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Bluff Street Village: Building a Tiny Home Community in Toledo


In Toledo, Ohio, a small village is making a big impact on its community. Bluff Street Village, a project initiated by the Monroe Street Neighborhood Center, has recently welcomed six new tiny homes into its fold. These compact dwellings, spanning only 400 square feet each, may be small in size, but they bring about significant positive changes for the neighborhood. Let’s delve into the story behind Bluff Street Village and its mission to create a transformative living experience.

For years, the organizers of Bluff Street Village pondered over the possibilities for their neighborhood. They sought ways to revitalize the area and foster a sense of pride among residents. In 2020, they embarked on a groundbreaking journey, and the result was the construction of six charming tiny homes just off Bluff Street in Rosedale. Spearheaded by Pastor Larry Clark, the project aims to provide affordable housing and turn individuals into first-time homeowners in approximately seven years, all for around $400 per month.

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Path to Homeownership: How Bluff Street Village Transforms Lives

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Image via WTOL11/YouTube

From Faith to Shelter: How Walter Walker Found Hope and Home at Bluff Street Village

Walter Walker, the first resident to move into Bluff Street Village, attests to the power of faith and perseverance. Walker’s journey began by getting involved with the local church’s food pantry and eventually participating in Bible study. It was through these connections that he discovered the opportunity to apply for a tiny home. Walker’s words aptly capture the significance of his new abode, describing it as his shelter, sanctuary, oasis, and home—a true blessing that has transformed his life.

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Image via WTOL11/YouTube

Bluff Street Village: Overwhelming Response Sparks a Growing Community and Year-long Waitlist

The response to Bluff Street Village has been overwhelming, with the program initially receiving a staggering two applications per day. Such high demand led to a temporary suspension of new applications. While the program has now reopened, there is a year-long waitlist for aspiring residents. All six of the current homes have already been assigned, but the Monroe Street Neighborhood Center aims to raise more funds to expand the village. An upcoming open house event on May 27th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, will provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about the village and potentially contribute through future sponsorships and donations.

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Image via WTOL11/YouTube

Building Dreams with Generosity: How Sponsors and Community Support Make Bluff Street Village Possible

Building new homes requires substantial funding, with estimates ranging from $80,000 to $100,000 per dwelling. To make Bluff Street Village a reality, sponsors like Lowe’s and generous Toledo residents have played a pivotal role. Their support and contributions have made a significant difference in the lives of the new homeowners and the community at large. Walker, moved by the generosity he has witnessed, intends to give back by volunteering and supporting others in need.

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Image via WTOL11/YouTube

Expanding Horizons: Bluff Street Village’s Vision for Growth and Positive Change

Bluff Street Village aims to continue its growth and impact. Pastor Clark envisions extending the village along the entire length of Wall Street, which would mean adding approximately 20 more houses to the community. As they continue to raise funds, the village remains a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for positive change.

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Image via WTOL11/YouTube

Transforming Lives, One Tiny Home at a Time: Bluff Street Village Inspires Community and Belonging

Bluff Street Village stands as a shining example of how tiny homes can make a profound difference in communities. With its commitment to providing affordable housing and fostering a sense of belonging, this Toledo-based project has already transformed the lives of its residents. As the village looks towards expansion, it invites individuals to participate in its open house event, contributing to the realization of the dream to grow from six to twenty houses. Bluff Street Village demonstrates that by coming together, even the smallest dwellings can have a monumental impact on the lives of many.

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Image via WTOL11/YouTube

Video – 6 Tiny Homes, 400 square feet each, a sign of things to come for the Toledo community

Highlights

  • Bluff Street Village, led by the Monroe Street Neighborhood Center, is a transformative project in Toledo, Ohio.
  • It offers affordable, high-quality tiny homes to individuals with incomes below $18,000 annually.
  • Rent is charged at $1.00 per square foot, with a maximum monthly rent of $400.
  • The project aims to build up to 20 tiny homes on foundations, creating a community of homeowners.
  • Residents take ownership of their homes after seven years, building equity and stability.
  • Monthly tenant association meetings and workshops foster a sense of community and personal growth.
  • The project received an overwhelming response, with two applications per day initially.
  • Currently, all six homes are assigned, and there is a year-long waitlist for aspiring residents.
  • Sponsors like Lowe’s and Toledo residents have played a pivotal role in funding the project.
  • Bluff Street Village plans to expand along Wall Street, adding approximately 20 more houses.
  • The project demonstrates the power of collaboration and shows how tiny homes can make a profound difference in communities.
  • An open house event invites community members to learn more and contribute to future sponsorships and donations.
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Image via WTOL11/YouTube

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Our big thanks to James D for sharing!🙏

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Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
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