Arbor Ridge Transitional Tiny Homes

First and foremost, Aiken County Homeless Housing would like to thank all of the citizens who turned out to support the Arbor Ridge project, whether by sending notes, making calls, or attending the City Council meeting. They demonstrated both that they understand the seriousness of the growing homeless situation in the area and that the heart of Aiken County will, eventually, give those who have fallen on hard times a hand up to re-establish their self-confidence, discipline, and skills to become productive members of our community.

As for the vote against continuing consideration of our Arbor Ridge proposal, we knew that the situation had attracted powerful political forces that we, as amateurs, were unaccustomed to. We accept City Council’s decision for what it is. We have sympathy for those who campaigned against Arbor Ridge, because the decision means that they will experience more of what motivated their angst -- homelessness around them -- and for longer than if the project had been approved. Our greatest sympathy, however, is for those who will have to wait longer to get relief from the stress and danger of life without a home, and to wait longer to receive the support they need to re-join mainstream society.

We are disappointed but not disheartened by Council’s decision. We remain committed and focused on doing what’s right for “the least of those among us.” We are entering a forward-looking period of reviewing options and opportunities to select a project in a different place with a different name, but with the same objective: to give a hand up, not a hand out, to those who need and deserve it. We look forward to working with all like-minded citizens of Aiken County to keep alive the spirit of Arbor Ridge, albeit in a different place with a different name.

You're Invited: Arbor Ridge Project City Council Meeting – Sept 8

We need your support to attend an important City Council meeting on Monday, September 8 at 7:00 pm, where the Arbor Ridge project will be presented for its First Reading. This initiative aims to bring transitional tiny homes to our community, offering support and dignity to those in need.

📍 Location: Third floor, Municipal Building
(SW corner of Richland Avenue & Chesterfield St)
🕖 Time: Arrive early—doors open at 6:30 pm due to security screening and expected crowds.

Whether you're a resident, business owner, church leader, or simply someone who cares, your presence and voice can make a difference. If you feel moved to speak, you’ll have 3–5 minutes to share your support with Council. Even a brief statement like:

“I’m [Your Name], I live at [Your Address], and I support the Arbor Ridge development because [your reason].”

would be powerful.

Feel free to share this invitation and please invite your friends to join our page: Arbor Ridge – Transitional Tiny Homes to stay up to date for more info.

Let’s show up and stand together for a compassionate future!!

For those of you that didn't get a chance to read a letter to the editor in the Aiken Standard, we wanted to share....

A troubling YouTube video is circulating among Aiken’s citizens giving
misinformation on the Arbor Ridge Transitional Tiny Homes on Dyches Road and
how it will negatively impact their neighborhoods. Rather than dwell on the
misinformation, here are the facts:
Arbor Ridge is not a “homeless camp” for all homeless. Rather, it is for those who
are committed to resolving whatever issues are keeping them from employment
that would make them self-sufficient. Program participants will be rigorously
vetted — demonstrating two-years residence in Aiken County, no recent violent
criminality and not a registered s*x offender. When selected, participants must
commit to develop and implement a Personal Transition Plan and follow the
rules of general behavior. Failure to meet commitments will result in discipline
up to removal from the program. The maximum time allowed for the program is
two years.
Those living at Arbor Ridge will be busy working on PTP requirements, doing
chores, working their “outside” job and keeping their houses clean as required.
They will have little time or motivation to spend in other neighborhoods. With
their PTP complete, they will move out, self-sufficient and self-confident.
Arbor Ridge gives nothing to attract non-participants — no food, no shelter, no
blankets, etc.
Existing programs in Aiken offer transition support for a few individuals at a
time; we are thankful for them. However, Aiken’s growing homeless population
demands the full-scale of the proposed Arbor Ridge: start with 11 houses
demonstrating program success, then grow in two phases, reaching 39 houses six
years from now.
Aiken’s homeless population will grow for the foreseeable future — because
rents are climbing while wages stagnate. The cost-of-living has increased 50%
since last increase in state minimum wage. Aiken has a low-cost housing
shortage and the federal government plans to decrease housing funds by 44
percent.
Data from the S.C. Inter Agency Council on Homelessness show homelessness
growing 10 to 20 percent per year, even without the reduction in housing funds.
Contrary to common misinformation, a large majority have been unhoused less
than 12 months. Twenty to 25 percent of the homeless population are children
under age 18, 20 percent are veterans and 60 percent do not have significant
drug, alcohol or mental health issues.
The proposed Dyches Road location will be especially effective due to its
proximity to Aiken Center and Aiken Barnwell Mental Health, both key to PTP
success. Other nearby supporting services are Christ Central, Walmart, the
Salvation Army, fast-food outlets and Best Friends Express. Indeed, reducing
Aiken’s homeless population requires Arbor Ridge at scale with nearby support
services assuring that participants complete their PTPs as scheduled.
Those who are misinformed about the project are campaigning to prevent
approval of the Arbor Ridge proposal. To counter the misinformed campaign,
those who support reduction of homeless presence in their neighborhood, or
who simply want to follow the Golden Rule, must contact their City Council
member and S.C. legislators, urging them to support Arbor Ridge at Dyches Road.
George Clare
President, Aiken County Homeless Housing

