The City of Des Moines has dealt with trying to provide housing for the homeless for years and while some ideas sound great in theory, sometimes they don’t pan out. But a current proposal by one Des Moines group is looking to change all that with a neat, little design.
Aron Pierce of Des Moines said in regards to the homeless, “They need help. Des Moines needs to build something to give these people hope again. Some of these guys don’t have hope.”
Joppa Outreach, a Des Moines organization, helps with giving the homeless hope.
Joppa is jumping aboard the tiny-home trend, proposing a mini-size home village for those in need.
Joe Stevens, CEO of Joppa, “We’ve studied successful models around the country and what we’re bringing to Des Moines is the concept of tiny home villages and there are different types of villages depending on what stage you’re at in your journey but the village we’re working on right now is a supportive village. It’s a place you go for six to 24 months to gain a source of income and overcome your barriers to housing.”
Pierce, “I would try it out. You know why? I’ve lived everywhere. On the grass, under a tarp, when it was raining. You name it, I’d probably stay in it. If I have to.”
The helping homes would be 100 square feet but the villages would provide shared showers and bathrooms. along with a community center.
Chris Coleman, Des Moines City Council, “The city is going to back almost any innovative and safe way to give our residents a fighting chance for security, home security financial security, and we’re real intrigued by this.”
