Homeless Advocate Looks To Bring Tiny Homes To Volusia & Flagler

Daytona Beach, FL - What initially started as a movement for simpler and smaller living could be the next homeless solution to come to Volusia and Flagler. Homeless 2 Home (H2H) is a local housing concept started by Mark Geallis—former executive director for Halifax Urban Ministries and First Step Shelter—that aims to bring Extreme Low Income (ELI) housing options to the Volusia and Flagler area. And, unlike homeless shelters, H2H doesn’t plan on being a temporary housing solution. "It is not a stepping stone or transitional program," said Geallis to News Daytona Beach. "It is a forever home." According to Geallis, the plan is to create a community that can house the formerly homeless, disabled individuals, the elderly, and people who can’t find a place to live within their means. Geallis says the idea stems from a community he visited in Austin, Texas, known as the Community First! Village. The village utilizes RVs and tiny home/mico-homes—a style of house, sometimes on wheels, that is typically sized under 600 feet—to provide affordable and permanent housing for those affected by chronic homelessness. The village also features amenities such as an organic farm, laundry, restroom and shower facilities, a woodworking shop, and more. The plan, per H2H’s website, is to offer income based rent between $250 and $400 monthly, onsite work, training, healthcare and worship opportunities, on top of recreational and social activities. The business model shows that the project plans on being funded 100% by donors, foundations, and revenue generated onsite by residents and micro businesses. The project also mentioned on its website that it has no plans of pursuing government grant funding "which restricts innovative programs like ours." At the moment, the plan is to establish a 501c3 NGO nonprofit then fund and build the village—which is expected to support 30 units at startup before growing to a maximum of 150 units. H2H is also seeking board members and donors to raise seed money for the project. Individuals wishing to donate or find out more about the project can visit H2H’s website, Homeless2Home.org.