The man who has offered shelter to those in dire need is undeterred by city constraints. The collaboration between Seeds of Hope Foundation and Lazarus House has led to the establishment of four tiny homes in the backyard of the emergency transitional home. This initiative has significantly increased the shelter's capacity and positively impacted the lives of at least 22 individuals.
One of the new residents, Magnus, shared his experience after spending his first night in the tiny home. Having lived on the streets for over three-and-a-half years while coping with complex trauma, mental illness, and addiction, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to have a safe place to stay. “Here, at least I have a roof over my head and a bathroom I can use that I’m not barred from, and I’m safe. So I’m very grateful to Seeds of Hope for treating me like a human being again, because I am,” Magnus stated.
This partnership represents a compromise for Ryan Donais, a construction worker who founded Tiny Tiny Homes. Earlier in the year, he faced challenges after setting up five similar micro-shelters in St. James Park. Those shelters were dismantled following a cease-and-desist letter from the city, citing safety risks for residents and nearby individuals, as well as the negative impact on the park’s public use and city staff outreach efforts.
Ryan Donais shared his personal motivation for his work: “I started this because, come February, I’m seven years sober. I spent 10 years on and off the streets, so I know what it’s like to be outside, and I know what it’s like to be cold and have nowhere to go and nowhere to turn.” This personal history fuels his mission to provide support for those facing homelessness.
The 48-square-foot homes designed by Donais are fully compliant with building codes, featuring electricity, heating, a bed, and shelving. Although community feedback has been largely positive, city officials have received two complaints regarding the tiny homes and are currently reviewing local bylaws for any potential violations.
In response to the ongoing issues surrounding homelessness and shelter availability, city officials have initiated an Expression of Interest. This initiative invites organizations to propose a two-year pilot project utilizing micro shelters within the shelter system, with applications due by February 2026.
Donais indicated that he and his team are currently preparing a proposal to be a part of this pilot project. In the meantime, he is expanding his outreach efforts, planning to take his compact shelter to the Sherbourne and Dundas neighborhood, supported by a new collaborative outreach trailer that is stocked with essentials for those in need.
