Resident pitches tiny‑home/pallet‑shelter village for people experiencing homelessness; council and staff say it’s under consideration

A Columbus resident, Jim Elkins, addressed the City Council on May 20 to propose a small‑scale “village” of tiny homes or pallet shelters for people experiencing homelessness and asked the city to pursue a site and remediation work promptly so occupancy could begin before winter.

Elkins described the concept as either insulated pallet shelters (he cited per‑unit costs of about $16,000 for those units) or a larger temporary heated tent to provide immediate winter shelter. He recommended a site near the highway garage and noted the property would require remediation because former fuel tanks were removed and the city had completed only stage‑one remediation work. Elkins suggested the site’s proximity to services and the bus line would aid residents’ access to jobs and social services and offered to help manage a site.

Mark Stewart, who the council identified as the city’s lead on the homelessness project, and other staff briefed the council on outreach and rehousing progress. Mark Stewart reported the city had rehoused 51 people who were formerly homeless and preserved housing for an additional 38 people at the time of his update. Stewart said staff are coordinating with police, code enforcement, public works, landlords and the engagement center to address encampments and housing placements.

Councilmembers said the tiny‑home village concept is one option among others and that the city is seeking a viable site and a concrete proposal before committing. One councilmember noted the community’s downtown plan may help identify appropriate long‑term strategies for city‑owned properties. No formal action or funding decision was made on Elkins’ proposal during the meeting.