Habitat for Humanity to Sell “Tiny House” to Promote Affordable Housing Alternatives and to Raise Funds
The Tiny House will be on display and available to tour at the HousingX conference held May 24, 25 at the Newport News Marriott at City Center.
If you’ve seen Tiny House Hunters on HGTV, you already know what an affordable option a tiny house can be. But these reasonably-priced homes aren’t just good for families looking to downsize. They could be one answer to some of the region’s affordable housing challenges.
This month, as part of its efforts to raise money for its homebuyer program, Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg will be selling a 128 square-foot tiny house, which will be available for viewing and touring starting May 24 and May 25 at the HousingForward Virginia HousingX Conference held at the Newport News Marriott at City Center.
These fund raising efforts are made possible by the generous support of Virginia Housing, a strong partner for affordable housing solutions, including creative alternatives such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as affordable rentals. This tiny house could be used as an ADU in the right locality.
The house is for sale at $20,000 if bought at the conference, a substantial discount. If the house is purchased after the event, the price increases to $25,000. The unit retails for nearly $35,000.
You need not register or pay to attend the actual conference to explore the tiny house from HomeShed. Prospective buyers can drop by to see the 16×8 house during conference hours — from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., on May 24 or from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., on May 25. The tiny house will be located just outside the Grand Foyer.
All proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg, which will cycle the money back into the community to build more affordable homes that will be sold to qualifying families through the local affiliate’s first-time homebuyer program.
“Having a decent, affordable home is fundamental for families to thrive,” said Janet V. Green, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg. “This tiny house is an affordable housing option for the community member who buys it, and it will provide funding toward the construction of a local Habitat house.”
The tiny house includes custom cabinetry, closed-cell foam insulation, a sleeping area and bathroom. A stove and heating unit can easily be added.
Virginia Housing initially purchased the tiny house from Georgia-based Homestead Tiny House Company as a way to showcase innovative housing solutions at the HousingX conference, which will feature expert speakers and an interactive Experience Lab highlighting curated demonstrations of new technologies and ideas about the future of housing. The tiny house will be part of the Experience Lab.
“Virginia Housing is always looking for innovative ways to increase affordable housing supply. ADUs are a creative way to utilize existing, developed land that benefits the landowner and helps with the increased rental demand,” said Chris Thompson, Director of Strategic Housing for Virginia Housing. “Virginia Housing is excited to fund the ADU for this year’s HousingX Conference to help showcase this creative affordable housing solution.”
Virginia Housing gifted the tiny house to Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg as a way to increase awareness about affordable housing options while raising funds to support the Habitat mission.
Tiny house communities are emerging throughout Virginia in cities that include Cape Charles, Norfolk, Richmond and Virginia Beach and the town of Surry. For purchase information, contact Mark A. Hennaman, Development & Events, Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg, at 757-880-0292 or via email at mark@HabitatPGW.org.
