A report developed for Chattanooga and Hamilton County outlines potential small housing types that could easily and affordably fit into existing neighborhoods.
A Homelessness & Incremental Housing Toolkit recommends designs for “small, proximate, private, and dignified housing” that could be built on existing residential lots to create a new source of affordable housing in Hamilton County, Tennessee. Robert Steuteville describes the report on the Congress for New Urbanism site, noting that “The small individual buildings allow for privacy—and for housing to fit into existing neighborhoods.”
According to the toolkit’s authors, “The focus on infill at a manageable scale avoids concentrations of poverty.” The proposed housing types include studio cottages, duplexes, one-bedroom cottages, and small, two-story multifamily buildings. “ The units are designed to be attractive (“dignified”) yet inexpensive to construct. The building forms are simple, with inexpensive roof lines and foundations, and efficient plumbing and utilities.”
The homes are designed to fit into existing neighborhoods and access existing transit and other resources and infrastructure. “This toolkit is targeted to ways to increase housing supply in a way to maximize benefits while limiting resistance to traditional homelessness housing responses,” the authors explain.
FULL STORY: Infill micro-housing for the homeless
Tiny Homes are a First—but not Last—Step in Ending Homelessness
Cities are trying to stretch affordable housing funds to meet the demand for both short- and long-term housing.
‘Minnesota Nice’ Isn’t so Nice When You Can’t Find a Place to Live
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New Book Highlights Human Side of Homelessness Crisis
A San Francisco reporter’s empathetic portrait of unhoused Bay Area residents reminds readers why supportive housing is worth fighting for.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
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City of Grandview
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Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
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