On Tuesday evening August 24th UBMS Club scheduled a special evening guest speaker, Kellie Parkin, Project Co-ordinator for the Tiny Homes Foundation (www.tinyhomesfoundation.org.au). Club members were joined by more than fifty involved other Rotarians from our cousin Blue Mountain clubs as well as from our sister club in Genoa Italy.
The UBMS Club has established an ongoing objective for the next three years of being a key driver of helping to address the homeless situation in the Blue Mountains. Over a three period we hope to raise at least $100,000 to fund our efforts. To date, we are more than a third of the way to reaching our goals.
Our efforts were initiated under past President Paul Campbell and driven initially by Secretary Ann’s vision and are being continued under the current President, Bill Pixton with long time member Phill Isaacs taking the leadership role.
Kellie told the group that the principal success story to date has been the project in Gosford NSW. After years of planning, a handful of miniature houses designed to help combat homelessness in the area are up and running and actually have been occupied by tenants for several years. The photos accompanying the article are reflective of that project.
The Tiny Homes Initiative is not only a first for the Central Coast, but the whole of Australia. It aims to offer low-cost rental accommodation for people experiencing homelessness, or who may be at risk of homelessness. Kellie revealed that they now had their sights set on a second site in Umina, which is under development.
The Gosford homes are tiny by any standard measuring 14.4 square meters yet are large enough to include a kitchenette, bathroom, bed nook and living area that opens onto a little veranda. All the homes have a built-in kitchenette.
As she says, “Little homes, big heart.”
When asked about the future of tiny housing, Ms. Parkin said that the economical form of building could be a game-changer for many. “There is a really strong Tiny House movement in Australia. There is a lot to love about a tiny home,” she said.
Phill concluded that he has been in contact with Blue Mountain Council who is supportive and they have identified two parcels of land which may be used for this purpose. Conversations are ongoing.
Kellie concluded by saying, “Home is not just a roof over your head. It is a springboard under your feet.”