Do you remember “field-trips?” When I was a kid in school, I so looked forward to these activities. My family was not “well-off” and if there were family outings, they weren’t the type the school would plan. No museums, historical spots, art galleries, or hands-on science displays (which were fewer in those days anyway).

As adults we arrange our own trips and travel, but group explorations to local areas can still be fun. Last year, I posted Bucket-List Oddity – a Cannabis Tour. This year, the League of Women Voters in my area arranged an excursion centered on a League position regarding housing issues.

Housing No Matter the Age

Commonly, when the words “senior” and “housing” are in the same sentence, the bottom line emphasizes assisted living (see note below) or nursing homes; perhaps Independent Living at a facility with stepped-levels of care. But not all people want the same solution after entering their 2^nd half of life.

Our spring jaunt was about affordable housing and tiny homes. Unfortunately, the builder was unable to transport the model tiny home due to bad weather and a contiguous muddy construction site. Regardless, we met in several homes with owners, the financier/ financial coach (whose company owns the land) and the builders.

I was surprised to realize the extent of local variations and different categories of accommodations. A few people on our tour were particularly interested in tiny houses, either for themselves or financially-struggling relatives.

Multiple Options for Seniors or Anyone

Whether you would be interested in such housing for your own living space may be doubtful; but you might consider these options for your family members, rentals, extra work space, mother-in-law suites, or 2^nd homes and off-grid transitions. You might consider a tiny home as a challenging experiment in downsizing or simply as a new adventure in life. Since homelessness and affordable housing is vital in our communities (affecting all of us in one way or another), you might find these alternatives thought-provoking simply from a civic point of view.

Low-Income Apartments

This is probably the oldest type of affordable living with which most of us are familiar. Luckily, they are usually not “the projects” feared in my younger years. Publically or privately owned, applicants are accepted after being vetted by income, disability and/or age. These places are not owned by the residents; yet continue to provide low-income families, or individual renters, some stabilized rent options.

Today, these apartments (which accept HUD vouchers) can be lovely structures, mixed in with middle class areas and lack the stigma of older times. Sadly, that can’t be claimed for all locations, especially big cities, where problems with crime, maintenance and absentee landlords persist.

“Sweat Equity” Affordable Developments

As compared to the apartments mentioned above, residents in these “developments” are owners. Generally, the city or other entity owns the land, but residents own their house. At Rice Park, where we visited in Ashland OR, the residents were quick to clarify that they pay the full property tax – one possible unfairness in the situation. These low-income residents invest their money, and also their “sweat equity” into building their homes. The builder confided that they can bring in friends and family to reach their required 30 hours a week of work during construction (on top of their own employment). But he added they “cannot work only on their own units.” This long-term barn-raising approach allows for the development’s units to be completed approximately at the same time. [“Time,” here I should point out, may be a contractor’s sense of time – which in my mind exists on some other plane.]

More often these days, this type of sweat equity, affordable development is also eco-friendly, such as the one we toured. These particular units however, were not created with “aging in place” design; as such they are all two-story. Some concepts were accommodated, like wide bathroom entries, but these units are less senior housing than they are family-centric.

Between environmental components and the personal energy involved, owners can take pride in their homes. If you are wondering….. an owner can sell the house later and earn a capped return on their investment of money, work and maintenance. This is one more incentive for promoting conscientious upkeep.

Shelter Communities

This may sound nuanced, but as opposed to common community ‘shelters,’ these communities host individual places. Not actually tiny ‘homes’ (see below), these buildings are small or tiny stand-alone shelters, which can be developed by non-profits or thoughtful authorities attempting to combat homelessness. As opposed to a tiny ‘home,’ these structures normally consist only of a sleeping area and small space to lock up belongings; there’s no bath, running water or kitchenette. The best designed of these shelter communities have a larger common area where other needs are met for bathing, dining, relaxing and case-management services.

The Housing First Movement. This concept is catching fire around the nation. It’s based on the idea that you need to get a person ‘off the street’ (in a permanent, safe dwelling) before providing other community services. The approach prioritizes the goal of a home to serve as a platform to address other essentials. The basic necessities of life (like food and shelter from the elements) are more critical (in terms of immediacy) than the secondary goals of finding a job, getting mental health care, substance abuse treatment or managing a checking account.

