Housing Approval A 'Tiny' Step Towards Solving Homelessness

A new project in Gosford, NSW could be a small step in the right direction to ease Australia’s growing homelessness concern.

The Tiny Homes Foundation (THF) has received DA approval to build what is believed to be Australia’s first tiny house project for homeless women, men, youth and the elderly.

The THF project will consist of four houses each measuring around 14sqm. Each house will have their own kitchen, bathroom, living area and sleeping area.

Artist concepts of the Tiny HomesFormally homeless tenants will also have access to separate buildings that round out the Tiny Homes community which will provide a common laundry and workshop and common lounge with TV and internet.

The homes themselves have a finished cost of less than $30,000 embraces solar efficient design.

THF Co-founder and CEO David Wooldridge said what makes the initiative groundbreaking is the fact that it is council approved, low cost, replicable and features Australia’s first “equity participation scheme for tenants”.

This assistance to help the homeless get a leg up in world once they are set up with accommodation is the next step in the THF model, as Wooldridge believes the approval for the housing is the first step in the right direction.

Tiny Homes Foundation plans submitted as part of the Gosford project DA process.

“A home is not just a roof overhead, it is a springboard under your feet,” he said.

“We believe in ‘housing first’, not housing only, so it provides a great foundation to build on.”

The next stage in THF’s model is to support their homes’ inhabitants with a network of training, employment and social support services.

Free access to the full plans, documentation and process will be made available to others who are able to replicate the project in other parts of Australia, as THF are eager to see their solution to homelessness wide-spread.

Images sourced from Tiny homes Foundation.