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Advocates support tiny homes in Hampton but urge more shelter and rehab services
Summary
Speakers at the FY27 budget hearing praised the city's tiny home initiative but urged year-round shelter, day-center supports, and rehabilitation/continuum-of-care services to help people transition successfully.
Several service providers and residents told council they support the city's proposed tiny home initiative but warned it must be paired with rehabilitation, continuum-of-care services and year-round shelter capacity to work.
Angel Williams, a city shelter coordinator, said tiny homes are promising but stressed the need for rehabilitation services and a continuum-of-care to ensure residents can live independently after placement. Charice Austin (Health Inc.) noted more than 1,000 individuals rely on local support services annually while the city's winter night shelter houses about 100 cots, creating gaps that day-center services and additional funding could address. Janice Johnson of Virginia Organizing said her organization stands ready to help with implementation.
