction was funded through the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program (which is administered by the Economic & Community Development Department). River Edge will manage, operate, and maintain the houses through COC grants and will provide clinical case managers and supportive services. Rental assistance will also be provided by the COC.