Aiken Co. Homeless Housing push for tiny homes on hold after community meeting

AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) – After working on the project for the past four years, Aiken County Homeless Housing is looking to move forward to help with the growing homeless problem. 

The Arbor Ridge Tiny Home Project has been put on hold because of a negative response from neighbors.

The nonprofit held a meeting Monday night to address their concerns, and community leaders say it’s a step in the right direction.

“There’s been a significant increase in the number of homeless in Aiken over the last four or five years, and we expect it to continue to worsen,” said organization president George Clare.

City leaders passed the zoning ordinance in February to allow the organization to build tiny homes less than 450 square feet.

They’re looking to take four acres off of Dyches Road and turn it into a tiny home community, featuring 39 tiny homes, picnic areas, and a community building. 

Clare says the area on Dyches Road is the perfect setting for the organization’s vision.

“Within a half-a-mile radius of the property, there is the substance abuse treatment center, mental health facility, Walmart, fast food,” he added.

The concern from neighbors is the impact to local neighborhoods, but Clare says the tiny homes will help the area.

“The biggest effect will be whatever people we can put through our program will reduce the number of homeless in the area. So, those who are concerned about the presence of homeless folks along the railroad corridor that runs down the hill from here—there will be fewer people if Arbor Ridge is here than if it’s not,” said Clare.

But now there’s a new challenge.

He says the Trump administration is proposing a 44% cut to funds for new housing.

“That means more people are going to be on the street—substantially more. Not because we’re building this, but in spite of the fact that we’re getting people out of homelessness, and we can’t do it fast enough,” Clare said.

Pastor Lex Perry spoke out at Monday night’s meeting.

His organization, Created 4 Impact, also helps the homeless—-so he’s also in full support of the tiny home project. 

“Something has to be done. If we sit still, the problem only gets worse. We have to do something, and as long as what we’re doing is not doing harm, that’s to the good. But sitting back and doing nothing—that is creating harm, and I see it every day,” said Perry.

Clare says the next step is to get approval from Aiken City Council.

He anticipates more discussions at their next meeting on September 8th—and if city leaders approve, activity could start here on Dyches Road early next year.