Homes for Hearts Memphis

"Logan wasted no time in making the most of her new abode. She points around her small, neatly arranged yard. “I dug all this. All my lower bed and all these rocks are what was in the back that I dug up and brought up here. And I built a re pit in the back and I cleared the entire backyard pretty much. I’ve got one little corner that I’ve been working on clearing. I stay busy.”

Inside, Logan has created space for living, sleeping, and storage. “Each room, I have created little nooks for storage and for entertaining here in the living room, and a portion of it is a dining area. And then a portion of it is where I do my painting and my artwork. I’ve a created a nice little space.”

She’s been rebuilding her credit, has acquired a vehicle, and is planning to start paying on the home this summer. “I’m prepared to move forward and begin buying it so it can be my home. I just turned 56, so I’m good with the moving around and things. I want to be stable and settled for the last portion of my journey.” - Jon W Sparks, Memphis Magazine

From homelessness to tiny homeownership.

Homesforhearts.org

Photo by Mike Kerr

"Logan was one such person in a dire situation. “I got diagnosed with cancer,” she says. “I had stage-three breast cancer, and at that time I became homeless because I could no longer work.”
She stayed in her car a while and then lived in a tent in a friend’s backyard. “Through that journey, I ended up at Room in the Inn and met Zach. He described to me the program and I put my application in and was approved.”

She remembers the date she moved in after waiting for the home to be built — February 10, 2023. Logan is telling her story on her front porch overlooking a neat garden, and her dog, Marley, wants to be part of the interview. He has to stay inside, though, so as not to aggravate a medical condition." - Jon W Sparks, Memphis Magazine

From homelessness to tiny homeownership.

Homesforhearts.org

Photo by Mike Kerr

Homelessness is strongly linked to poor health outcomes. Individuals experiencing homelessness are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions, mental health issues, and substance use disorders. The lack of stable housing exacerbates these health challenges and makes it difficult for individuals to access necessary care.

From homelessness to tiny homeownership.

Homesforhearts.org

Art by F***y Allié

One shocking fact about homelessness is that on a single night in January 2023, over 580,000 people were experiencing homelessness in the United States. Even more concerning, nearly 30% of this population were families with children, and about 41% were unsheltered, living in places like streets, parks, or cars.

This data comes from the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count conducted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Missing in the PIT count are those “couch-surfing”, staying temporarily in motels or cars, jail, transitional housing, and those who simply don’t want to be found, often for reasons of their own personal safety. Some parents are afraid to speak up for fear their children will get taken away. According to Shelby County Schools, they have over 500 children alone that are considered homeless. The count also does not include people that experienced homelessness but just not on the night of the PIT count. The count also ignores people with chronic mental or physical disabilities who may frequently go between medical facilities and homelessness. Determining the number of people experiencing homelessness through a one-time count ignores both the transitive nature of homelessness and the transitory lifestyles of people experiencing homelessness, leading to a huge undercount.

From homelessness to tiny homeownership.

Homesforhearts.org

Art by Michael Aaron Williams

One shocking fact about homelessness is that in the United States, an estimated 1 in 30 children experience homelessness each year. That's roughly 2.5 million children, making them one of the fastest-growing segments of the homeless population. This includes children living in shelters, motels, cars, or temporarily staying with others due to loss of housing. - National Center on Family Homelessness

From homelessness to tiny homeownership.

Homesforhearts.org

Art by Michael Aaron Williams

"Escaping poverty among the physical barriers is difficult, but with the added emotional toll, it’s almost impossible. It’s not as simple as we’d like to think." – Terence Lester

From homelessness to tiny homeownership.

Homesforhearts.org

"Homelessness is not just a lack of a roof over one's head; it is the absence of a secure and safe place where one can live with dignity." — UN Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing

From homelessness to tiny homeownership.

Homesforhearts.org

According to the federal guidelines a 1-person household earning $14,581 or more annually in Memphis would not be considered living in poverty. If a 1-person household in Memphis earned $14,581 annually, and they aimed to spend no more than 30% of their income on housing (to avoid being considered cost-burdened), they would have about $364.52 per month for housing costs. Unfortunately, it would be nearly impossible to find rental housing in Memphis—or virtually any U.S. city—at that price point.

The federal poverty levels, often referred to as the "poverty line," are determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and are based on an outdated methodology that has been criticized for not accurately reflecting the true cost of living in modern times.

Homesforhearts.org

In 2024, the tiny home movement is also being embraced by a growing number of retirees. These individuals are attracted to the lower costs, simpler lifestyle, and mobility that tiny homes offer. Many tiny homes are now being built with advanced technology, such as smart home systems and solar power, making them more convenient and sustainable for long-term living.

From homelessness to tiny homeownership.

Homesforhearts.org

Photo by Mike Kerr

In 2024, tiny homes continue to gain popularity as a solution to affordable housing shortages and environmental sustainability. These homes, typically under 400 square feet, are increasingly being incorporated into urban planning and homelessness initiatives.

From homelessness to tiny homeownership.

