Brian shouldn’t be alive today. As a drug addict, Brian became a fixture on the streets of Salt Lake City. He was caught in a relentless cycle of addiction and despair. Today, Brian is thriving. He’s a resident at The Other Side Village, but more than just finding shelter, Brian has a meaningful job and a steady paycheck to pay rent. A question we have been asking in our coverage for the past four years: How do our homeless brothers, sisters, uncles, fathers, and friends not just qualify for housing but find recovery?

Brian offers insight regarding what worked for him: “The truth.” A tough dose of the reality of the situation addicts have created might sound harsh, but it doesn’t work to “sugarcoat” or place blame on others as the fault of a person’s individual poor choices.

Brian’s job as a mentor at The Other Side Village is actually a key component of TOSA’s guiding principle. Lived experience provides the new recruits the buy-in that other recovery programs just don’t have. Brian is now guiding others through the same transformative journey he experienced. “I’m not the same person I was,” Brian says. “This place gave me a second chance, and now I’m paying it forward.”

Salt Lake City’s The Other Side Village opened its doors with more than just the usual ribbon-cutting fanfare. After nearly four years of intense planning and overcoming hurdles, this tiny home community is now home to 32 residents. But behind the celebration lies a bold and untested model that aims to do more than provide shelter: it hopes to transform lives.

The idea behind The Other Side Village is simple in concept but radical in execution. It’s not about temporary fixes. CEO Preston Cochrane explains, “We’re creating a community where people can find accountability, purpose, and dignity. This is not a handout; it’s a hand up.”

Every resident must meet strict criteria: they need to be chronically homeless, clean and sober, and committed to following the rules. For some, this might sound like an impossible ask. But for those who make it, the reward is life-changing.

Accountability is a cornerstone of the village’s philosophy. Residents aren’t just provided with a place to live—they are expected to actively participate in their own transformation. This means engaging in vocational training, contributing to the upkeep of the village, and supporting their neighbors. “It’s about becoming the best version of yourself while helping others do the same,” Cochrane explains. “This collaborative effort is what sets us apart from other initiatives.”

Another shining example is Jennifer, who came to The Other Side Village after years of struggling with homelessness following a traumatic brain injury. Today, she manages day-to-day operations at Other Side Donuts, a social enterprise supporting the village. “This community gave me a sense of belonging,” Jennifer says. “I never imagined I’d feel this valued and supported.”

The grand opening marked a significant milestone, but it’s only the beginning. The homes, ranging from 350 to 400 square feet, were built through partnerships with local schools, volunteers, and even inmates from Utah’s prisons. These collaborations reduced costs while fostering a sense of shared investment in the village’s success.

The village’s operational model is another distinctive feature. It relies heavily on social enterprises such as Other Side Movers and Other Side Donuts to generate revenue and provide residents with vocational training. This approach minimizes dependence on external funding and equips residents with valuable skills for the future. “Our goal is to be self-sustaining,” Cochrane explains. “Every dollar we earn goes back into supporting the village and its residents. It’s about building something that lasts.”

Despite its early successes, The Other Side Village faces questions about scalability and long-term viability. Salt Lake City’s homelessness crisis is vast, and some wonder if this model, even at full capacity, can make a significant dent. Cochrane acknowledges the challenges. “This isn’t a silver bullet,” he admits. “But it’s a step in the right direction. We hope to inspire other cities to adopt similar models tailored to their needs.”

As the village prepares to expand to over 400 homes in its next phases, its impact on residents like Brian and Jennifer offers a glimpse of what’s possible. “This place isn’t just about housing,” Brian says. “It’s about showing people what they can become.”

For Jennifer, it’s even simpler: “It’s home.”

The Other Side Village is more than just a collection of tiny houses; it’s an example of the power of community, accountability, and second chances. Whether it’s the ultimate answer to homelessness or one piece of a larger puzzle, one thing is clear: it’s making a difference—one person, one story, and one tiny home at a time. program’s champions remain optimistic, pointing to stories like Brian’s as proof that change is possible. Yet, the challenges—from funding to scalability—are significant.

As the village continues to grow, it will face scrutiny from both supporters and skeptics. Whether it becomes a model for other cities or a cautionary tale remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the fight against homelessness is far from over, and solutions will require more than just hope; they will demand a commitment to systemic change and innovation.