Cass Community Social Services in Detroit has begun the Tiny Homes Project to help the city's low-income earners, struggling after the city declared bankruptcy four years ago.
As the city recovers, many of the hardest hit residents are strugge to find housing. The homeless population in the city is 2,000, though that number has been decreasing according to local authorities.
"Purchase prices and rents are increasing faster than people's incomes," says Earl Poleski, executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. "That's a manifestation of an improved economy but it's still a problem for us."
The 25 new rent-to-own tiny bomes built by Cass Community Social Services range from 250 square feet to 400 square feet and come equipped with a dishwasher, washer-dryer, stove, and refrigerator. Each home cost less than $45,000 to build, and renters pay one dollar per square foot. More than 900 low-income earners have applied to take part in the Tiny Home Project.
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