If possible, the client’s choice of housing is also considered, since that choice may make or break the success. Further, in the US, there are findings that expenditures for such an approach are less costly and more beneficial to community taxpayers than dealing with homeless-related issues, such as chronic / acute/ emergency health care, crime, victimization, food insecurity and mental health or substance treatment failure. Stabilizing the person first in a safe shelter, and with regular meals, stops the escalation of homeless problems and the frequent failure of well-meaning services.

This philosophy can be (and is) approached with many types of housing – one is the ‘tiny housing first’ movement. See Tent City Urbanism.com. We have one in southern Oregon (Hope Village, Medford). Others frequently cited include Om Village (Madison WI), Quixote Village (Olympia, WA), Opportunity Village (Eugene OR – where all the units are different) and Community 1st Village (Austin TX). [Pictures shown from Tent City Urbanism.]

Cottage Communities

This category has numerous flavors, some known as “co-housing” or senior co-housing (not communes). The one arching principle of “cottages” is that they are individual, small foot-print homes built on a foundation, self-contained and fully equipped. “Co-housing” will have a large “common house” as well for sharing occasional meals, and other benefits. Most cottage communities (sometimes called pocket neighborhoods) at least share some common outdoor space or a garden. The land and unit may be owned by the residents or by a cooperative, depending on the plan or jurisdiction requirements. These communities typically elect a board of directors from the residents or perhaps other community members depending on the ownership model.

Having seriously considered full-fledged co-housing for myself, I can affirm it is generally not touted as an “affordable” alternative. It has other advantages, and some cost-sharing of smaller needs or luxuries, but it can be as costly as any small home since you are also purchasing a piece of the larger common house. Conversely, Cottage communities that do not function in that way can be quite affordable. No matter the type, the key words are small and community (as in social community).

Tiny ‘Home’ – different from a Tiny Shelter

All homes are shelters from the elements, or from the world. Yet, all shelters are not always a real home.

Neither tiny shelters nor tiny homes are built on a foundation as a rule; most often they remain on wheels/trailers for easy transport (much of this is a zoning issue). Their lack of foundation may be where the similarities end.

A tiny home is fully functional. Maybe not comfortable for a family of four, but ‘easily’ manageable for an individual or a couple. (Hmmmm, well, easy depending on where you fit on the pack-rat scale.)

Organization and careful design are vital to maximize every useable inch of space. They are customizable and mobile (although not necessarily as simple as a camper van, since they weigh much more and may not turn quite as effortlessly). You will find some with 12 volt energy and/or 110 volt hookups. The homes range from around 100-500 sq. feet and are (relatively) affordable. There are indeed many ‘extras’ that can boost the price. Additionally, if you don’t have your own land, you would need to rent a space in a ‘park’ or other allowable area. If you wish, or for zoning compliance, they can be placed on blocks or a foundation and considered a permanent structure.

The contractor we met with (Gnome Construction) builds and sells various sized units with green features (solar extra) for $68,000. A great DIY-er may be able to do it for less, but commercial quality may make financing (and life) easier. Banks finance these either through a personal loan or an RV loan; some builders will finance for you.

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My friend, Jon, lives in a tiny house (approximately 135 sq. feet) located on a piece of property he rents at a near-by lake. He is surrounded by large Oak trees and with a fabulous view of the mountains. With many large windows (and a serene scene), he says he finds it amazingly peaceful. It also keeps house up-keep down, and allows more time for the fun stuff.

I have another friend (nameless until further notice), who has a dream (perhaps never to be realized) to purchase a bit of land with her family or close friends on which they each have a tiny home. Conceivably, setting up their own little co-housing for a great deal less money (albeit less luxurious) than some of the senior co-housing projects around the states. Turns out that her idea is not so far-fetched and there are ‘tiny house–on-wheels-communities’ being planned. Stay tune for when I learn more details. [I understand there are Tiny House meet-up groups and even Tiny House conventions.]

Tiny homes also provide some independence for those who pride themselves on self-reliance. Especially so, for someone who needs unpressured or unlimited time to transition out of their current financial slump. And then there are the active-young (OR active-old) who just want a safe place to crash after their outdoor, school or community activities.

For more pictures of Tiny homes, visit: Country Living.  [See #37 for an informal cottage community put together by friends.]  Also, don’t forget to click on ‘see inside’ for a fuller picture of what they have to offer.  For greater details and ever-increasing information, try watching an episode or two of the TV show, Tiny House Nation.   And for one step closer, nowadays, you can check out the ‘feel’ of a tiny house by vacationing in one.  Places like Savannah Tiny House Village in Mt. Hood Oregon or in Texas, California, Florida, Washington, Virginia or actually in any of the 50 sates you can find an opportunity for a small adventure in a different type of dwelling.

