Omaha, Neb. – Siena Francis House is breaking ground for the construction of “The Cottages” tiny home project on April 12, 2022. This will take place from 10am to 10:30am that morning off 17th and Charles Streets. Planning for this 50-unit, affordable housing initiative began in 2018 with site and utilities preparation work beginning in 2021.

When completed in March 2023, this project will comprise a micro-community of fifty uniquely designed, single occupant homes – each approximately 275 square feet – providing promise, opportunity and housing for persons who had experienced homelessness. These modern and affordable homes, while new to Nebraska, are modeled after similar developments nationwide which produced sustainable results towards ending the cycle of chronic homelessness.

Each cottage will include a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living area and covered porch. They will be part of a secure neighborhood, featuring a community center with common laundry and bike storage rooms, a business hub and offices for on-site managers. Occupants will adhere to lease agreements designed to help individuals out of homelessness and into permanent affordable housing.

Project Partners Include: Midwest Housing Equity Group, Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, Arch Icon, Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, Metropolitan Community College, American National Bank and the City of Omaha.

The media is invited and encouraged to cover this groundbreaking event. Media attending will have parking in a reserved area on Charles Street, between 17th and 18th Streets, with entry from 18th Street.

To schedule an interview with Siena Francis House Executive Director, Linda Twomey, please feel free to be in touch with her Executive Assistant, Laura Fuhs at 402-341-1821, extension 1206, or at lfuhs@sienafrancis.org.

About Siena Francis House

Since 1975, the Siena Francis House provides low barrier, trauma-informed emergency overnight shelter, meals and other emergency assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness, with the ultimate goal of helping them achieve housing in the community. Siena Francis House also provides residential addiction treatment and recovery and permanent supportive housing to those in need. Our organization is open to the community 365 days a year. In 2021, the Siena Francis House served 402,007 meals and provided emergency overnight shelter to 2,561 individuals experiencing homelessness.

This press release was distributed by Chris Knauf, the Chief Development Officer for the Siena Francis House