From homeless to a place of their own: How ‘A Tiny Home for Good’ is helping people rebuild their lives

From Homeless to a Place of Their Own: Tiny Home for Good’s Impact

From homeless to a place of their own—Andrew Lunetta’s journey began with a simple observation. After years of working in Syracuse’s homeless shelters, he noticed a troubling cycle: many individuals left the shelters, moved into the cheapest available housing, and soon returned, repeating the same pattern. “It was a matter of months, sometimes weeks, that the same men would come back to the shelter,” Lunetta, 36, recalled. This repetition revealed a deeper issue: the housing system’s failure to provide sustainable solutions for those in need.

Lunetta’s realization sparked a new approach. He began asking residents about their dreams and needs, discovering that privacy, a personal space, and consistent support were key to long-term stability. These insights led to the founding of A Tiny Home for Good in 2014. The Syracuse-based nonprofit now offers 23 tiny homes and has renovated nearly two dozen other properties, creating a pathway to housing for thousands of individuals and families.

Simple Spaces, Lasting Impact

Each tiny home is designed with practicality and dignity in mind. Fully equipped with kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry facilities, these spaces offer a level of comfort that traditional shelters often lack. For many residents, especially those dealing with trauma, mental illness, or addiction, this simplicity can be transformative. “Tiny homes provide a sense of calm,” Lunetta said. “They help people transition from temporary shelter to a place where they can truly begin to rebuild their lives.”

“The expectation that someone would suddenly improve after years of homelessness is unrealistic,” Lunetta explained. “You can’t just take away the challenges and expect instant change. What you can do is give them a stable place to start.”

The nonprofit’s support model is flexible, adapting to each tenant’s unique situation. Some require daily check-ins, while others thrive with less frequent contact. “Progress looks different for everyone, but the foundation is the same: a safe, consistent place to live,” Lunetta emphasized. This personalized approach ensures residents receive the care they need to sustain their independence.

More Than Shelter: Community and Connection

A Tiny Home for Good goes beyond physical housing by fostering a sense of community. Weekly neighborhood walks and group activities create opportunities for residents to build relationships that were previously out of reach. “For many, being invited to join a walking group or a writing club is a radical shift,” Lunetta noted. “It’s about giving them something they’ve never had before: a place to belong.”

Lease agreements are tailored to individual circumstances, with rent based on income and capped at no more than 30 percent of a tenant’s earnings. Sobriety requirements and mandatory counseling are optional, allowing residents to choose the level of support that fits their needs. For some, this model leads to permanent housing, while others use it as a stepping stone to greater stability.

“My case manager helped me regain my identity,” said Rhea Holmes, a resident who credits the nonprofit with turning her life around. “The home gave me hope, freedom, and peace.”

After her husband of 26 years passed, Holmes lost her housing and spent eight months living at his grave. “That was the only place I felt was home for me,” she said. “Whether I lived or died, it didn’t matter.” In January, she moved into her tiny home with just the clothes on her back, an iPad, and a phone. Today, it’s filled with plants, photos, and personal items that reflect her renewed sense of purpose.

Now, the organization also renovates multi-bedroom homes for families, expanding its reach and impact. Lunetta’s vision continues to grow, with 23 new construction projects underway to create more accessible housing options. “I still don’t love being called a landlord,” he said, “but it’s a role I’ve embraced to give people a place where they can call home.”