A charity in St. Marys, Ontario, has provided a young woman with a tiny home, marking a significant milestone in her journey towards independence and stability. Paige Noel, aged 20, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to have her own living space, a 490-square-foot house located in her mother’s yard due to limited space in the family’s main residence.
Home Suite Home, a non-profit organization in Perth County, initiated the construction of the tiny home in response to a growing need for affordable housing solutions. Vickie Devocht, the executive director, highlighted the challenges faced by individuals like Paige, who work but struggle to afford rising rent prices, leading to what is known as hidden homelessness.
The furnished one-bedroom home, with utilities included, is rented out at $500 per month, with plans for additional two-bedroom homes priced between $800 and $1000 per month. Noel expressed how the simple act of decorating the space quickly made it feel like home to her.
Local contractor Teahen Construction built the tiny home, with community groups contributing furniture and fixtures to support the cause. Devocht emphasized the widespread housing crisis affecting both urban and rural areas, underscoring the need for collective assistance.
Home Suite Home received guidance from Project Tiny Hope in St. Thomas, which recently unveiled a similar initiative aimed at providing affordable housing solutions. The long-term vision for Home Suite Home includes developing a sustainable agri-village on leased farmland to accommodate more tiny homes in the future.
Looking ahead, Noel hopes that her newfound independence will empower her to progress further in life, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency for fostering hope and personal growth.