Brent's Place

A 10-Unit Tiny Tiny Homes Community Providing Stability, Dignity and a Space to Restore Hope

Brent's Story

Before Brent's Place was a project, Brent was a person.

He was a friend. A mentor. A volunteer. A skilled tradesman. A man with an infectious sense of humour and an unwavering belief in helping others, even when he himself had almost nothing.

If you met Brent, you may never have guessed he was experiencing homelessness. He was always clean shaven, his hair neatly trimmed beneath the well-worn baseball cap he rarely took off. Across the back of that cap were the words "Guaranteed Tough."

A Headshot of Brent

Nothing could have described him more perfectly. For some time, Brent had been living with advanced, terminal esophageal cancer, navigating a deeply painful illness whilst homeless. 

Ryan met Brent on a freezing night in 2024. Brent was sleeping in a doorway. Soon afterwards, he became one of the first residents of Tiny Tiny Homes' St. James Park pilot project. Brent's response to receiving a Tiny Tiny Home was one of overwhelming gratitude and an immediate desire to find ways to "pay it forward" by supporting those around him.

In April 2025, Tiny Tiny Homes helped Brent move into permanent housing—his first real home in over a decade. Sadly, as his illness progressed, Brent required transfer to Journey Home Hospice to receive palliative care.

On June 27, 2025, Brent passed away peacefully with Kate by his side. His final days were spent in comfort, peace and dignity, surrounded by the community he loved.

Without Tiny Tiny Homes, it is entirely possible that Brent's life would have ended in the doorway where he had spent so many nights sleeping.

The Challenge

Today, there are hundreds of people across Toronto living with the same uncertainty Brent once faced—sleeping outdoors, carrying everything they own, and wondering where they will find safety each night.

They deserve the same opportunity Brent was given.

The Solution

A Mockup of Brent's Place Project Layout

That is why we are building Brent's Place.

Brent's Place will be a purpose-built 10-unit Tiny Tiny Homes community designed to help people transition from homelessness to permanent housing by providing:

This is not intended to be a final destination.

It is a bridge.

A place where people experiencing homelessness can regain stability, restore hope and build the foundations for an independent future.

The Impact

Brent experienced the profound difference that housing can make.

He also experienced the extraordinary impact of being surrounded by people who believed in him.

He was no longer sleeping in a doorway.

He was no longer alone.

Brent's Place has been created so that others may experience that same hope, dignity and sense of belonging.

Help Build Brent's Legacy

Every donation brings us one step closer to opening the doors of Brent's Place.

By supporting this project, you are helping to create a community where people experiencing homelessness can find safety, belonging and the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Together, we can ensure that more people leave the streets behind and discover what Brent found:

A safe place to call home.

Our Donor's

Chatham Youth Housing Project

Supporting Youth Through Safe, Stable Housing

Tiny Tiny Homes is working toward the development of a 10-room transitional housing project in Chatham, focused on supporting youth exiting foster care and young people experiencing homelessness.

For many youth, the transition into adulthood comes with significant challenges. Without stable housing, it can be difficult to pursue education, maintain employment, access support services, or focus on personal well-being. This project is being designed to provide a safe and affordable place to live during a critical stage of life.

Housing Designed for Stability

Each resident will have their own private room and washroom, creating a personal space where they can rest, focus on their goals, and begin building a foundation for the future.

The development is intended to provide more than temporary accommodation. It is being planned as a supportive environment where young people can experience privacy, dignity, and stability while working toward long-term independence.

Rooted in Lived Experience

This project holds special significance for Tiny Tiny Homes founder Ryan Donais, who experienced homelessness for the first time at sixteen while in foster care. Having spent nearly a decade moving in and out of homelessness, Ryan understands the challenges young people face when trying to build stability without a safe place to live.

That experience continues to inform Tiny Tiny Homes' belief that housing is often the first step toward meaningful change.

Connected to Community

The proposed development will be centrally located within Chatham, allowing residents to remain connected to employment opportunities, education, public transit, and community supports. All units are planned as 100% affordable housing, helping ensure accessibility for the young people the project is intended to serve.

Looking Ahead

The Chatham Youth Housing Project reflects Tiny Tiny Homes' ongoing commitment to creating practical housing solutions for people facing homelessness. By providing safe, stable housing for youth during a pivotal stage of life, the project aims to help create stronger foundations for the future.

Our Donors

United Way Centraide

United Way Centraide Logo

EllisDon Community Builders

Ellisdon community builders

Kenwood Drafting & Design

Kenwood drafting design

H.BYE Engineering

H bye engineering