
- Cass Community Social Services is in the process of building 25 different Tiny Homes (250-400sf) in Detroit, MI.
- Each home will be on its own lot (roughly 30 x 100 feet) and everyone will be on a foundation. Most will have a front porch or rear deck to increase the living space.
- Many of the residents were formerly homeless, incarcerated, aged out of the foster care system or equivalent, and/or are senior citizens. All of the residents qualified for the program by being low-income.
- At first, the residents rent their homes (one year at a time). Anyone who remains in the house and program for seven years will be give the opportunity to own the home.


Click here to order Rev. Fowler’s book, Tiny Homes in a Big City.


To have Rev. Fowler come speak to a group about the project, please e-mail her at ffowler@casscommunity.org or call 313.883-2277, ext. 201. To arrange for a tour of the Tiny House e-mail ccumcac@aol.com.
Tiny Homes Detroit are being built by both professional tradespeople (under the supervision of a general contractor) and volunteer teams who will manage the finishing jobs – tiling, drywalling, painting, gardening, building decks and erecting fences.
If you are interested in hearing more about the project or making a financial contribution, contact:
- Rev. Fowler at ffowler@casscommunity.org
- Speak to Sue Pethoud to volunteer at spethoud@casscommunity.org.
- If you would like to donate building materials (bricks, paint, countertops, etc.) reach out to Rev. Fowler at ffowler@casscommunity.org.
Any chance they will make these for tiny families? My husband and I had a change of life surprise baby, he was a twin but only he made it, he is 11 now and our entire world. Hubby is 65, permanently and totally disabled, and I caught the cancer 3 years ago, I am currently 45. The entire disability check goes toward house payment of $1200.00. We’re stuck, can’t afford to move, lost our car, our savings, our son could have so much more if we had affordable housing. We needed this big house when all of the children were home, but the first five are adults now, grown and gone, just the 3 of us. We would love one of these little houses
If all goes well, that is the plan. We are building 25 for singles and couples and have 7 finished with 5 underway. It will be some time before we work on the homes for small families.
How can we have these houses built in Flint? Please direct me in order to help my community.
Wow are concentrating on Detroit but all of the rationale and process for the project can be found in the book Tiny Homes in a Big City available through http://www.ccpublishing.org. We would love to see this happen in Flint!
May I have information about the architects for these homes? We’d like to put a small apartment or two on our property to provide free housing for someone to help them save up to buy a place. There are programs many people we know qualify for but they need a down payment, impossible with rent. In two years, they’d have enough to qualify.
They come from various sources. Please check out our book that explains the entire process. It can be purchased through our web site http://www.ccpublishinghouse.org.
I recognize one of the homes from the video. One of my favorite architects. Mascord homes https://houseplans.co/house-plans/5033/
I would love to have a tiny home of my own I am newly married my spouse and i both have an income and my wife has a seosanal job as a landscaper for a company in Pontiac. Our landlord now stinks we red out this would be perfect for us.
Applications are currently closed.
How do you apply to live in one of the tiny homes which programs help you to live in one??
Applications were taken last October and are now closed.
When will Applications be available again?
When they are how will people find out?
I’m disabled and would love to live in a tiny home.
We don’t expect to re-open applications.
I’m interested in living in a tiny home. How can I apply for one?
Applications were taken last October.
hi i am currently homeless n will like to know how i can apply for tiny home. i can even volunteer to work
Applications were accepted last October.
Can I buy a tiny home for cash
As a gift for my son.
No. That’s not how this program is intended to work.
My name is Adriane i live in chicago on the northside. I have 2 kids 14 and 4 years old and we live in a studio apartment thats about 300 sqaure feet and im paying 1000$ for rent. I stay because it is a safe neighborhoods for my girls. If i could get a Tiny house in a nice neighborhood it would be a dream.
How can this project reach my country .This is awesomely for people with low income.How I wish one day in my city to have this project .
Congratulation great idea. I wish we can have them s program in Florida.
I would love to volunteer!
Please contact Loren @ lorenshon@gmail.com
looking at your project here in Ireland wish we had the same project here same problems the world over delighted to see someone finding a solution to the problem keep up the good work you are an inspiration to the world.
