Tiny homes have become popular in recent years, particularly among those seeking to save money and achieve location independence. However, this community in South Nashville, Tennessee, constructed tiny houses for a greater purpose: to house medically vulnerable citizens who do not have a home. Ginny Welsch, District 16 Metro Councilwoman, recently attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at The Village at Glencliff (TVG).
She claims the tiny houses are on the grounds of Glencliff United Methodist Church. It is the first of its kind in the country, which adds to the significance of this initiative. “It’s taken a long time, but we finally cut the ribbon today and officially welcomed the Village at Glencliff to the 16th!” Welsch shared a few photos of the village in a Facebook post.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCF) and the National Institute for Medical Respite Care (NIMRC) awarded TVG $270,000 to provide a medical respite community to homeless people. This is one of nine grants awarded by the CDCF and NIMRC. The funds will be used to support three units, including staffing, medical equipment, and operational costs. The NIMRC will also provide two years of customized technical assistance as part of the grant.
“I couldn’t be more proud of Rev. Ingrid McIntrye and the Glencliff United Methodist Church congregation for their work in bringing this beautiful place to life,” Welsch said. The district has posted a list of items required to complete the furnishing of some of the tiny homes. Shower curtains, coffee makers, and kitchen towels are among the items available. To see the entire list, go here.
Welsch says they’re raising money to finish phase two of the project, which entails building ten more tiny homes. All of the infrastructure is in place and built; all that remains is to furnish the houses. “We are incredibly grateful to CDCF, NIMRC, and all of our community supporters for recognizing the importance of compassionate, transformative medical respite care in Nashville,” said TVG executive director Rev. Ingrid McIntyre.
“I couldn’t have made it out there in the streets, being in the situation that I was in,” she admitted. Tidwell is grateful for projects like this that help the unhoused after recalling her own situation and seeing these tiny homes. They, like any other citizen, deserve to have spaces that can accommodate their needs. For more information on this incredible project, please visit The Village at Glencliff’s Facebook page.