Tiny houses could solve big problem for the homeless: Editorial

Tiny houses could be part of the solution to a big problem New Jersey cities face in dealing with providing living space for homeless and low-income residents.

A measure, S2571, was introduced earlier this month to form a three-year “Tiny Home Pilot Program” in which the state would award grants to construct developments of homes with no more than 300 square feet of floor space.

Too tiny you say? Not for someone who lives on the streets and tries to keep warm by huddling in a corner covered by an old blanket or cardboard.

Just another government handout? No, a hand up for the struggling. A place to be secure, protected from the elements and safe. A place to call home as they work their way to an apartment or other “regular” living space.

The tiny home measure is sponsored by State Sen. Raymond Lesniak, D-Union, and would appropriate $5 million to towns in three regions of the state to build the homes.

Read original: http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/12/tiny_houses_could_solve_big_problem_for_the_homeless_editorial.html