Oklahoma’s Tiny House Village Built For The Homeless

Dana has lived in her car for the past two years. Now, the city of Norman, Oklahoma, is trying something different to help people like her.

Hundreds of residents have donated time and money to build a tiny home village to house the homeless. April Heiple, director of Food & Shelter, a group that's been working to help the homeless for more than 30 years, explains that "what would have cost [them] $8 to $9 million ...only ended up costing $3 million due to the generosity of people in [the] community."

McKown Village is a tiny home village unlike any other. While some tiny home villages can look somewhat haphazard, McKown's homes look like real houses, with art hanging on the walls and furniture already inside. The residents get free housing and life skills training, which can help them get back on the right track. Just ask Dana.

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[lovesvinle]

With no address no place to call home they can't get a job can't become contributing members of the community . This gives them that chance.

[crystalbolton]

I can't believe some people. Any one of us could be in the same situation. People have no right to judge😡

[tulsatombob]

I spent many great years living in Oklahoma and this is a good reflection of the kind, caring, and generous people in Oklahoma!
It makes me proud to have lived there with so many great friends!

[c.t.murray]

helping the homeless with decent shelter and emotional support is a great motivator. The laziness that man spoke about is called depression. No one can get out of depression if they're living on the street. They have to have decent housing where they can stay clean and eat every single day. This is a great idea for any Community across this whole country and every single City to do all the time. Helping the homeless live decently is cost-effective for any City.

[ihavecrabs]

This is what EVERYONE deserves. Everyone deserves a place to lay their head and call home, no matter the income.

[missanndavis]

I can't believe some of the hateful comments I'm reading.I actually lived there from the first day it opened on June 30 2017 til April 2018. I was homeless because I was jobless. They gave me a beautiful little cottage to live in as long as I needed it. I wasn't living on the street but I didn't have a place of my own. McCowin Village gave me a sense of security and a peace of mind. I found me a state job less than 2months and I'm still working there. Being homeless is nothing to turn you're nose up at. Anyone can become homeless. Not everybody who is homeless is an addict. I never did drugs or alcohol and I don't have a mental health issue. I just fell on hard times and had no family to turn to. Do your research before you start judging what transitional housing really is and how it help those in need.

[albertreed]

Bravo, Norman, Oklahoma! There are lots of homeless that like being none responsible but for those that just need and want a hand up, this is terrific!

[Vixinaful]

Extremely beautiful homes! I'm deeply impressed. This should be done all over the US.

[colinschabel]

That is the most myopic (short sited) view of homelessness ever. That dude just hasn't given the question one second of thought.

[terrybrady]

I find it interesting that in most cities, towns, and counties, there are zoning rules
Saying a house must be above a certain size, wasteful causing may home;less people.

[AGM-tsbb]

I agree. Everyone needs a home. Difficult to supervise? Yes, but worth it.

[leonas]

everyone needs a place to start from ...

[sarahjones]

Love the brick siding and porch. A touch of class to make it more lovely and homey.

[blessedamerican]

I visited out there. It is unbearable in the summer. A dry, 120 degree heat it felt like. In Georgia, you can stand it outside in the summer. Out there, it is impossible. What a wonderful village.

[pamelahomeyer]

Thank you I was trying to clean homeless and lost everything including $40, 000 in cash 118 acres in land and I was never lazy. I worked in between as much as possible but after two major emergency surgeries and losing everything from illness. What's more I had to give away everything I owned twice just to make sure that I didn't get evicted. I lived in my car for 2 years and then later had my car stolen with the last of everything I had in it.. one third of the people who are homeless have gone through similar troubles I know of two women who have severely handicapped boys one woman had her house burned down and another woman I lost her house in Catrina. those women will care for those young boys until the day they die and they will never be in a position to own their own home again. I'm worried about all the corporate welfare that's teaching corporations to be greedy and lazy

[kimlightfoot]

Tiny houses are not the be all and the end all for helping people. Empty Warehouse spaces, need rejuvenations as well. And should be rebuilt, to house 30% homeless, Studio apartments, 40% Lower income one or two bedroom units, as well as 30% transitional traditional housing for those non violent prisoners that are now homeless, and job seeking is a huge issue. I think that by diversifying the apartments, they will eventually grow into a very dynamic and self supporting community.

[chiguy]

How dare they provide a great public service without the government there to screw it up.

[Aliciaek]

'm glad that they finally have a place to call "home"

[cryptid]

I popped up here for a field trip (we were in the soup kitchen) a few years back, and I'm really glad people are noticing it.

[vivalaleta]

Enabling the homeless to thrive. Outstanding. These are real houses.