St. James Episcopal Church in Bozeman, Montana is working with the Human Resource Development Council, a nonprofit community action agency, and Montana State University to create a village of tiny houses that could help chronically homeless people back on their feet and into permanent homes. Architecture students at MSU designed the houses, and built life-sized models that homeless people were allowed to try out. Next semester, the students will begin the process of building one of the houses, including working with city officials and zoning restrictions. The church has committed funds to build at least one tiny house, and the Rev. Connie Pearson-Campbell is a key fundraiser for the project. She is also the instigator behind the project, which was inspired by something similar being done in Detroit, MI. HRDC, as a social services provider, has experience working with shelters and the local homeless population. St. James and HRDC have been working together to find shelter for the homeless after a transitional house in Bozeman was forced to close last year.
The Episcopal News Service has more here.