Construction begins on Lincoln tiny home village for former inmates

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Construction is starting on a controversial housing project in north Lincoln.

The tiny home village at 27th Street and Leighton Avenue will give former inmates a start at a new life.

But some neighbors are raising concerns about their safety and the transparency of the project.

“I think anytime something new comes about, there’s always a little apprehension from the neighbors,” said Rhonda Mattingly, the executive director of Bridges to Hope.

SEE ALSO: Lincoln’s tiny home village for former inmates closer to become a reality

The nonprofit, which is behind the project, said the homes are meant to serve people returning from incarceration, giving them a structured and supportive place to restart.

“The biggest obstacle for reentrance has been housing — affordable, safe housing in a good location,” Mattingly said. “So I thought, ‘Why not bring a tiny home village to Lincoln and house those that are rejoining the community after incarceration?'”

Some neighbors Channel 8 spoke to said they weren’t given enough say in the process.

And they’re fighting back.

Some said they’re going to court and looking for ways to stop this project from going forward.

SEE ALSO: In Lincoln, plans for tiny home village that would house former inmates cause a stir

But other neighbors said this is a good way to grow their small part of Lincoln.

“I mean, honestly, I don’t see a problem with it,” Ashlynn Maly said. “I think everyone deserves a second chance.”

She said it’s about balancing public safety with a fresh start for former inmates.

“You need somewhere to start to build a better future,” she said.

SEE ALSO: Bridges to Hope plans tiny home village for former inmates in Lincoln

Mattingly said opponents aren’t looking at the bigger picture.

“These people are able to live anywhere in the city, in the community,” she said. “And when you have oversight such as what we will, it will be a lot safer.”