Tiny Homes: A Solution to the Housing Crisis?

Tiny homes are continually popping up everywhere. Some see them as a fad, and for others, they are a way out of the crazy high mortgage game that is going on in Canada. But they are often criticized for being too expensive per square foot and a form of poverty appropriation. 

Even still, these tiny homes could be a possible solution to rejuvenate dying towns and shelter the homeless with dignity. Especially with the lack of safe and affordable housing in many aboriginal First Nations communities in one of the most developed countries in the world, these homes could help address this problem.

Housing Shortages

In Big River, First Nation, just north of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the community of 3,300 faces a critical housing shortage. There are 270 people on a waiting list for housing, despite the 40 mobile homes that were purchased last year. All across the country, there are First Nations communities that have been dealing with inadequate, overcrowded homes that have been in disrepair for years, without proper running water or electricity. These homes could be replaced with durable, energy efficient tiny home that are adapted to reflect indigenous culture and lifestyle.

One House, Many Nations

The initiative, which aims to build sustainable homes for humans with compassion that respects their dignity, crowdfunded a $15,000 tiny home along with Idle No More, for a man who had been living in a dilapidated shanty in Big River First Nation. The group has now raised an additional $25,000 for two more small homes to be built for other communities and is partnering with Harvard university Students to develop and affordable, and eco-friendly building system.

Photo courtesy of Treehugger.