Home Suite Home building its first tiny home in St. Marys

Visualization of the completed pocket home.

By Wendy Lamond

The week of July 14 brought an exciting happening for a St. Marys resident and her family as building started on the new pocket (“tiny”) home in her backyard, providing an affordable residence for her daughter thanks to a charitable organization called Home Suite Home Affordable Housing (“HSH”).

HSH was founded in 2024 by Jeff Murton and Vicky Devocht, who were later joined by Bernie Vandonk. Their organization focuses on an issue that sometimes get brushed under the rug and that is hidden homelessness. This refers to people that couch-surf, are experiencing poverty, with low income, and those who could use a hand with below-market-rate rentals. The trio have been raising money through events and all media channels which have gone towards start-up costs and planning. A 527 sq ft affordable rental home is currently in the works in North Perth.

The St. Marys resident came across a Facebook post for HSH and wondered if this would be a great solution for her current situation and reached out to the company to get some more information. She had space on her Millson Crescent property for a pocket home and after completing due diligence and confirming eligibility, the building plan was confirmed and put in place.

HSH had to meet with the Town of St. Marys Planning Department and have permit drawings prepared for the detached structure. The inside living space, which features a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen/dining/living room, measures 368 square feet, while a covered porch represents an additional 90 square feet. The overall footprint is approximately 19’ x 28’. The build will be completed by local contractor Teahen Construction Ltd.

There are several steps required to ensure a tenant is eligible, including income or support verification, non-relative references, and an in-person consultation with HSH.

The property owners must have land ownership and clear land title confirmed and will sign agreements with HSH. In compliance with current regulations, there is not an option of a rent-to-buy. For a single-bedroom dwelling, the unit rental cost is between $500 to $600 per month while a double-bedroom unit is between $700 to $800.

Once the home is complete, the committee may continue its assistance through a program called Step Up (Supportive Transitional Empowerment Program for Unhoused People) providing on-going support.

HSH has named their campaign “Strike Ya Match” inspired by the song “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten with the line, “I might only have one match, but I can make an explosion”.

Murton told the Independent that he was moved by this line from a personal experience. He was in a subway station where he saw a father and daughter laying on the floor. As many people walked by, Murton went and bought them something to eat. The young girl replied, “You see me.” This was the start of what pushed Murton to help the homeless.

Watch for some upcoming events hosted by HSH to bring awareness to the issue of hidden homelessness and this tiny home alternative as a way to help those in need.

Going forward, the charity will be actively raising money to help others. There is another project in Woodstock waiting on the assessment process to proceed, and other requests have started in the Stratford and St. Marys area. The organization hopes this is just the beginning of some real change to help those that are low income, providing a light for their future while keeping their dignity in place.

For more information on HSH affordable rental pocket housing, including donation options, please visit www.homesuitehome.org.