Some University of South Florida architecture students hope a tiny house can help solve a big problem.
They are designing a tiny home with the hope it turns into a tiny village, which would provide permanent housing for homeless veterans.
"It’s obtainable and it’s something we haven’t tried before,” Professor Josue Robles said. “We went from really big homes to now considering small ones as an alternative and that’s crucial as we consider money, sustainability, location being at a prime."
For some homeless, like Clifford Smith, space is not an issue.
"I could cook and stand and do whatever I need for the years I have left,” Smith said.
The average tiny home is 186 square feet and costs about $25,000.
The City of St. Petersburg has the goal to end veteran homelessness by the end of the year and said it’s not ruling out any good ideas.
"We want to think creatively, so whatever it takes,” Benjamin Kirby, Communications Director for Mayor Rick Kriseman, said. “And when you come up against tough problems like homelessness you've got to think creatively."
The students will start the project in January and hope to have a prototype home built by the end of the year.