Good work!!!!!!!! Doc
Hello;
I’d like to understand more about the background information, such as, who pays the annual property taxes and utility fees for the property? Are the homes strata title once purchased or freehold? Is there a report on the operational mechanics of the program I can read? Thank you!
All of the information regarding the program can be found in Rev. Fowler’s book, Tiny Homes in a Big City available at http://www.ccpublishinghouse.org
I would like to get a copy of the book on how to replicate this in other parts of the world. How do I get it, or get an update when it’s available?
It is currently available at http://www.ccpublishinghouse.org
I’m very interested in this project, and potentially replicating it elsewhere in the country. Please let me know when the book you’ve got underway is generally available. Thank you Bruce
It is available now at http://www.ccpublishinghouse.org
Your Exec. Direc. spoke of a book to be published. Has it been released and where can I find one? Love what you are doing in MI!
It is called Tiny Homes in a Big City available at http://www.ccpublishinghouse.org
This is so great for people that truely need the help.
I am from Indianapolis, I am a general contractor here, I was trying to get investors to do something like this but for our homeless veterans around the city here near the V.A. hospital.
I have not had any luck finding investors for my purposal.. I’m glad to see this being done…
Hello, I’m interested in purchasing a tiny house of Detroit. Can you help me with the Application process.
Applications are currently closed.
When will houses be built for low income families or single mothers with children!
The first phase is for singles and couples. Once that is complete wi will build for families.
Any chance you will be doing this is Ohio?
We won’t be but we hope someone does.
How do I get stared
Read our book Tiny Homes in a Big City available at http://www.ccpublishing.org
Hi, that is really interesting I really want one for my self but I live in St. Paul MN. So is that possible.
We are concentrating on Detroit bu there is a book available (Tiny Homes in a Big City) that will tell you everything you need to know to get started. Available at http://www.ccpublishinghouse.org
Are you aware of any organizations that have replicated your incredible program? Ordered your book. Can’t wait to read it. Congrats on your work.
Not yet. Thank you.
I love this! Thank you for helping your community. Do you have a program that helps other communities get started?
We do not but there is a book, Tiny Homes in a Big City, that can help. http://www.ccpublishinghouse.org
Will there ever be another chance to Apply?
We don’t anticipate that there will be another chance.
I have an aunt that just moved back to the city from California. She is a recovered addict. My aunt is trying to get back on her feet and I am trying to help her as much as possible. She is currently moving from house to house with family members and some of the people from her local Kingdom Hall. How can I help her apply for housing?
We don’t anticipate taking additional applications. The best thing for her to do if she is homeless, is to contact CAM.
Social revolution with a practical solution! You have to be seeing now more than ever that you need to continue this program. Brilliant.
When will the next opening for applying for one of these homes
We don’t expect to open applications again.
WOW your like famous lol. Im just a Bear on the street who admires and would like to bring this fantastic idea to the community of Port Alberni in British Columbia Im doing the best I can but could use some good advise bearlind@gmail.com
Take care says Bear
Check out the book Tiny Homes in a Big City available at http://www.ccpublishinghouse.org
Hello,
My name is Tonya Trotty and I am writing because I would like to know how can I apply for the waiting list. I am a single mom, and have a family of 3. I live on a fixed income because I am on SSI (I have Sickle Cell Disease). My son is also disabled (he suffers from Epilepsy). Because I have such a low income it is often hard to find a decent affordable home. For years I been living in a place in which my rent is 3/4 my income. So I always have a hard time to make ends meet. My income went up only recently, because my son was labeled as being disabled, so I receive SSI for him as well now. Even with the increase I am still considered low- income, and most rental homes require that your income is 2 1/2- 3x the amount the rent is. I also have some credit issues, because I’ve been living on such a low income. I am currently in the process of improving my credit. I have started working with Lexington Law and have started begun to pay off items, but I pay my rent and I have lived at my current residence for nearly 5 years. It is because of the reasons, I can’t afford a decent home at an affordable rate. We are decent people with no criminal background and need affordable housing. Can you please give me more information about how my family can apply for your tiny home program?
Thankyou, Tonya Trotty
The Tiny Homes we are currently building are for singles or couples. We plan to build for families sometime in the future. Please watch our website for details.
