FLINT, MI -- A tiny homes project aimed to help and support homeless veterans is on its way to becoming a reality in Flint.
Catholic Charities of Shiawassee & Genesee Counties are working with local contractors and the city of Flint to get a building permit to construct two model tiny homes to test before building a 26-home lot in 2022 for use.
Two parcels on Root Street across from Catholic Charities’ parking lot, 901 Chippewa St., in Flint will be used to place the test tiny houses.
That property will soon be graded and the cement foundation will be laid after the gas lines are run, said Vicky Schultz, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties told MLive-The Flint Journal on Tuesday, Oct. 19.
The hope for Schultz is that the test houses can be up and running by the end of the year so plans can move forward with a 26-lot complex with a community center across from the North End Soup Kitchen next year.
The first model is a 450-square-foot stick-built tiny home that looks like a traditional way of framing a home. The second model is a two-part staggered container home of about 350 square feet.
“We will have two different kinds of models with 100 square foot difference in them,” Schultz said. “The board wants to look at the craftsmanship and how they are laid out.”
The contract for the stick-built home is still being finalized, Schultz said, but the model container home will cost about $45,000.
The homes are targeting veterans who need homes and cannot afford traditional homes or need assistance in living. Those experiencing homelessness, senior citizens and those with disabilities will also be eligible for these homes.
They will be able to accommodate two people per lot.
Grant money from the Clara Lionel Foundation, founded by singer Rihanna, to fund groundbreaking education and emergency preparedness and response programs around the world, will be used to build the homes.
Catholic Charities of Shiawassee & Genesee Counties hosted a food giveaway Tuesday where free flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations were also administered.
Read more on MLive:
Tiny Homes Initiative coming to Flint with help from singer Rihanna
Catholic Charities grapples with helping Flint homeless amid coronavirus pandemic
Mid-Michigan homeless say shelters still a blessing amid coronavirus crisis
Tiny house turns into big headache for Michigan man