Homesforhearts.org

Photo by Mike Kerr

"Comas opted to live in his car rather than give up his dogs. The challenges specific to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals like under-employment, and oral and written language barriers, make securing basic resources difficult. Poverty further exacerbates barriers to society.

At one point, Comas, who knew he was a candidate for a tiny home, had to leave Memphis in order to find shelter.

"He basically told me, 'Thanks so much, but I gotta leave Memphis," Waters said.

Eventually, Comas returned to Memphis. Waters spotted his photo in a Facebook support group for pet owners. Comas was leaning against his car, clutching a bag of dog food as one of his dogs pushed his pink-speckled nose out of a window.

Comas' return to Memphis coincided with Waters' and Bridge's goal to build a tiny home inching towards reality.

"It's really incredible how it worked out," Waters. " - Micaela A. Watts, Commercial Appeal

Homesforhearts.org

Photo by Mike Kerr

"In the ongoing push to address the number of unhoused residents in Memphis and Shelby County, a smaller subsect of the unhoused, profoundly deaf and hard-of-hearing people, face additional barriers in securing housing and employment.

Those barriers are at the heart of a team-up of two nonprofits Homes for Hearts and Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, with the former being a Memphis-centric nonprofit and the latter serving the Mid-South.

The collaboration with Bridges was sparked by a man named Henry Comas.

Bridges reached out to Waters, excited by the Homes for Hearts mission and the ultimate goal of providing a pathway to homeownership. Bridges wanted to talk to Waters about Comas.

Comas was kicked out of his housing, which was barely affordable in the first place, because of his three dogs. Comas, who is deaf, relied on his three dogs as his "ears."

"He just realized he was going to have a terribly difficult time finding something that he could afford and would also suit his three beautiful dogs," Waters said." - Micaela A Watts, Commercial Appeal

From homelessness to tiny homeownership. Homesforhearts.org

As of 2024, homelessness remains a significant issue in many parts of the world, particularly in urban areas. A notable fact is that in the United States, homelessness rates have seen an uptick due to a combination of factors including the ongoing affordability crisis in housing, economic instability, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) annual Point-in-Time count revealed an increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness, particularly among unsheltered populations, indicating a growing need for innovative housing solutions and support services.

From homelessness to tiny homeownership. Homesforhearts.org

Art by John D'oh

Memphis's public transportation system, operated by the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), is ranked among the lowest in the nation in terms of transit use per capita. Specifically, Memphis ranks 41st out of 42 large urban areas. This low ranking is due in part to significant underfunding compared to its peer cities. For example, Memphis spends around $84 per capita on public transit annually, while other comparable cities like Nashville and Louisville spend up to $145 per capita. This disparity in funding has led to reduced service, maintenance issues, and a reliance on cars for the majority of residents. Only about 2.2% of Memphians use public transit to get to work, compared to the national average of 7.1% across the largest U.S. metropolitan areas.

At Homes for Hearts, we are dedicated to keeping our residents close and connected to the supportive services and requisite amenities they are in need of. Building our homes in the core of the city will also help create new, affordable options where there are none.

Keeping our residents close to public transportation, grocery stores, pharmacies and the supportive services they are in need can drastically help with their transition into their newly built tiny home.

Homesforhearts.org

From homelessness to tiny homeownership.

"Homelessness among older adults is increasing rapidly. In the United States, the number of homeless individuals aged 55 and older is projected to nearly triple between 2010 and 2030, largely due to the aging of the baby boomer generation and a lack of affordable housing options."

- The Emerging Crisis of Aged Homelessness, University of Pennsylvania

From homelessness to tiny homeownership.

Homesforhearts.org

Photo by Mike Kerr

Trauma is both a cause and a consequence of homelessness. Studies show that a significant percentage of individuals experiencing homelessness have a history of trauma, with rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the homeless population being significantly higher than in the general population. This trauma often stems from experiences of violence, abuse, or neglect, and can be exacerbated by the stress and instability of homelessness.

From homelessness to tiny homeownership.

Homesforhearts.org

Tiny Homes are particularly beneficial for older adults seeking affordable, low-maintenance housing solutions. Studies by AARP have shown that tiny homes can significantly decrease utility bills and provide a more manageable living space for seniors, contributing to overall sustainability.

Homes for hearts' residents find our tiny homes of 280 sf to be extremely habitable, affordable and sustainable for their needs.

From homelessness to tiny homeownership. 🏡💙
Homesforhearts.org

Photo by Mike Kerr

Tiny homes can significantly promote homeownership by providing a more affordable entry point into the housing market. According to a report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the lower cost of tiny homes makes homeownership accessible to individuals and families who may otherwise be priced out of the market. This affordability is especially beneficial for first-time homebuyers and those with limited financial resources.

