Reimagining Housing During Reentry: A Process Evaluation of the Village of Hope Transitional Housing Program

Abstract

ABSTRACT Village of Hope Transitional Housing Program is the first tiny home housing program in the United States for formerly incarcerated individuals. Unlike traditional congregate shelters, Village of Hope provides participants with individual housing units or “tiny homes,” in a neighborhood-like setting with an autonomous living space, amenities, case management, and referrals to services for up to six months. This process evaluation assesses the early implementation of Village of Hope, examining stakeholder planning and collaboration, program construction, and participant needs and perceptions. The study employs qualitative research methods to understand the major hurdles of implementing this housing model and the initial strides in easing reentry challenges for previously incarcerated individuals who would be experiencing homelessness. Findings reveal the achievements and challenges of implementing a tiny home program for the reentry population and are divided into six themes which outline the importance of public buy-in, program construction planning, autonomous housing benefits, service delivery, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration. This paper concludes with recommendations for future tiny home programs designed for this population.