The Low Income Housing Institute’s Tiny House Program was one of 16 non-profits from across the country awarded “A Community Thrives” grant. Here is an excerpt from the USA TODAY press release:
“Journalists in the USA TODAY Network are telling local stories and regularly hear amazing ideas to improve American communities – which helped to inspire the creation of A Community Thrives.
The Low Income Housing Institute was among the 2019 recipients.
The Seattle-based organization was awarded a $100,000 national project grant for its efforts to help improve their community through housing.
The Low Income Housing Institute builds, owns, and runs housing for the homeless and formerly homeless people throughout Washington state. It also provides supportive services to help its clients increase self-sufficiency and transition to permanent housing.
The Low Income Housing Institute developed what they call 10 “tiny house villages” in Seattle, and one in Olympia.
“You can help end homelessness for hundreds of thousands of people, it’s by no means a totally helpless situation,” said Sharon Lee, executive director. “An ordinary person who cares about ending homelessness can pick up a paintbrush and help us literally end homelessness.”
The Institute, which has already built 300 tiny houses, has a goal of building 500 homes for those in need.”
LIHI would like to thank Seattle Mayor Durkan and the City Council for their partnership and support of this vital program, which can be a model for communities across the country that are struggling with housing and shelter for their homeless residents. Tiny house villages in Seattle have proven more effective than traditional shelters, both in terms of cost and in placements in permanent housing.
The $100,000 grant will be used to build 20 houses @ $2,500 each and to fund village operations.
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