My daughter is on disability and would benefit from this opportunity. What all is required for her to obtain a 400 sq. Ft. Tiny home. I hope to be able to guide her through this process. She has a hard time in remembering all the necessary details.
Thank you!
Applications are currently closed. Please watch social media and this website for updates.
Hi I am a widow and a victim of domestic violence I have 4 young children I get restricted income so I stay with family in there basement but it’s getting too crowded I lived in Detroit before but after husband died I left than got involved a domestic violence situation with my youngest but I could use some assistance could I be qualified for this program I get enough money but not enough to qualify to get a place and what do I have to do if it takes me 6 mths to save up I will
The homes we are building currently are for singles and couples. We have no homes with provisions for children at this time. We do hope to build some in the future that will be large enough to accomidate children, that won’t happen for quite some time.
I wish this would happen in Pocatello, Idaho–well, nation wide, really, is what we need–it’d really help out a lot of people.
How can I apply for one of the tiny homes?
Applications are closed at this point.
How can I apply I have two daughters and a very low income i live in Chicago Illinois
This is a Detroit program for singles and couples. Applications are currently closed.
I would like to buy a tiny home do you guys build on property owned by individuals and are they prefabs? Not that would be a problem for me. I’m an older person and I would like new construction in a safe neighborhood. One of my own choosing actually. I think it’s a wonderful idea for older people I don’t need so much house. I’ve really been considering selling the one I have it’s just too much. Get back with me at Combs.combs@gmail.com thank you so much
This is a rent then own program in a specific neighborhood in Detroit. We are not building anywhere else at this time nor do we expect to in the near future. We do expect that plans will be made available within the next month or so.
This is the greatest idea anybody has come up with to help those in need of housing!! Absolutely brilliant!! The rest of the United States should emulate this project!!
I wish like wow they had this program in Houston Texas, awesome and amazing idea omg! I hope and pray your company wpuld expand outside of Detroit thats can help out here down south!! We need it
Hi. I saw a video about your program on Facebook.
I think it would be an amazing project to put together in our community through our church.
The video said you have a booklet coming out in your process. Is that available yet ?
Thank you for you time.
It’s an actual book. It is available at our website http://www.ccpublishinghouse.org.
This project is amazing, I love the idea and would like to help in some way! I have no professional building experience but please let me know if there are other ways to help and learn more about how the Cass community is making positive change :)
Please call me at 313-883-2277 ext 203
Hello. Interested in any available housing units.
There are no homes currently available. Applications have been closed.
what great idea , I want to get your book I have 25 aceres in the state of LOUISANA that if I can find a investor would like to use the land to build me a small house and for others who have low income but desire to own there own on home. if any one see this email and are investors please contact me if the sounds instresting to you ,
good luck with the startup you might get people that are on social security income i too would like to own my own home
WE NEED THESE IN GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN RENTS ARE CRAZY NOW
How do you apply
Applications have been closed for some time.
My father is a veteran and a senior. He is in need of a home that he can afford with the ability to live independently. I understand that your applications are closed, but exactly who are the people your organization is helping if not being open to veterans or to those most in need? Is there any vision of opening applications in the future?
Just over half will go to formerly homeless. The rest will go to low income seniors, college students coming out of foster care and other low income adults. We do currently have veterans in homes. We do not anticipate opening applications again.
Have you started building tiny homes for families yet?
No. We are half way through building for singles and couples. The homes for families won’t happen until they are completed.
I would just love to have a 2 bedroom tiny house for my son and i. We are both disabled, and have very very low disability checks. I wish some one would take this idea and make it a reality in my area!!!
Is there official information available from your organization that I can pass on to a local commission on poverty and housing in my city that I serve on as a community member? We have a serious house-less problem in our city, as well as growing income inequality that prevents many who are on fixed incomes (for a range of reasons) from being able to buy a home. The ensuing financial instability creates stress, which then affects quality of life overall and over time. The future feels hopeless to these many people, who certainly do not qualify for any regular form of bank loan or mortgage. Thank you for your advice.
There is a book entitled Tiny Homes in a Big City. It chronicles the entire process from inception to reality. It is available through Cass Community Publishing House. http://www.ccpublishinghouse.org