From homelessness to tiny homeownership. 🏡💙
Homesforhearts.org

Photo by Mike Kerr

"This is the Memphis I know. A community seeking community. A man seeking a house and finding a home. A man sleeping on a mattress in a heated house, rather than on a park bench in the freezing rain while a thunderstorm erupts all around him, because the Memphis community came together to build a new opportunity." - Zach Waters, Founder, Executive Director Homes for Hearts

From homelessness to tiny homeownership. 🏡💙
Homesforhearts.org

(Full Story at Storyboard Memphis, ‘Tiniest Home in Memphis Has a Huge Heart’ 1/2/22)

“For the cost of a new SUV, a fellow human being stayed warm and dry in our city during the storm. Meanwhile, that Friday afternoon, I read that another human being had frozen to death on the streets of Memphis. Again. My heart sank. My face dropped. My fingers began to type. Our time here is never guaranteed. For some people it’s way too tiny. For some people, Homes for Hearts’ tiny houses are too tiny. For our residents, it’s just right.

Memphis’ buses are not equipped to handle bad weather. Maybe the man who froze to death on the streets in Midtown needed a ride. Maybe that night, he lay there dreaming of a home. Maybe he was waiting on a bus and gave up. We’ll never know. But I will tell you what our city does know. And I will tell you what our city is equipped with. We have the tools and the knowledge to build. Every tiny house we build can keep one more Memphis heart warm and well. Every life tells a story. And ours is just beginning.

Our first resident and I have stayed in great contact since his move-in, and to first handedly see and hear of his adjustment to this new neighborhood and tiny house is truly heartwarming. He told me about how welcoming all the neighbors have been. This is the Memphis I know. A community seeking community. A man seeking a house and finding a home. A man sleeping on a mattress in a heated house, rather than on a park bench in the freezing rain while a thunderstorm erupts all around him, because the Memphis community came together to build a new opportunity. But, this has been beyond difficult for him. Difficult to know that he is warm, while his other friends living on the streets are still going without. December, 2021, we sat in the tiny house as he spoke of what was killing him. As we sat in the 280 sf tiny home, he pointed to the door, corners of the room, the spot where I was sitting and the spot he was sitting, and said, “It’s killing me to know I can’t bring my friends over here and offer them a spot in the house to lay tonight.”

Hearing his words, seeing his face as we sat in the smallest house permitted in Shelby County has rained fuel on my fire to continue connecting Memphis to build as many tiny homes across our city as possible for those experiencing homelessness.

As I sat at Room in the Inn and spoke with our next 2 potential residents and told them it would be at least 6 months before we had the next 2 homes built, a storm tore through my stomach.

The need in our city is so tremendous that not even the loudest thunderstorm could shake it. You are probably reading this in a chair, under a roof, comfortable as we all should be. I am, as I shake, writing this, hoping that these words reach the right person, corporation, foundation to raise our first million dollars for Memphis.” - Zach Waters, Founder, Executive Director Homes for Hearts

(Full Story at Storyboard Memphis, ‘901 Winter Storm vs Home, Heart & Tiny’ 2/21/23 and ‘Tiniest Home in Memphis Has a Huge Heart’ 1/2/22)

From homelessness to tiny homeownership. 🏡💙
Homesforhearts.org

Sculpture by Timothy Schmalz

Can tiny homes help Memphians experiencing homelessness become homeowners? An effort in Detroit has reported notable success in helping residents transition to stability, with many finding a permanent home and integrating into the community with tiny homes. Cass Community Social Services in Detroit provides affordable, supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, and continues to successfully help Detroit combat homelessness with individual tiny homes build throughout the city. This initiative highlights the potential of tiny homes as a practical solution for housing affordability and homelessness.

From homelessness to tiny homeownership. 🏡💙
Homesforhearts.org

Photo by Mike Kerr

Tiny homes, typically defined as residences with less than 400 square feet, have a significantly smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional homes. According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), tiny homes consume less energy and require fewer resources for construction, leading to a reduced overall environmental impact. The smaller size also means less land use and reduced emissions from heating and cooling.

Homes for Hearts is helping Memphis, TN, U.S.A and planet earth reduce its environmental impact by building 280 sf houses rather than the traditional 1,800 - 2,500 sf home.

From homelessness to tiny homeownership. 🏡💙
Homesforhearts.org

In 2023, HFH partnered with Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (BridgesWEST). Bridges will serve a critical role in the vetting process and case management of Homes for Hearts residents. Bridges serve D/deaf, Deaf-Blind, and hard of hearing individuals and hearing families and allies in these areas, providing education, outreach, case management, interpreting services, and more.

From homelessness to tiny homeownership. 🏡 💙
Homesforhearts.org

In 2021, Homes for Hearts partnered with Room In the Inn - Memphis. RITI serves a critical role in the vetting process and case management of Homes for Hearts residents, and operates the Mid-South’s first Recuperative Care Center for people experiencing homelessness, offering recovery services for those who are released from hospitals throughout Shelby County.

From homelessness to tiny homeownership. 🏡 💙

Homesforhearts.org

🏡❤️ HUGE THANKS to Saint John's Episcopal Church for granting $5,500 to Homes for Hearts, helping us build yet another new tiny home for our city and neighbors experiencing homelessness. We are so grateful for the support Memphis has shown our nonprofit and look forward to helping as many Memphians become tiny homeowners as possible. Much love 901! 🙌 To learn more about our mission and vision, please visit homesforhearts.org.