Six brightly painted micro houses have recently transformed a vacant lot in Nashville into the city’s first Micro-home Village, a project spearheaded by Reverend Jeff Carr and his community. These compact shelters, each measuring only 60 square feet, provide a significant upgrade from the tents where many homeless individuals previously resided. Equipped with electricity and essential amenities, these homes symbolize hope and stability for those who have faced the harsh realities of living on the streets. The initiative was born out of a mission trip to Haiti, where Carr and his fraternity brother Dwayne Jones saw the impact of small homes on vulnerable communities. Inspired by this experience, Jones utilized his construction expertise to help realize this vision back in Nashville.
Reverend Carr’s commitment to the project was evident when he chose to live in one of the micro homes for 45 days, vowing to remain until they raised $50,000 to fund the initiative. His dedication not only galvanized support from the community but also highlighted the pressing need for sustainable housing solutions in Nashville. The funds raised enabled the construction of six micro houses and an electrical generator, which powers heating and cooling units as well as appliances like mini-fridges and microwaves. On August 21, these houses were officially set up on property owned by the Green Street Church of Christ, which had previously allowed homeless individuals to camp on its grounds.
During the dedication ceremony, Roger McGue, one of the new residents, expressed his joy at having transitioned from a tent to a home. His excitement resonated with many attendees who recognized the huge difference these micro houses would make in the lives of their new occupants. Carr’s Infinity Fellowship is now looking to expand this model throughout Nashville, aiming to create additional micro homes that can further assist those experiencing homelessness. Meanwhile, Jones has initiated a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of raising $75,000 for a similar project in Memphis, where he envisions constructing even larger micro houses to accommodate more individuals.
Each new unit is designed with energy-efficient features and essential living amenities such as laminate flooring, kitchen facilities, and access to electricity. This thoughtful approach not only addresses immediate shelter needs but also promotes dignity and stability for residents as they work towards more permanent housing solutions. The Micro-home Village represents a significant step forward in Nashville’s efforts to combat homelessness through innovative housing solutions that prioritize community engagement and support for vulnerable populations.