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Tiny houses for homeless people concern some neighbors

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 23:30 GMT by WISH-TV
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Tiny Houses for Homeless People Spark Concern Among Some Neighbors in Waco

The city of Waco has long struggled to find a sustainable solution to its growing homelessness crisis, but a new project that places tiny houses on donated lots has drawn both applause and criticism. The initiative, launched by the nonprofit organization Waco Homeless Solutions in partnership with the city’s Housing & Development Department, aims to provide 40 compact, prefabricated homes that can accommodate up to 100 residents within the next two years. While advocates tout the program as a humane and cost‑effective response, several residents in the neighborhoods where the houses will be built have raised concerns about safety, property values, and community cohesion.

The Tiny House Concept

Each tiny house is 400 square feet, built on a 30‑by‑30‑foot lot with a shared driveway. They are furnished with a small kitchenette, a bathroom with a composting toilet, and a sleeping loft that can sleep up to four people. The houses will be powered by solar panels and rain‑water collection systems, and the project includes a “homeowner” program that assigns a volunteer or a licensed social worker to each unit. According to the nonprofit’s founder, Mara Johnson, the goal is “to give people the dignity of a private space while they rebuild their lives.”

The organization’s funding comes from a mix of grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations. A recent $250,000 grant from the Harris Foundation will cover the cost of the first 15 houses, while the city will allocate $1.2 million of its housing trust fund for site preparation and infrastructure upgrades.

Local Support and Opposition

During a public hearing held on March 5 at the Waco City Hall, a handful of residents expressed support for the initiative. “I’ve seen families on the street for years,” said Linda Ramirez, a homeowner whose yard will host one of the first tiny houses. “If this provides a roof for someone, it’s worth a try. I’m willing to work with them to make it a positive community.”

The city council approved the plan with a 4‑to‑1 vote, citing the urgent need to address homelessness and the fact that the tiny houses would occupy only a fraction of the lot space compared to a traditional mobile home park. Mayor Greg T. Kessler emphasized that the program would be monitored closely to ensure compliance with safety and zoning regulations.

However, a group of neighbors organized under the banner Neighbors for Safe Housing filed a petition demanding a moratorium on the project. Their concerns center on the potential increase in traffic, the perceived risk of crime, and the possible impact on property values. “We’re not asking for housing,” said Mark Thompson, the petition’s lead organizer. “We’re asking for the city to protect our community from what we believe is a risky experiment.”

City officials countered that the tiny houses would be subject to the same rigorous building codes as other residential structures. The Housing & Development Department confirmed that each unit will undergo a safety inspection before occupancy and will be equipped with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide alarms. Additionally, a security plan that includes on‑site lighting and a neighborhood watch program is slated to be implemented.

Voices from the Homeless Community

The voices of those who will live in the tiny houses are a pivotal part of the conversation. Eddie Martinez, a 42‑year‑old former construction worker, attended the public hearing and expressed cautious optimism. “I’ve lived on the street for years, and I’ve seen people in shelters feel like they’re not really in control. Having a small house and a little privacy would help me keep my dignity and focus on getting back on my feet,” he said.

Other homeless advocates highlight the mental health benefits of a permanent address, noting that the lack of stability can lead to higher rates of depression and substance abuse. Dr. Susan Lee, a psychologist who works with the homeless population in Waco, explained that “having a place that is yours, even if it’s tiny, can dramatically improve motivation for therapy, job training, and overall life satisfaction.”

Economic and Social Implications

Economists and urban planners suggest that while the tiny house model is relatively inexpensive—estimated at $35,000 per unit—the long‑term economic benefits may extend beyond the homeless community. The project could create jobs in construction, maintenance, and social services, potentially offsetting some costs over time. Moreover, research indicates that reducing chronic homelessness can lower municipal spending on emergency services, health care, and public safety.

Opponents remain skeptical, citing data from other cities where tiny house projects have faced challenges, such as inadequate utilities, vandalism, and limited access to public transportation. They argue that a more integrated approach—combining transitional housing with robust social services—might be preferable.

The Road Ahead

The city of Waco plans to launch a pilot phase with the first 15 tiny houses by the end of 2025. A community liaison team will monitor the project, conduct regular surveys of both residents and neighbors, and report quarterly to the city council. The nonprofit Waco Homeless Solutions has also committed to transparency by publishing monthly progress reports and maintaining a public website where community members can submit feedback.

As the debate unfolds, the central question remains: can Waco’s tiny house experiment become a replicable model for other cities grappling with homelessness, or will it serve as a cautionary tale about the complexities of housing policy? The next year will see the community’s hopes and concerns put to the test as the first small homes take shape on the city’s streets.