LISTEN: GPB's Sofi Gratas reports on a neighborhood of tiny homes for unhoused people in Macon.
By the time neighbors on Macon’s east side could tour the 10 new one-bedroom units, the number of applications to live here totaled more than than the number of available units.
Tenants selected will meet the federal definition of homelessness, as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and pay no more than 30% of their income.
For 60-year-old Timothy Hart, that means his rent will be just over $200 a month, to be taken out of his social security check.
Hart says he’s been living in temporary housing for the last six years, working on his recovery and getting treatment for his mental health. Prior to that, he lived on the street for decades and was also incarcerated on multiple different charges.
“You know, a lot of people don't understand, I was 24 years in prison,” said Hart. “That little bitty bed and that little bitty room you sleep in … when you get out, you need your space.”
Space can be hard to come by for an affordable price. Almost half of renters in Macon-Bibb County spend 30-50% of their income on rent and utilities, according to a study of out Harvard University.
Now, one of these cottages will be his home.
“I can't wait to put my first breakfast on the table,” said Hart. “I'm gonna do grits, eggs and get me some turkey bacon.”
While Hart has been working on his mental health, some neighbors here may be just starting that journey.
“Once you're here and you don't have services, then obviously we provide those wraparound services,” said Erica Parks, housing director for River Edge Behavioral Health.
Parks said River Edge, the community service board serving seven middle Georgia counties, will work in tandem with local shelters and the Macon-Bibb County Economic Opportunity Council to identify residents for the Tiny Cottages.
Those who don’t meet the federal definition of homelessness will get directed to other types of assistance.
“You may just need assistance in paying rent,” said Parks.
The Macon-Bibb EOC is in charge of disbursing federal money for things like supportive housing and rapid re-housing. That’s where the roughly $1.7 million for the Tiny Cottages came from, applied for by River Edge.
Meanwhile, in West Macon, a couple dozen affordable homes for seniors are also being built. Those are slated to open by early next year.
