Pilot recipient of church’s tiny home village describes housing project

Briana Allard describe their housing program as something that had changed every aspect in her life. (Photo by Jed Owen from Unsplash)

Briana Allard, who was given one of the six tiny homes for women located on the premises of the Meridian Baptist Church in El Cajon, referred to the initiative as something that had changed her life in every aspect.

From Car to Tiny Home

According to NBC San Diego, Allard and her two daughters, who previously lived in their car due to a rent increase of $300, have moved into the tiny home as part of the pilot program. 

They are among the first participants of this program, which will end in December. 

Their tiny home has given them a new chance at life and an opportunity to enjoy themselves as it provides a space for the children to play and a temporary shelter.

According to Allard, her children went from being standoffish to being happier in life.

As for her, she stated that she previously had a difficult time as a mom and trying to find a job to ease their situation.

The 24-year-old, who is a certified nursing assistant, has stated that she is no longer experiencing the negative effects of living on the streets. 

According to Allard, residing in their current location has improved her emotional state significantly, and she has found a sense of tranquility there. 

That said, she is thrilled to have enrolled in nursing school and is currently focused on securing employment.

Church Project

The completion of a small village consisting of six tiny homes for women was accomplished in late 2022 on the property of Meridian Baptist Church.

According to Pastor Rolland Slade, this project not only contributes to the church's mission but also aligns with his desire to positively impact the community.

In collaboration with the nonprofit organization Amikas and other groups, Slade worked to create temporary housing for homeless women.

He suggested that if more churches in San Diego were to follow their example and build six homes, the impact could be significant.

Slade stated that potentially, hundreds or thousands of homes could be constructed.

The tiny homes built on Slade's church property, which he refers to as "emergency sleeping cabins," have an area of 96 square feet. 

They include beds, limited storage, and heating but lack plumbing and kitchen equipment as they are intended to serve as short-term housing for a maximum of 90 days. 

The concept of using tiny homes to house homeless people is gaining popularity. 

Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that 1,200 tiny homes would be distributed to various cities throughout California, including 150 of them in San Diego. 

According to Allard, it's a positive step, but she believes that the number of homes should exceed 150. 

The State of California's tiny home program will be managed by the county. 

Nora Vargas' office, the Chairwoman of the San Diego Board of Supervisors, stated that the county is devising a plan to work with the State to determine the allocation of these 150 tiny homes, as providing shelter and support for the unsheltered population is a key priority for her.

 

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