Tiny homes in Kemptville are making a big difference for low-income seniors
The Shalom Small Homes project in Kemptville, Ontario, is providing affordable, independent living units for low-income seniors. The initiative relies on community support and municipal land leases to address the housing crisis for vulnerable elderly residents.
Why it matters
It showcases a community-led model for addressing the growing affordable housing gap for seniors in Canada.
July 13 | Duration 2:54 The Shalom Small Homes project is building affordable one-bedroom units for seniors in Kemptville. CBC’s Safiyah Marhnouj stopped by to check them out. Social Sharing Kim Hayes says her new tiny home in Kemptville, Ont., means everything to her.
"It's stability. It's home. And it's something I haven't felt for over 18 years, so it's a big deal," says Hayes, who's moved 28 times over nearly two decades in search of a more affordable life.
She's now occupying one of the first four independent living units built by the Shalom Small Homes project, with the support of the community just outside Ottawa.
The not-for-profit was founded four years ago to provide affordable housing for low-income senior citizens struggling to pay market rent in larger homes, said co-founder Cora Beking.
That struggle was something she observed while volunteering with the annual community Christmas dinner, Beking said.
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