Tiny House Villages and Policy Shifts: Community Responses to America’s Growing Homelessness

Across the United States, rapidly expanding metropolitan areas are seeing sharp increases in homelessness while experimenting with alternative housing solutions. In Charlotte, North Carolina, the homeless population rose to 2,018 in 2026, and tiny-house villages nationwide grew from 34 in 2019 to 123 in 2024. Wisconsin’s homeless count climbed to 5,495, prompting a federal funding shift from “housing first” to “treatment first” models.

Tiny house villages are increasingly responding to the homeless crisis in America’s fast-growing cities

Median rent in Charlotte rose from $1,146 in 2019 to $1,627 in 2024, while the city added more than 20,000 residents between 2024 and 2025. Rising housing costs and the expiration of pandemic-era supports have driven up homelessness. Wisconsin’s “housing first” approach has historically reduced homelessness, but the Department of Housing and Urban Development plans to redirect funds toward “treatment first” programs.

Wisconsin’s homeless population may be increasing due to rising housing prices and declining economy

• Charlotte’s homeless count: 2,018 (2026).

Tiny house villages are increasingly responding to the homeless crisis in America’s fast-growing cities

• Tiny-house villages: 34 in 2019 -> 123 in 2024.

Tiny house villages are increasingly responding to the homeless crisis in America’s fast-growing cities

• Community First Village (Austin, TX): > 500 residents as of 2026.

Tiny house villages are increasingly responding to the homeless crisis in America’s fast-growing cities

• Wisconsin homeless population: 5,495, a 4.8 % rise over 2025.

Wisconsin’s homeless population may be increasing due to rising housing prices and declining economy

• Milwaukee County HUD funding: ? $17 million annually.

Wisconsin’s homeless population may be increasing due to rising housing prices and declining economy

• Michael Basford – director, Wisconsin Interagency Council on Homelessness.

Wisconsin’s homeless population may be increasing due to rising housing prices and declining economy

• Stephen Bauer – CEO, Guest House (Milwaukee).

Wisconsin’s homeless population may be increasing due to rising housing prices and declining economy

• Don Cramer – researcher, Policy Forum (Wisconsin).

Wisconsin’s homeless population may be increasing due to rising housing prices and declining economy

• Tiffany Emmerson – single mother of four, Townsville.

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• Kym Musumeci – chair, Townsville Housing and Homeless Network.

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• Deanna Fryer – resident near Broadway Street, Myrtle Beach.

WMBF - Myrtle Beach

• William Howsare – director, New Directions (Myrtle Beach).

WMBF - Myrtle Beach

Wisconsin Interagency Council director Michael Basford noted uncertainty about future programming for those facing housing insecurity.

Wisconsin’s homeless population may be increasing due to rising housing prices and declining economy

Stephen Bauer argued that “treatment first” models are “flawed and more expensive,” contending that requiring proof of sobriety or treatment “creates hoops” that delay housing access.

Wisconsin’s homeless population may be increasing due to rising housing prices and declining economy

Tiffany Emmerson described couch-surfing after a separation in December 2025, saying the fear of living in her car “filled her with fear.”

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National data show a 32 % increase in homelessness since 2015, while Wisconsin reports a 13.4 % decline over the same period. The sources do not reconcile these opposing trends, leaving a gap in understanding how state-level successes coexist with national growth.

Wisconsin’s homeless population may be increasing due to rising housing prices and declining economy

HUD plans to reallocate funds toward “treatment first” programs, which could affect future HUD grants to Wisconsin agencies. Myrtle Beach officials intend to meet with neighboring municipalities to discuss establishing a low-barrier emergency shelter. Townsville’s Housing and Homeless Network continues to petition for a dedicated shelter, while state officials have announced the construction of 110 social and affordable homes and 349 additional units underway.

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