RICHMOND — A grassy lot has sat vacant in the heart of Richmond for decades. Thanks to the work of local nonprofits and community groups, it will soon be home to a community garden and vibrant tiny homes for unsheltered youth.
The , aims to provide housing to 12 unsheltered individuals ages 18 to 24 while also offering access to healthy, locally grown produce to other young people.
Richmond Tiny House Village, Farm, and Garden, on track to be completed this summer“This is housing for Richmond youth by Richmond youth,” said Sally Hindman, executive director of Tiny Village Spirit, the nonprofit behind the Richmond village and .
a similar 22-unit site opened in Oakland in 2021Once complete, the village will include two yurts, one with a kitchen and dining space and another with a living room and community space; 12 tiny homes designed by University of San Francisco architecture students; and a garden and farm overseen by the Richmond Police Activities League.
The Richmond Police Activities League has long had a similar vision for the site which it leases from the city, said Executive Director Larry Lewis. The idea to build tiny homes on the lot sprang to life years ago as it began subsidizing housing costs for more and more young people involved in the organization’s activities.
