Affordable housing is hard to find in large cities all over the United States. An article by Apartment List reported in April 2023 the average rent cost for a one-bedroom apartment in Tampa, Florida, stands at $1,427. At an average wage of $15 an hour or less for entry level positions, people cannot afford to meet their basic needs without juggling multiple jobs. 

Currently, Hillsborough County, FL does not allow people to reside in RVs or Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs) on residential lots. RV and THOW Home owners should have the opportunity to live in their homes on a willing landowner's private residential property to help ease the housing crisis in our current economic environment. With regulations set in place, big cities like Portland, Oregon, have successfully changed policies to allow private homeowners to host RVs and tiny homes on their property.

Living in Tampa is largely unaffordable for single individuals and low-income families. I believe that if homeowners were able to host one RV or tiny home on their property, it would help ease the housing crisis. College students could focus more on their education and parents on their families, rather than working multiple jobs just to have a roof over their head. Additionally, homeowners could make some extra money to help offset the rising living costs or help a struggling friend or family member.

About me

As a freshman, I would like to start building a THOW now so I can live on my parent's property after I graduate high school. This would allow me to have my own space while living in an affordable environment. The housing crisis is only getting worse, and it is forcing people out of the cities they grew up in. Let's work towards a better future for our families and friends by giving them a chance to live affordably and save for their own homes.