Arcadia non-profit builds tiny homes to help homeless residents

ARCADIA, Fla. (WINK)—A non-profit is building tiny homes as a solution to homelessness in DeSoto County.

Rodney Clark enjoys the small things that make him feel at home, like cooking and feeding his tropical fish. Two years ago, he had nothing after Hurricane Ian destroyed his home and left him on the street.

"I was too cold—too miserable," Clark said.

Clark, who has mental health challenges, couldn't find another place to live. That's where Steve Price comes in.

"Housing is probably the hardest thing we have to do," said Price, chair of DeSoto Cares Homeless Services.

Price is the chair of DeSoto Cares, a nonprofit that helps the homeless with clothes, toothbrushes, and, now, a tiny home. DeSoto Cares built Clark's home with donated land and grant money.

"I like the construction part, and I want to help people," Price said.

Construction crews are now building three more tiny homes next door to Clark's. The non-profit plans to help people find affordable housing.

"We don't really have a time limit, but yeah, we want to help them get into permanent housing somewhere," Price said.

Clark is getting ready to move, grateful for the tiny home that made a big difference.

"It really helped me a lot, kind of like I never had to worry about where I laid my head the next day for rest," Clark said.

"And I hope they love it too, the way I do," he said.

The non-profit expects construction to be completed in September. The one-bedroom units will have a bathroom and some modest furniture. Price said they plan to charge a small rent to help cover the costs.