Reno’s first tiny homes village, “Hope Springs,” expects to break ground this summer. Located on Sage Street near East Fourth Street, Hope Springs is on the same property as the Village on Sage Street, residential dorms that are also expected to open soon.
“We’re going to make a difference, and we’re going to build this 30-unit shelter to help get people out of this cycle of homelessness,” said Sharon Chamberlain, CEO of Northern Nevada HOPES, which provides medical and health care for Reno’s low income and homeless populations.
HOPES hosted an update on the project Friday for donors, partners, and supporters.
Reno City Council Member Neoma Jardon helped champion the tiny homes. She said Hopes Village was inspired by similar models in the Pacific Northwest, but it required convincing a lot of people it should happen here.
“We are in desperate need for housing, and by that I mean across the entire continuum,” she said. Supportive and low-income housing are particularly needed. “We have been for the past two years been navigating our way through building this new box.”
The project required permitting, zoning, and a fundraising campaign.
Hopes Village will have 30 individual shelters that are 96-square-feet. They are insulated, heated, and furnished. A community space will have a garden. Dog runs, a kitchen, showers, and restrooms will also be on site.
Residents will help with security and maintenance, and case managers will provide services. As bridge housing, residents will be able to live in the homes for three to six months.
Chamberlain said Hopes Village is scheduled to break ground by the end of summer. The $1.1 million project, however, still needs more funds.