A man in Guelph, Ontario, has built a fully insulated tiny home in the woods for his father-in-law, after exhausting other options for safe winter shelter.
A Solution Born of Necessity
Jesse Damery took direct action after his father-in-law, Robert Godin, struggled with homelessness for several years. Godin, 56, experiences schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which complicates his access to traditional shelters. Damery explained, “I like to do things properly…but neither is him dying outside in the winter.”
Godin previously lived in an apartment for ten years, but after losing his housing, a brief stay with Damery and his family proved unsustainable. He then found himself seeking shelter in stairwells. Attempts to secure a place in a Toronto treatment centre were unsuccessful, and Godin faced a ten-year waitlist for social housing.
Damery, a construction worker involved with the Guelph Wellington Project for Homelessness and Mental Health, constructed the tiny home at night, using a headlamp for illumination. The initial cost of around $4,000 was partially offset by community donations of roofing and flooring. A wood stove replaced a costly generator, which had been running at $1,500 per month.
Legal Concerns and Community Response
Damery acknowledges the build may not be fully compliant with local bylaws, stating, “The only guideline we broke is that we did it in the middle (of the woods).” Bylaw officers have informed him the structure may need to be removed, but have agreed to contact him before taking action.
The home is equipped with a fire and CO2 alarm and was built to code, according to Damery, who has 16 years of experience in construction. He hopes the situation will draw attention to the growing homelessness crisis and the need for increased mental health support services, specifically mentioning Stepping Stone and Royal City Mission as underfunded resources.
Damery and his business partner, Jeff Wilson, are prepared to assist with future city-sanctioned “mini home” projects, noting that structures under 83 square feet do not require a building permit, potentially streamlining the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Jesse Damery to build the tiny home?
Damery built the tiny home because his father-in-law was struggling with homelessness and unable to access suitable shelter options, particularly due to his mental health challenges and financial constraints.
What challenges did Robert Godin face before moving into the tiny home?
Godin experienced a decade of stable housing before losing his apartment. He then lived in shelters, encampments, and stairwells, and faced difficulties accessing treatment centres and affordable housing due to a lengthy waitlist and financial limitations.
Is the tiny home legally permitted?
Damery acknowledges the build may not be fully compliant with local bylaws, as it is located in the woods. Bylaw officers have contacted him and indicated the structure may need to be removed, but will contact him before any action is taken.
Given the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, what role should communities play in finding innovative solutions to ensure everyone has access to safe and dignified shelter?
