Beyond Shelter: How a Utah Village Is Engineering a Way Out of Homelessness

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – June 24, 2026 – Amid the scent of barbecue and the cheerful buzz of a community celebration, a pair of ribbons were cut today in Salt Lake City. On the surface, it marked the completion of two small houses. But in reality, it signified the success of a far grander blueprint—a new, systems-based approach to solving chronic homelessness.

With the final touches put on two tiny homes by local builder Hamlet Homes, Phase One of The Other Side Village is now complete. The 60-home community is now fully occupied, providing not just shelter but a comprehensive ecosystem for sixty individuals who were formerly unhoused. This milestone isn't just a win for its residents; it's a case study for civic and business leaders nationwide on the power of strategic partnerships and innovative social engineering.

A New Blueprint for Belonging

The Other Side Village is a radical departure from traditional homelessness interventions. Moving beyond the well-established "Housing First" model, which prioritizes shelter above all else, the Village operates on a "Human First" philosophy. Developed by The Other Side Academy (TOSA), the project is a master-planned therapeutic community designed to address the root causes of chronic homelessness—addiction, mental illness, and trauma.

"What I've learned is that most people don't need to be rescued—they need opportunities, relationships, purpose, and a community that believes in them," said Preston Cochrane, CEO of The Other Side Village. His vision is not about providing a handout, but a framework for rebuilding. "We are building more than housing; we are building a neighborhood where people can heal, belong, contribute, and create a future they never thought possible."

The process begins before a resident even gets a key. Prospective villagers attend a "Prep School," a stabilization program focused on accountability, life skills, and mental health. This peer-led, therapeutic culture is the bedrock of the community. Early data suggests the model is working with remarkable efficiency. Preliminary reports show that 92% of residents maintain permanent housing after one year, with similar success rates for sobriety. Perhaps most tellingly, residents see an average annual income increase of over 500% and a 75% improvement in physical and mental health indicators. The model is projected to save the public an estimated $85.2 million over 20 years by reducing the strain on emergency services.

The Power of Corporate Partnership

This ambitious social venture would be impossible without deep-rooted collaboration between the non-profit sector and private industry. The partnership between Hamlet Homes, a veteran-owned local builder, and HomeAid Utah, a non-profit that leverages the resources of the building industry, is a prime example of this new operational paradigm.

Hamlet Homes, which constructed the final two homes of Phase One, has been a partner of HomeAid for seven years. Their commitment goes beyond financial donations. Tami Ostmark, an owner and VP at Hamlet, also serves as Vice President of HomeAid Utah's board. It’s a symbiotic relationship that translates corporate expertise into tangible social impact.

"Hamlet Homes exemplifies what it means to be a community-minded builder," said Lisa Wright, Executive Director at HomeAid Utah. "Their commitment to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness reflects a belief that housing creates the foundation for stability, dignity, and hope." HomeAid Utah, which has facilitated the construction of 11 homes in the village so far, is committed to seeing the project through to its full build-out of 456 homes.

This partnership demonstrates a powerful business model. In 2025, a 'Rock The Block' party hosted by Hamlet Homes at the site of their HGTV-featured homes raised $45,000 for HomeAid. Through HomeAid's unique operational structure, those funds were stretched to help an estimated 45-50 people find transitional housing.

"A lot of people talk about solving homelessness. This project does something about it," said Ostmark. "As a builder, it was important for us to be part of a solution that focuses on long-term change, not just temporary fixes. This project aligns with who we are at our core."

More Than Four Walls and a Roof

The true measure of the Village's success is found in the lives being rebuilt within its brightly colored tiny homes. The community is designed to foster purpose. Residents staff social enterprises like The Other Side Donuts and Other Side Movers, which not only provide vocational training but also generate revenue to support the village's path to self-sufficiency.

"Most residents haven't held a steady job in years," Cochrane explained. "Now they're saving money, finding purpose, and feeling useful again." This newfound stability radiates outward, allowing residents to mend relationships long fractured by life on the streets.

The human impact is palpable. "From the moment I was accepted into The Other Side Village, every prayer was answered all at once," said Rachel, one of the first residents. Another, Candace, shared a moment of profound realization: "It all changed one day at the village prep school when I looked around and thought, wow! I am finally happy to be alive!"

This spirit of profound change inspired Hamlet Homes to add a final, unprecedented touch. The two homes they completed were not just empty structures; they were fully furnished and stocked with everything from furniture and cookware to a television. Donations were collected for six months from employees, partners, and friends.

"We have another surprise for the two residents that will move into our homes," Ostmark announced. "Literally everything they will need to start their new life... Touches of love from so many Hamlet team members, that will bring these homes to life. After all. That's what we're doing here isn't it? Saving another life."

Scaling a System of Hope

The completion of Phase One is a proof of concept. The long-term vision is an expansive, 70-acre community with over 400 homes, commercial spaces, and health services, housing more than 600 people. This vision is backed by significant public and private will. The project sits on land leased from Salt Lake City for just $1 a year, a move championed by Mayor Erin Mendenhall. The project has also secured $30 million in private donations, including from prominent local philanthropists.

With Phase Two construction slated to begin in early 2026, The Other Side Village is transitioning from a bold experiment to a scalable model. It provides actionable intelligence for leaders in other cities, demonstrating that chronic homelessness is not an intractable problem but a complex system that can be redesigned. By integrating housing, community, purpose, and strategic partnerships, Salt Lake City is building more than a village; it is engineering a pathway to a new life.