PATHWAYS TO TINY HOUSING

Opening the Door to Dignified, Small-Footprint Housing Solutions

Operation Tiny Home’s Pathways to Tiny Housing Program creates access to high-quality, small-footprint housing—without requiring nonprofits or communities to navigate the complexity alone. We don’t build homes; we build pathways that connect donors, licensed builders, and mission-aligned partners to deliver safe, sustainable housing for people facing instability.

Whether the solution is a modular cottage, an ADU, a stick-built small home, or a tiny home on wheels, we bring expertise, partnerships, and stewardship to ensure each project is delivered with integrity, dignity, and impact.

Together, we can bring about positive change and transform the lives of those in need.

How the Pathway Works

1. Partnership Intake & Alignment

We begin by understanding your community, your mission, and the people you serve. Together, we determine what type of small-footprint housing fits your goals—transitional, disaster recovery, or longer-term occupancy where local regulations allow.

2. Builder Collaboration or Matching

You may already have a trusted local builder—or you may need support finding one.
We support both pathways:

• Local Collaboration: We work alongside your chosen builder, offering expertise in small-footprint design, compliance, and feasibility.

• Builder Partnership: When needed, we connect you with licensed, insured builders in our vetted network who can deliver high-quality, small-footprint structures.

In every scenario, construction is handled by professional builders.

3. Funding & Donor Stewardship

From donor engagement and grant management to transparent reporting, we manage the funding pathway so resources flow where they’re needed—with accountability every step of the way.

4. Zoning, Placement & Compliance Coordination

Navigating placement regulations is often the hardest part of small-footprint housing.
We help partners:

• Identify legally viable placement options

• Understand local zoning and permitting

• Coordinate with planning departments

• Ensure compliance documentation is handled correctly

We guide the process.

5. Delivery, Setup & Beneficiary Support

We coordinate professional transport, licensed setup contractors, and move-in readiness.
If a gifting event is appropriate, we handle that too— ensuring the moment is dignified and meaningful.

The Pay-It-Forward Housing Pathway

A unique element of our program allows individuals in crisis to receive a donor-funded home, which they legally own. When their situation stabilizes and they no longer need the home or can no longer legally use it, they agree to gift it forward so the home can support the next person in need. This creates a sustainable cycle of impact!

Designed for Real Lives, Real Needs

Every home facilitated through our program prioritizes:

• Energy efficiency and sustainability

• Dignity-centered design

• Optional accessibility and aging-in-place features

• Appropriateness for local climate and community context

• Affordability and long-term usability

Partner With Us

Whether you’re a nonprofit addressing transitional housing, a recovery program serving survivors, or a vocational training initiative building community — we welcome the opportunity to collaborate together. For any inquiries or further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us below. we’re here to help you create housing solutions that work!

Let’s build a pathway that honors the people you serve and expands access to safe, stable housing.