Today the Reno City Council voted unanimously to approve a tiny homes project to help with the city's homeless problem.
The plan is to build 30 individual shelters at 250 Sage Street - the same place a low-income dorm project is underway. Â This village is going to be called Hope Springs and managed by Northern Nevada Hopes. Â The goal is to provide short-term housing and support for the people that need it the most.
"This will benefit people that are experiencing homelessness and are often stuck with no way to get out," said Sharon Chamberlain, CEO at Northern Nevada Hopes. Â "They need a safe place to lock their belongings away, a safe place to sleep at night."
Construction will start with a community center.
"It will have restrooms and showers, laundry and a kitchen and living room place where people can meet and hold meetings," Chamberlain said. Â "Once we get that done, building the tiny homes will be fairly quick."
The first ten units should be ready by the end of the year.  The plan is to build 20 more units when funds become available next year. The hope is residents will stay for four to six months, then move on.
"Based on individual abilities and needs, we'll work with them to get them connected and ensure they're able to move into the community, into permanent housing," Chamberlain said.
Northern Nevada Hopes will provide services like medical care, behavioral health and workforce development.
"We need this because our community is small and yet growing and you see such amazing things happening and we want to be a community that's compassionate and caring about everyone that lives here," Chamberlain said.  "This is the opportunity we have and the city has spoken  and we're moving forward with the project."
The Reno City Council pledged $100,000 for site improvements and $50,000 for three years to help with program operations.
