A young woman from St. Marys, Ontario, has received the opportunity for independence and stability through a charitable initiative that aims to establish tiny homes for individuals facing homelessness. Paige Noel, aged 20, now occupies a 490-square-foot tiny home, a significant milestone towards her self-sufficiency while remaining close to her family, as the tiny home was set up in her mother’s yard due to space constraints in the main house.
Expressing her gratitude, Noel remarked, “I never thought I’d have a place of my own like this.” The non-profit organization in Perth County, Home Suite Home, initiated the construction of the home after being approached by Noel’s mother seeking assistance for her daughter, who is employed but struggles to afford rent.
Vickie Devocht, the executive director of Home Suite Home, shared, “We’ve been actively seeking solutions to address the housing needs of individuals like Paige who are at risk of homelessness. I’m thrilled that we can provide this support.” The one-bedroom furnished home, inclusive of utilities, is rented out at $500 per month, while upcoming two-bedroom homes are expected to be rented for $800-$1000 monthly.
Noel mentioned that with a touch of personalization, the tiny home quickly felt like her own sanctuary. The construction of the home was facilitated by Stratford contractor Teahen Construction, with local groups contributing furniture and fixtures to assist the cause. Devocht emphasized the widespread homelessness crisis and the necessity for community support in combating the issue.
Furthermore, Home Suite Home collaborated with Project Tiny Hope in St. Thomas, Ontario, leveraging insights from their successful establishment of a tiny neighborhood to aid individuals in need of affordable housing. Devocht envisions a sustainable agri-village on nearly an acre of farmland leased by a local farmer to Home Suite Home, with plans to expand the tiny homes initiative in the coming months.
For Noel, the opportunity to reside independently signifies a crucial step forward. She expressed her optimism, stating, “Having my own place gives me a sense of independence and hope for the future.”