Nonprofit Occupy Madison plans to locate its next village of small dwellings for the homeless and permanent tiny houses in an east side industrial area at 201–205 S. Stoughton Road, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. Potential residents must work for Occupy for 160 hours to receive a new home.
The project would include 22 portable shelter units, community gardens and areas to keep chickens and honeybees, a farm stand, a woodshop area for building tiny houses, a free store for those experiencing homelessness, a retail store to sell resident-made products, and office space for the nonprofit. Common areas for residents, such as a kitchen, craft room, community space, laundry, bathrooms, and showers would also be provided, along with 15 surface parking stalls.
The project looks to address the end of COVID-19 pandemic funding; the loss of units for the homeless in two buildings on the east and far west side that are soon expected to be sold; and a record-breaking winter for the number of people staying at area shelters.
Some parties have voiced concerns about safe pedestrian access to the site with its lack of sidewalk and other surroundings.
