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DAYTON, OH — January 22, 2026 — A proposed tiny home village in northeast Dayton could mark a turning point in how the Miami Valley addresses homelessness, offering not just shelter, but dignity, stability, and community for some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.
The project, known as Beacon Place Village, is being developed by Miami Valley Housing Opportunities (MVHO), a local nonprofit that has spent decades working to expand affordable and supportive housing throughout the Dayton region. If approved and funded, the village would consist of 40 small cottage-style homes designed specifically for individuals who are currently unsheltered — including those living on the streets, sleeping in vehicles, staying in tents, or occupying abandoned or otherwise uninhabitable buildings.
Officials and community leaders say the project could have a significant and lasting impact on homelessness in Dayton and across Montgomery County.
A New Housing Model for the Miami Valley
Beacon Place Village would be the first tiny home village of its kind in the Dayton region, according to project leaders. Each unit would measure approximately 500 square feet, offering residents a private, secure living space — something many unsheltered individuals say is essential to rebuilding their lives.
Conceptual renderings show pairs of homes connected by shared decks, a design choice intended to foster a sense of neighborhood and mutual support while still preserving privacy. This balance of independence and community is one of the reasons tiny home villages have gained traction in cities across the country.
“Many people experiencing homelessness want both a sense of belonging and a place they can truly call their own,” said Debbie Watts Robinson, CEO of Miami Valley Housing Opportunities. “This model offers both.”
Strong Community and Government Support
Support for Beacon Place Village has been widespread, with backing from the City of Dayton, The Dayton Foundation, the Homeless Solutions Policy Board, and Montgomery County ADAMHS. Local officials say the project aligns with broader regional efforts to reduce chronic homelessness and provide long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
“We do get a decent amount of support for our projects from leadership in the community,” Robinson said. “But the reality is I’ve never seen as much support as we have for this project.”
That level of enthusiasm reflects growing recognition that traditional approaches alone have not been enough to address homelessness in the Miami Valley — particularly for individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or long-term economic instability.
Strategic Location in Northeast Dayton
MVHO plans to develop Beacon Place Village on a 12-acre undeveloped site along Needmore Road, west of Old Troy Pike, in Dayton’s Kittyhawk neighborhood. The location sits near the southern corporation limits of Huber Heights, placing it within reach of key services while maintaining a residential setting.
The nonprofit currently has control of the land, an important step that allows planning and community engagement to move forward. Leaders say the site was chosen carefully to ensure access to transportation, healthcare resources, and employment opportunities — all critical components of housing stability.
Cost-Effective and Scalable Housing
One of the major advantages of tiny home villages is cost. Officials say tiny homes are significantly less expensive to build than traditional apartment complexes or multifamily developments, making them an attractive option for communities seeking scalable solutions to homelessness.
Lower construction costs can also allow funds to be directed toward supportive services, such as case management, mental health care, addiction recovery programs, and job placement assistance — services that are often key to helping residents remain housed long-term.
By investing in permanent housing rather than emergency shelters alone, communities may also reduce strain on hospitals, law enforcement, and social service systems over time.
More Than Housing: A Path to Stability
Beacon Place Village is not intended to function as a temporary shelter. Instead, it is designed as a permanent supportive housing community, where residents can begin to rebuild routines, relationships, and independence.
For individuals who have lived without stable housing for years, even small details — a door that locks, a personal kitchen space, a quiet place to sleep — can be life-changing. Advocates say tiny homes can restore a sense of control and self-worth that is often lost during long periods of homelessness.
Local leaders believe the project could also help shift public perceptions, demonstrating that compassionate housing solutions can coexist with neighborhood stability and economic development.
A Potential Model for the Region
If successful, Beacon Place Village could serve as a blueprint for future housing projects throughout Dayton and the broader Miami Valley. Officials say the project reflects a growing willingness to explore innovative housing strategies that prioritize people over bureaucracy.
As housing costs continue to rise and homelessness remains a pressing issue across Ohio, many see Beacon Place Village as a timely and hopeful step forward.
For Miami Valley Housing Opportunities and its partners, the goal is simple but ambitious: to create a place where people who have been living on the margins can finally find safety, community, and a real chance to move forward.
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