PITTSBURGH, PA (PTTP) – Tiny Homes have been proposed to combat the homelessness crisis in
Pittsburgh. The city saw a rise in homelessness starting in 2022 and for the past year, two council
members have made it their mission to find a solution.
City Councilwoman Deb Gross and Councilman Anthony Coghill proposed the plan for a tiny home
village as a temporary way to meet housing needs. The two council members have put forth numerous
safe and dignified housing plans for Pittsburgh’s unhoused population, but many ideas are complicated
and expensive.
In contrast, the tiny homes offer a quick, easy, and cheap form of temporary and accessible housing. The
council members’ zoning proposal limits these dwellings to a four-year permit that cannot be renewed,
offering an immediate but impermanent response to housing insecurity. The village would provide basic
needs like warmth, food, and hygiene. 24-hour social services would support temporary residents as they
make the transition to housing stability.
Currently, these structures are not legal under the city code, but the council members are looking to change that. Two weeks ago the proposal reached its deadline and an extension was granted. The City Planning Commission will meet again in about six weeks to decide on the adoption of the proposal.
Credit: CBS News