See video of one woman’s home and explanation of how it empowered her (financially and otherwise). This appears to be a co-housing tiny home community. Or ‘visit’ Adele’s tiny home that she found was perfect for her retirement – mostly because she built a deck with a hot tub.

Why is ‘Affordable’ Important to Young, Old and In-between?

‘Affordable’ can be in the eye of the payer, but most of us do either worry about, or closely-track, our budgets. Housing is always a large portion of that (even if it simply involves taxes, maintenance and improvements). Yet, having affordable accommodations for either low-income or local workforce is important to our entire economy and service costs in any area. When I lived in Scottsdale, Arizona, there was major concern over the fact that many in the workforce, such as teachers or service providers couldn’t afford to live anywhere near their place of work. That may still be the case there, although at least they had it on the To-Do list for consideration.

Many of us either know someone who struggles with housing costs, or perhaps do ourselves. The 2008 fiasco didn’t help, and dumped more people into this bracket.

Let’s take a look at what affordable means. Here is an example for workers and seniors, although some folks fall under both categories.

When I was a teen, the advice was “when you get out on your own, never pay more than 25% of your earnings on rent.” That’s gone up while wages have not kept pace. Now, spending more than 30% of your income on your housing needs is common, but technically considered a “cost burden” (many spend much more).

My friend, Louise who lives in California, would be lucky if she could reach that goal of spending no more than 30% of her income on shelter, even though she qualified for affordable housing. She is no longer employed and part of the working class.  Now as a senior on a fixed budget, her small extra jobs do little to supplement her static inflow compared to increasing outflow. Still, even those who are working often miss the 30% goal; especially true if they earn a minimum wage.

Seniors on Fixed Income & Workers on Minimum Wage – it’s Tough

After Massachusetts, Washington and California, my state of Oregon has the (4^th) highest standard minimum wage in the nation ($10.75). Better than some, right? Yet, in most locales that does not come close to reaching the median (average) income. A person working a 40 hour work week, 50 weeks a year, earns $21,500 per year. [You also have to wonder what funds would they have for those 2 weeks off for vacation time.]

Assuming this person will get all their taxes back eventually (optimistic), they earn $1,792/month. 30% of that would be $537.50. Thus, if one were miraculously able to keep housing to 30%, their rent or mortgage (no insurance included) would be no more than $537. [It’s possible that you, in better financial circumstances, pay $537 per month for your combined insurance policies alone.] Perhaps there are two earners in the family to ease the burden, and buy the kids shoes, but either way, we can see it IS a burden. For sure, there is a scarcity of decent housing that $537 in a semi-urban area has to offer. Seniors on fixed incomes, especially if low fixed-incomes, may have fewer options to increase the amount they are capable of paying than even those in a household with a single minimum wage.

 Final Thought – Living Situations

We can see from these cost burdens why notions like tiny homes are garnering increased attention. Seniors who live on a fixed income (like Louise) may assume they will never see significant increases, while still seeing significant decreases, in their buying power.  They might like the idea of such unconventional dwellings as a sound financial option, as well as an ‘adventure.’

It is not surprising why those below middle class, or in low-income categories, are considering other alternative solutions. Our little day junket clarified some of these options – possibilities for those thinking of changes beyond assisted living and nursing care, or simply outside the box.

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NOTE: Thanks to Gnome Construction (www.gnomeconstruction.com) for information and guiding our tour of various units. You can also see their site for information on Tiny Home construction.

NPR explores the use of Tiny Homes to help after California fires. Listen here.

Clothesline Tiny Homes blog.

Relax Shacks, plans and photos.

For various information on tiny homes from one of the original sources, see PAD (Portland Alternative Dwellings); also includes DIY ideas.

Socially-Organized Housing: Design That Establishes Emotional Ownership (from Arch Daily)

References for Tiny Homes – admittedly, one source will lead to another, enjoy the hunt.

Reference for Special Needs — Assisted Living for People with Disabilities
A common challenge in the US is finding proper care options for people living with disabilities. Here is a free guide that provides comprehensive information on topics like available care options, financial support, and free resources that are available from each state.  It also has specific information for Veteran’s services. Visit the site at this link: https://www.assistedliving.org/assisted-living-options-for-people-with-disabilities

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Picture credits: Jessica Tinker (with Gnome Construction)

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