Last week, the zoning board of adjustment (ZBA) approved a project at 7801 State Road next to the Pennypack Trail in Holmesburg aimed at fighting homelessness in Philadelphia. The project will consist of 28 tiny detached homes. A shared kitchen, dining area, and bathroom will be incorporated into an existing structure on the parcel.

The project is being called Sanctuary Village and will aim to provide transitional housing for women experiencing homelessness. The development team aims to break ground in the spring of 2023. Over the following 12 to 18 months, Sanctuary Village will provide housing and social services for its residents while preparing them to move into permanent housing.

Sanctuary Village elevation drawings — Sanctuary Village Elevation Drawings

Sanctuary Village is being built on land owned by the City of Philadelphia. The property currently holds buildings occupied by RHD Fernwood, an organization that provides housing for single men. Sanctuary Village needed a variance from the ZBA to proceed as the land is zoned I-3 for heavy industrial uses.

It’s great to see this project moving forward and for innovative ideas to fight one of our society’s most pressing issues being embraced. We look forward to Sanctuary Village succeeding and for the program to expand in the Philadelphia area.

How do you feel about this project? What are some other innovative ideas being utilized to fight homelessness that Philadelphia should be embracing?

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Tiny Home Community for the Homeless Approved by Zoning Board of Adjustment