Andrew Lunetta used to work at homeless shelters in Syracuse, New York, and he noticed a pattern – men would leave the shelter, move into cheap housing, and then return to the shelter after a few months. He realized that it wasn’t the people who were failing at housing, but rather the housing that was failing them. So, he started asking residents what they wanted in a home, and they told him they wanted a place of their own with no roommates or shared spaces, and ongoing support.
Lunetta took this feedback to heart and created A Tiny Home for Good, a nonprofit that builds tiny homes for people experiencing homelessness. The homes are small but complete, with a kitchen, bathroom, and washer and dryer, and residents get to enjoy a sense of calm and privacy. But what really sets A Tiny Home for Good apart is the long-term support they offer – help with managing addiction, mental health care, and daily resources to stabilize their lives. The organization’s approach is all about patience, consistency, and understanding that progress looks different for everyone.
The results are pretty amazing – one of the organization’s first tenants is still living in their tiny home nearly 10 years later, and many others have found a sense of hope and freedom in their new homes. For example, Rhea Holmes, who lost her husband and her housing, says that her tiny home has given her “hope, freedom, peace” and that the organization’s case management has helped her rebuild her life. A Tiny Home for Good is now housing 47 people and has 23 construction projects in the works to house even more – and it’s all thanks to Lunetta’s commitment to providing housing that truly meets people’s needs.