Special thanks to all those who care and support those in need, here's an excerpt from the Minutes of the August 11 meeting of Aiken City Council.
*************************
Lex Perry, Pastor of C-4 Impact, stated he wanted to address the concerns that members of our community have with transitional housing. He said he wanted everyone to understand their part. They are looking out for the entire community. It is not just those on the streets, or those trying to prevent themselves from becoming homeless. They don’t want anybody’s property value to go down or anybody to be in fear.

[Arbor Ridge wants to help] people every day, and it is not just drugs and alcohol which are symptoms. They are not the cause of homelessness. They are symptoms that people are trying to escape. They don’t want to be in the position that they are in. They are in survival mode. It is whatever they can do in order to cope.

He said [Arbor Ridge is asking] for support so they can bring people in and show them that the community cares and loves them.

He said there is nothing to fear. [The homeless] are members of our community. He said they work with them and want them to be committed to improving their situation. They have to work and show they want to improve. They have to make a budget plan. They have to do all the things that others have to do every day.

He said that is why [Arbor Ridge is] there and continues to ask for your support. We appreciate all that everyone is doing. They are in for the long haul.

He said we can’t just sit back and do nothing because if we do it will just continue to get worse. The most wonderful thing is that they are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. They are seeing there is a pathway and there is a choice and a better way. He said we can be the light for the entire state if we choose it. He said the resources are here, the knowledge is here. Let’s put it to work and work together to solve our issues here. We can fix it if we put in the effort.

Jacob Ellis said that those who missed out on the tiny homes community meeting held at St. John’s Methodist Church, really missed out on a heart felt plea for help in the homeless community. He said as a community we need to encourage our state leaders or government leaders to come together and get things going. He said we could be a beacon or road map for the state for this project.

Councilwoman Price stated at the meeting at St. John’s we heard some folks that we don’t normally hear from. She felt the attendance was great and had very diverse input. What was also very obvious was the fact that District 2, which she represents, is where tiny homes are recommended to start with 11 units. She pointed out that the apartments on Greenville Street [where some homeless live] are in her district as well.

She said the criticism she has been getting is "Why is everything going in District 2?" She pointed out that is not the case. They are going in other locations in this town. For folks to say the City is only looking at one place to put homeless folks is not the real deal. They are in places that you have no idea would accept the homeless. They are well accepted. There are people living in very expensive houses next door to the homeless and they do not have fear. Not all folks in Aiken are afraid to live next door to homeless individuals.

🛑 Let’s Set the Record Straight: Arbor Ridge is NOT a Homeless Camp 🛑

A YouTube video is spreading misinformation about Arbor Ridge Transitional Tiny Homes, causing concern among some Aiken residents. Here’s what you need to know — the facts:

🏡 Arbor Ridge is a structured, supportive program — not a shelter for just anyone. It’s for Aiken County residents (2+ years) who are committed to becoming self-sufficient and securing stable employment.

✅ Strict eligibility requirements:

• No recent violent criminal history

• Not a registered s*x offender

• Must commit to a Personal Transition Plan (PTP) with rules and timelines

• Must actively work toward independence — or leave the program

Non-participants will get nothing from Arbor Ridge. Arbor Ridge will not attract homeless to Aiken’s westside – they’re already attracted by WalMart, fast food, Christ Central, and the Thrift Store. Not building Arbor Ridge won’t make those attractions go away.

🌟 Participants live in tiny homes, focus on personal progress, do chores, and prepare for re-entry into society. Many have “outside” jobs. Little motivation to browse other neighborhoods. The goal? Confident, self-sufficient citizens.

📊 Why Arbor Ridge Matters:

• Homelessness in SC is growing 10–20% per year

• 20–25% of homeless individuals are children

• 20% are veterans

• 60% have no major addiction or mental health issue

• Aiken lacks enough low-cost housing

• President plans to cut housing funds by 44%

📍Dyches Road is the ideal location — close to mental health services, substance abuse treatment, job opportunities, and public transport — making PTP success achievable.

👉 Want fewer people experiencing homelessness in our neighborhoods?

Support smart, scalable solutions like Arbor Ridge to reduce the overall homeless population, including those in your neighborhood.

