By Marlene Hardick

On the Northside, the homeless are hidden. They may be couch surfing with friends. They may be living in a car or RV. They may live in a tent in the woods. 

Six years ago, the homeless were very visible as they camped on the hill next to Dane County Department of Human Services. Then they were forcibly evicted by Sheriff’s deputies and moved to Token Creek County Park. Then they moved again. The group known as Occupy Madison camped in 31 different places between 2011 and 2014 until it became clear that there was no place a group of homeless people could live legally. 

It was then that the idea of the Tiny House Village — named OM Village after Occupy Madison — was conceived and tiny houses were built at 304 N. 3rd St. in Madison. 

Nov. 16, OM Village held an open house to celebrate their fifth anniversary. The village currently consists of five tiny houses. Each has 99 square feet of living space. Eventually, the village will have nine tiny houses. They are arranged around a common house that contains bathrooms and showers, a small kitchen, a large workshop and sewing area, and a store.  Food and bedding plants are grown in the village greenhouse. 

Each house costs $3000 for materials and a lot of sweat equity. The framing of three of the houses was completed by students in the wood shops of East and Lafollette High Schools. Volunteers and residents completed the flooring, insulation, and electrical wiring. Electric heaters keep the houses warm. 

OM village has never received any grants or government funding. It is supported by donations and sales of products in the store and greenhouse. These products were also sold this summer at Northside Farmer’s Market. The village store will be open every day of the week until December 21. Stop in to find a special gift. 

Until December 21, the OM Village Store will be open: Saturday, 2-5pm; Sunday, 12-3pm; Monday, 4-7pm; Tuesday through Friday, 4-8pm.