Toronto man creates tiny mobile homes to help unhoused people escape the cold

After witnessing the heartbreaking sight of people sleeping outside in the bitter cold year after year in Toronto, Ryan Donais decided to take action. The city’s housing crisis was worsening, and Donais couldn’t bear to see individuals living on the streets any longer. Drawing on his background in construction, he set out to make a difference by building tiny mobile homes attached to bicycles to provide temporary relief to those who are unhoused.

Donais embarked on this project in the summer, constructing three small modular homes at a cost of approximately $10,000 each. Generous donations to his Go Fund Me page have largely funded the initiative. Each mobile home is equipped with essential amenities such as heat, electricity, and running water. In addition, safety features like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers ensure the well-being of the occupants.

Inspired by the work of carpenter Khaleel Seivwright, who built wooden shelters during the pandemic until they were removed by the city, Donais aimed to design his mobile homes to avoid similar challenges. The units comply with Ontario’s e-bike regulations, enabling them to legally travel on the city’s bike lanes if necessary.

Terra Sawler, who had spent nearly three years living on the streets, found refuge in one of Donais’ tiny mobile homes about a month and a half ago. She expressed gratitude for the safety and warmth provided by the shelter, highlighting that it was the best she had experienced since being unhoused. Sawler emphasized the importance of having a good night’s sleep, a luxury she had been deprived of for years due to the harsh realities of living on the streets.

While Donais has not encountered any issues with his mobile homes thus far, he remains committed to his mission of offering temporary relief to those in need. His not-for-profit organization, Tiny Tiny Homes, aims to continue creating these mini modular homes to assist individuals like Sawler. Donais acknowledges that his shelters are not a permanent solution and underscores the urgency of addressing the homelessness crisis with long-term housing solutions.

The City of Toronto has pledged to create 1,000 new modular homes for people experiencing homelessness as part of its housing action plan. Other municipalities in Ontario, including Peterborough, Waterloo, and Hamilton, have also embraced modular housing solutions to address the lack of housing options. Donais’ efforts align with these initiatives, providing tangible support to vulnerable individuals while advocating for systemic change.

In conclusion, Ryan Donais’ innovative approach to addressing homelessness in Toronto serves as a beacon of hope in a challenging landscape. Through his compassion, determination, and practical solutions, he is making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. As he continues to expand his Tiny Tiny Homes initiative, Donais exemplifies the power of grassroots efforts to create positive change in our communities.