📞 Contact your City Council member and SC legislators and tell them:

AIKEN COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION


State Senators



Tom Young, Senate District 24

803-212-6000 [email protected]



Shane Massey, Senate District 25

803-212-6330 [email protected]



Brad Hutto, Senate District 40

803-212-6140 [email protected]



State Representatives

Charlie Hartz, House District 81, [email protected]



Bill Clyburn, House District 82, [email protected]



Bill Hixon, House District 83, [email protected]



Melissa Oremus, House District 84, [email protected]



Bill Taylor, House District 86, [email protected]



Legislative Delegation Contact Information

Jeannie H. Willis, Program Manager

Government Center

1930 University Parkway | Suite 3600

Aiken, SC 29801

803.642.1694

[email protected]



City of Aiken, City Council Members 2025



Teddy Milner, Mayor

Gail Diggs, District 1

Lessie Price, District 2

Kay Brohl, District 3

Ed Girardeau, District 4

Andrea Neira Gregory. District 5

Ed Woltz, District 6

“I support Arbor Ridge on Dyches Road.”

Together, we can turn fear into facts and compassion into action. 💛

https://www.wfxg.com/news/proposed-tiny-home-community-in-aiken-addresses-safety-and-security-concerns/article_2ebdae51-5e35-49c0-b4b4-7f1510463124.html

Proposed tiny home community in Aiken addresses safety and security concerns Proposed tiny home community in Aiken addresses safety and security concerns.

https://www.postandcourier.com/aikenstandard/news/local/tiny-homes-homeless-housing-aiken-county-arbor-ridge/article_eb4047a5-ede6-4a60-a35e-109297a95d15.html

An Aiken gathering studies merits of new 'tiny homes' proposal on 4 undeveloped acres An Aug. 4 event at St. John's Methodist Church touched on accolades and anxiety alike with regard to a proposal for a 'tiny homes' development near Richland Avenue.

https://www.wrdw.com/2025/08/05/city-aiken-hosts-public-forum-discuss-tiny-home-project-plan/

Aiken holds public meeting to discuss tiny homes plan The city of Aiken held a public forum Monday to discuss strategies for tackling homelessness and the tiny homes initiative on Aiken’s west side.

Aiken County Homeless Housing​ May 2025


ARBOR RIDGE FACT SHEET

ARBOR RIDGE is a community of transitional tiny homes planned for Dyches Road on Aiken’s west side. The community is being developed by non-profit, Aiken County Homeless Housing (ACHH) formed in 2021. The homes are called ”transitional” because the previously homeless individuals and families selected to live there are required to pursue a Personal Transition Plan that will address and overcome whatever factors prevent them from getting a suitable job and becoming self-supporting.

On April 15, 2025 City of Aiken’s Planning Commission endorsed re-zoning 4-acres along with the Concept Plan submitted by ACHH.

The Concept Plan calls for 39 tiny homes: 18 single tiny homes and 21 two-bedroom tiny homes. Each home will have a fully functional bathroom and a limited kitchenette. A Community Building will provide laundry facilities, offices for site manager and case managers, a computer center for residents, and a large room for training sessions, meetings, and social functions. Other amenities planned in ARBOR RIDGE include large open areas with shaded picnic facilities, a children’s playground. Additional outdoor space is available for features such as a volleyball court, community gardens and/or other activities desired by residents.

Following two readings, City Council is expected to approve the re-zoning and concept plan.

ARBOR RIDGE facilities will be completed in phases, with Phase 1, consisting of 11-homes, completed mid-2026. If ARBOR RIDGE operations go well, Phase 2, consisting of 13 more homes will be completed in 2027/2028. If experience confirms both operational success and community demand, Phase 3, consisting of up to 15 more homes, will be completed in 2029/2030.

ARBOR RIDGE will be “operated” by a separate non-profit organization called Aiken Transition Management (ATM). ATM’s Board is developing it’s operating framework which will include (1) formally vetting applicants to assure that they are not convicted s*x offenders or violent criminals, they have been residents of Aiken County for at least 2-years, and they are motivated to achieve self-sufficiency; (2) A case manager working with each resident to develop a Personal Transition Plan which the resident will be required to follow – including, as necessary, healthcare, mental healthcare, substance abuse treatment and counselling, job training, parenting training, money management training, and responsible renter training; (3) Rules of behavior, addressing residents’ behavior both in the community and in the surrounding neighborhood – with consequences up to and including termination from the program and departure from the community; and (4) Around-the-clock security provided by on-site staff during the work-day and monitoring by a contract service during “off-hours.”

By assisting homeless individuals to achieve self-sufficiency, ARBOR RIDGE not only will take a person “off-the-street,” it will provide her/him with a sound foundation for self-sufficiency that lasts long after departure from the program. Accomplishing this mission clearly meets the otherwise unmet need to reduce the number of homeless individuals in the streets and parks of our community.

Construction cost estimates are $125,000 for land purchase (expected mid-2025); $630,000 for site preparation (expected late-2025 and early-2026); $293,000 for Phase 1 houses; $355,000 for Phase 2 houses; and $384,000 for Phase 3 houses. The “Habitat for Humanity” model will be used to reduce cost of house construction.

Proud to share this which reminds us how important it is to care for the most vulnerable in our community. Homelessness can happen to anyone and together we can make a difference….