Why a Tiny Home Village?
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Bridges to Hope recognizes that affordable housing is essential for the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. To address this need, we are developing Hope Village—a tiny home community that will offer permanent supportive housing for up to 18 individuals or small families. Hope Village will be a place where our neighbors, friends, and family members can experience dignity and renewed hope as they begin again. A safe, stable living environment fosters pride and a sense of ownership, encouraging residents to invest in the well-being of their community. Unlike communal living, having a home of one’s own reinforces personal worth and commitment. Our vision is to cultivate a supportive, uplifting community where residents grow individually while helping one another thrive.
One tiny village with 18 housing units will provide permanent supportive housing for individuals and small families. But the impact of Hope Village will extend far beyond its residents. Through education, training, and support, Hope Village staff will empower residents to become contributing members of the community. Tiny home villages like this play a vital role in helping cities transition unsheltered individuals from dangerous street conditions to safe, supportive environments—and ultimately toward stable, long-term housing.
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It Takes a Community to Build a Village
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The concept for Hope Village—a tiny home community in Lincoln, Nebraska—is already supported by a strong planning infrastructure. A dedicated team of stakeholders, including city council members, urban planners, architects, laborers, representatives from the Department of Corrections, probation and parole officers, attorneys, and nonprofit leaders, are all working collaboratively to bring Lincoln’s first tiny home village to life.
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The City of Lincoln and Bridges to Hope have signed a purchase agreement for a long-vacant property at North 27th and Leighton Avenue. This location offers convenient access to public transportation, grocery stores, and essential health and treatment services. Hope Village is modeled after successful tiny home communities across the country, but has been customized to meet the unique needs of the Lincoln community.
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As part of a restorative justice model, the construction of the homes will begin within correctional facilities, where incarcerated individuals will build the housing units. Once completed, residents on work release or work detail will help assemble the homes on-site. This approach offers participants valuable hands-on experience, transferable job skills, and the empowering possibility of one day living in a home they helped build. An experienced local developer has also committed resources to support the success of this initiative.
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Bridges to Hope will staff Hope Village with trained professionals, including a Peer Support Specialist who will provide individualized guidance for each resident. Services will include life skills training, employment support, substance use and mental health resources, and planning for long-term stability.
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To foster a strong sense of community, a Village Council will be established, giving residents ownership and responsibility in maintaining a safe, healthy, and well-managed environment. Local neighborhood representatives will be invited to join the council, helping shape policies and participate in applicant reviews. Bridges to Hope has also joined the Clinton Neighborhood Association to ensure Hope Village residents are active participants in the broader community.
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About Hope Village
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Hope Village will be a self-managed community of cost-effective tiny homes designed for individuals transitioning from incarceration or moving out of transitional housing. This model offers a collaborative, community-based approach to building and sustaining permanently affordable housing. As an innovative form of permanent supportive housing, it ensures long-term affordability, reduces displacement, builds community wealth, and minimizes both financial and environmental costs.
Bridges to Hope will retain ownership of the land, while residents will manage their homes and improvements. This structure provides a clear pathway to sustainable housing for those reentering society after incarceration.
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Each tiny home will range from 250 to 500 square feet and include a sleeping area, kitchenette, and private bathroom with a shower. Residents will pay a modest lease of $1 per square foot per month and will be responsible for their own utilities. A central community building will offer shared amenities, including a gathering space, large industrial kitchen, laundry facilities, and meeting rooms for support groups and programming. Adjacent to this space will be Bridges to Hope’s donation center, providing daily staff and volunteer presence, along with easy access to furniture and other household necessities. The village will also feature a green space with a community garden, where residents can grow their own food.
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Priority will be given to individuals, couples, and small families who have been incarcerated and face difficulty securing housing due to their background. If units are available, applications will also be opened to the broader unhoused population.
Referrals will be accepted from probation and parole officers, the Department of Corrections, the Mental Health Association of Nebraska, and other reentry-focused organizations, as well as through self-referral. All applicants will complete an application and participate in an interview prior to acceptance.
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​​If you or someone you know might be interested in partnering with this exciting first for Lincoln, please email rhonda@bridgestohopene.org or call 402.420.5696 for more information.
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*Hope Village renderings courtesy of Architectural Innovations
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