Why we're doing this

Our goal as A Better Tent City (ABTC) is to provide safety, community, connection, access to services and healthcare, and a pathway to stable housing for over 50 previously unsheltered residents of our region. ABTC residents are people who are considered 'hard to house', and who have been previously unsheltered or have been precariously housed for years. Many residents struggle with mental illness, trauma and/or addiction that pose barriers to living independently or accessing emergency shelters.

Many residents have for years gone without consistent access to the basic necessities of life such as food, shelter, safety or belonging. A Better Tent City provides individual, secure tiny homes, healthy meals, washrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Residents seek to stabilize their lives by improving their health, re-establishing their relationships with family and community, reclaiming dignity by being a part of an affirming community, and most of all, by finding hope and beginning to imagine a different future. 

Through interviews with most of the residents at A Better Tent City, we learned that arts-based and creative activities that inspire hope and healing are the most common interest of ABTC residents. Many residents shared that they feel empowered and hopeful when working with their hands or when their creations bring joy to people. Many have been or are currently engaged in their own creative projects, from talented visual artists to jewelry-making and upcycling clothing. Others described their desire to access positive activities and generate their own income. 

The research behind our project

There is substantial research linking the healing potential of art and the importance of low-barrier income opportunities for individuals experiencing trauma related to chronic homelessness. Art therapy effectively addresses trauma-related symptoms and promotes healing among individuals experiencing homelessness. According to a study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, art therapy interventions can help individuals process traumatic experiences, reduce symptoms of PTSD, and enhance overall well-being (Malchiodi, 2012). Research from the Canadian Art Therapy Association also highlights the efficacy of art therapy in trauma recovery.

Creating low-barrier, casual income opportunities empowers individuals experiencing homelessness or housing precarity to access legal income and improve their overall well-being. A study published in the American Journal of Community Psychology found that supported employment programs significantly increased employment rates and income among homeless individuals, leading to improvements in housing stability and mental health outcomes (Tsai et al., 2017).

Over the course of one year, The Community Company conducted community-based research to validate the findings above within the unique context of A Better Tent City. This research process involved collaborative engagement with residents, staff, and volunteers, resulting in the creation of Tiny City Makers.

How we’re doing it

Tiny City Makers is establishing a pathway to hope, healing, and life stabilization by developing a model that helps residents earn trauma-free income. This initiative encourages individuals to envision a better future while fostering new and lasting relationships with community members, artists, and businesses throughout the Waterloo Region.

Local artists work with Tiny City Makers as workshop facilitators. They come to ABTC to share their skills with residents, who then create unique artisan products with the support of the facilitator. Artists receive compensation for their time and are provided with a budget for supplies and materials.

What we do

Tiny City Makers is a self-sustaining art therapy program run by ABTC that sells artisan products created by residents. Artists specializing in pottery, card making, screen printing, jewelry design, and more facilitate biweekly workshops. The beautiful and creative results are showcased by local businesses throughout the Waterloo Region.

When you purchase a gift for a friend, order custom t-shirts for your bowling league, or buy artisan vases for your flower shop from Tiny City Makers, you are supporting your neighbors at ABTC. Your contributions provide low-barrier income and help sustain this crucial art therapy program.

Tiny City Makers is also ready to take on custom projects for businesses, sports teams, and individuals. We would love to create your wedding invitations, screen print your softball team t-shirts, or batch-make artisan holiday wrapping paper for your gift shop.

How we Measure Success

1) Provide arts-focused community-building spaces for the ABTC community, channelling emotions and energy into positive, arts-based outlets. 

2) Offer trauma-free income opportunities for residents and unhoused visitors at ABTC.

3) Connect with and share the story and impact of ABTC with business owners, artists and community members across Waterloo Region. 

Help us Grow Tiny City Makers!

Visit our online store by clicking the button below or contact us if you would like to discuss ways we can partner with your business or organization.