Christian and Alexis Stephens, a couple from Winston-Salem, N.C., are on an epic journey to demonstrate that sustainable and affordable housing is possible.
The project began when Alexis became intrigued by various tiny housing projects she had seen. After doing research, she decided to pitch the idea to her husband, Christian. He supported it, and together they went to a conference in North Carolina to get more information.
After the conference they both decided that they needed to stop talking about it and begin living it. With the help of local sponsors and support from the community, they were able to gather the materials necessary to begin creating their house on wheels. It took nine months to complete their new home.
“Tiny housing is really a great way to downsize and simplify,” Alexis stated, reflecting on her experience.
The Tiny House Expedition, the project started by Christian and Alexis, is set to take off this summer. The couple is planning to embark on a grand expedition, traveling across the country with their tiny house on wheels. They hope to document tiny house community-building projects across the nation, telling story of how each came about, the people who built the houses and how they are making a difference in their communities. Through their stories, the Tiny House Expedition aims to spark interest about the positive effects that these tiny-housing projects can bring to local communities.
Christian and Alexis will travel to various communities struggling with homelessness or in need of affordable housing. They have chosen to use a U-Haul truck to transport their tiny house on wheels.
“Thanks to U-Haul, we can now haul our tiny house with ease, which will make our journey much easier,” Alexis said.
The Tiny House Expedition has sparked much interest, thanks to local events held in various communities. From college students to grandparents, most people love the idea of tiny housing.
Not only does tiny housing help a family simplify their lifestyle, it also offers an abundance of beneficial sustainability impacts, impacts that U-Haul also takes into consideration through the Company’s Sustainability Initiatives. These housing projects help the environment by consuming less CO2: fewer materials are used, and these homes help keep energy costs down.
“Eventually I hope to move our home toward solar energy as well,” Alexis said.
Communities interested in these housing projects can help kick-start them by first identifying the problem in the community and then deciding how tiny housing can solve the problem. They can then take their solution to elected officials to work toward a solution. Alexis calls these groups of people “social entrepreneurs” and noted that state officials are willing to listen to people when they see them working in unison to create a viable solution.
If you would like to follow the Tiny Housing Expedition, their website will provide a map so that supporters can follow them along their journey. We wish them luck on their amazing journey!
Have you seen a Tiny Home or thought about living in one? Let us know!
