A young woman from St. Marys, Ontario, has received a new home through a charitable initiative aiming to provide housing for individuals facing homelessness. Paige Noel, aged 20, now has her own 490-square-foot tiny home, a significant milestone towards independence while maintaining proximity to her family. The tiny home was constructed in her mother’s yard, which was already fully occupied.
Expressing her gratitude, Noel mentioned, “I never thought I would have a place of my own like this.” The initiative, led by the Perth County non-profit organization Home Suite Home, began developing the home in May after Noel’s mother sought assistance for her daughter, who is employed but struggles to afford rent.
Vickie Devocht, the executive director of Home Suite Home, highlighted the challenges faced by young adults like Paige, who work but find it difficult to keep up with rising living costs. The furnished one-bedroom home, inclusive of utilities, is rented out for $500 per month, with upcoming two-bedroom homes expected to be priced between $800 and $1000 monthly.
Noel shared that with some personal touches, the tiny home quickly felt like her own sanctuary. Local groups, including Stratford contractor Teahen Construction, contributed to the project by donating furniture and fixtures to support individuals experiencing homelessness in the region.
Devocht emphasized the widespread housing crisis affecting both urban and rural areas, stressing the importance of community support. Home Suite Home collaborated with Project Tiny Hope in St. Thomas, Ontario, drawing inspiration from their successful launch of a tiny housing community for those in need.
Looking ahead, Devocht envisions a sustainable agri-village on nearly an acre of leased farmland, aiming to expand the initiative with more tiny homes in the coming months. For Noel, this opportunity signifies a crucial step towards self-sufficiency and a hopeful future. Noel expressed, “Being independent is essential for fostering hope and taking the next steps in life.”