New Campaign, New Strategies

Changing Tiny House Laws – A Community Effort: Episode 2

Welcome back to Candid Tiny House, The Advocacy Season! In our last episode, we delved into our first attempt at changing local laws, setting the stage for our second, more promising endeavor. Join us as we explore the journey led by Kaz Neilson and Kathryn McGoldrick, pivotal figures in our quest for equitable housing policies. As well as Councillor Matthew Driscoll, who was willing to push the law change forward even though it had already been reviewed so recently.

Listen:

Meet Kaz Neilson: The Force Behind My Home Network

Kaz Neilson, the coordinator for My Home Network (MHN), embodies resilience and dedication. Kaz spearheaded the efforts to reshape tiny house legislation by co-ordniating 190 individuals in the MHN database. From grassroots initiatives to addressing systemic barriers, MHN emerged as a beacon of hope for those grappling with housing insecurity. Kaz’s strategic prowess and collaborative spirit laid the groundwork for meaningful change.

Kathryn McGoldrick: A Voice for Tiny House Dwellers

Kathryn McGoldrick’s journey from homelessness to activism, and eventually, being permanently housed, demonstrates the power of advocacy. Taking up the role of a spokesperson for tiny house dwellers, Kathryn brought a human face to the housing crisis. Her unwavering commitment to finding viable solutions resonated deeply with policymakers and community members alike. Through collaboration and shared experiences, Kathryn’s story drew attention to the urgent need for action, and helped the law change gain a great deal of community support.

From Strategy to Action: Campaign Insights

Drawing from Kaz and Kathryn’s experiences, we glean valuable insights for effecting change in our communities:

Harness Community Networks: Leverage existing groups with shared priorities to amplify your message and pool diverse talents.
Data as a Catalyst: Equip policymakers with localized data on homelessness and housing insecurity to underscore the urgency of the issue.
Engage Holistically: Foster dialogue across departments within local government, ensuring a comprehensive approach to housing policy reform.
Embody the Cause: Find advocates willing to represent the realities of tiny house living, lending authenticity and depth to the campaign.
Use Case Studies Showcase examples of successful policy changes, like from Mount Alexander Shire and other jurisdictions to inspire action and instill confidence in policy makers.
Nurture Relationships: Cultivate rapport with council members through targeted meetings and ongoing communication, facilitating mutual understanding and collaboration.
Propose Innovative Solutions: Advocate for dedicated positions within local government, such as a Housing Solutions Broker, to drive proactive, community-centered initiatives.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we navigate the complexities of housing policy reform, let us draw inspiration from Kaz, Kathryn, and the My Home Network. Together, we can transform advocacy into tangible change, building a future where tiny houses are a viable long term option for living on private property.

Join us next time as we gain insights from inside the council process of changing the local laws. Until then, stay candid!

Stay tuned for the next episode of Candid Tiny House. Your journey towards sustainable living begins here.