Rock The Block Fame Builds Homes for Utah's Homeless

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – April 28, 2026 – The glamour of reality television met the grit of real-world problem-solving last year in a dusty corner of Grantsville, Utah, culminating in a powerful display of community spirit. Capitalizing on its role as the official builder for HGTV's record-breaking sixth season of Rock The Block, local builder Hamlet Homes transformed the show's immense popularity into a tangible force for good, raising $45,000 for HomeAid Utah. The funds are a critical contribution to an innovative project providing permanent housing and a new beginning for dozens of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.

The story began on a highly-guarded, secret film set in the Worthington Ranch community. For months, four homes were built and designed under the watchful eye of HGTV cameras, drawing over 14 million viewers nationwide and becoming the network's highest-rated show. Once the competition wrapped and the celebrity designers departed, Hamlet Homes saw a unique opportunity. In May 2025, they unlocked the gates and threw a 'Rock The Block Party,' inviting the public to tour the now-famous homes. The response was overwhelming.

A 'Field of Dreams' in the Utah Desert

What was planned as a community event quickly became a regional phenomenon. To the organizers' astonishment, thousands of Utahns made the hour-long drive to the relatively remote Grantsville location, creating a scene that Hamlet Owner and VP of Marketing & Design Tami Ostmark described as being "like Field of Dreams."

"We really didn't anticipate that so many people would come," Ostmark said in a statement. "People had to park a mile away in some cases and they just walked in."

The massive turnout, covered by all four local TV stations and multiple live radio broadcasts, was a testament to the show's cultural pull. Attendees toured the four distinct homes, enjoyed food and music, and participated in a silent auction featuring over 50 items. Coveted memorabilia, including signed sledgehammers from each design team and the famous 'Goat House' from Jonathan and Jordan Knight's build, fueled competitive bidding. The collective enthusiasm translated into a $45,000 donation directly to HomeAid Utah, an organization dedicated to fighting homelessness.

Building More Than Houses

For Hamlet Homes, the event was more than a successful marketing initiative; it was the culmination of a deeply held corporate philosophy. The partnership with HomeAid Utah, where Ostmark also serves on the board of directors, represents a long-term commitment to addressing one of the state's most pressing social issues.

"At Hamlet Homes, we've always believed that what we build should do more than fill a need, it should change lives," Ostmark stated. "This project aligns with who we are at our core, creating places where people feel safe, supported, and part of something bigger. A lot of people talk about solving homelessness. This project does something about it."

This hands-on approach extends beyond fundraising. Hamlet's construction teams and trade partners have been actively involved in building homes for HomeAid's flagship project, The Other Side Village. "Our construction team and incredible trade partners have been out there doing the real work, donating time, getting their hands dirty, and building these homes from the ground up," Ostmark explained. "For our superintendents especially, it became more than a project, it is a chance to step back into the craft and be part of something meaningful."

The Village of Second Chances

The $45,000 raised is helping to construct a groundbreaking community known as The Other Side Village. Located on a 42-acre site in Salt Lake City, this is not a temporary shelter but a master-planned village of modern 'tiny homes' designed to provide permanent, supportive housing for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.

According to Preston Cochrane, CEO of The Other Side Village, the project's first phase of 56 homes is already complete, with some residents already moved in. "The goal is to reach full buildout (456 homes and full community infrastructure) within the next 3–5 years, assuming steady funding, approvals, and construction progress," Cochrane said.

The model goes far beyond providing a roof. It's a "community-first" approach that integrates comprehensive support services, including mental health care, job training, and peer support, directly on-site. The aim is to help residents rebuild their lives from a foundation of stability and dignity. The impact is already being felt by its first residents.

"From the moment I was accepted into The Other Side Village, every prayer was answered all at once," shared a resident named Rachel. Another, Candace, added: "It all changed one day at the Village Prep School when I looked around and thought, Wow! I am finally happy to be alive!"

The program helps residents reconnect with society in profound ways. "Most residents haven't held a steady job in years. Once in the Village, they get connected to employment. Now they're saving money, finding purpose, and feeling useful again," Cochrane explained. He noted that the stability has also allowed estranged families to reconnect, healing relationships that were fractured by years of instability.

A Model for a Statewide Challenge

The Other Side Village provides a vital, innovative solution within the broader context of Utah's housing crisis. According to the state's 2023 Point-in-Time count, over 3,500 people experience homelessness on any given night, a number that reflects the severe shortage of affordable housing across the region. Projects like this, which focus on permanent supportive housing, are seen by policy experts as one of the most effective and cost-efficient strategies for addressing chronic homelessness.

By providing not just a home but also a robust support network, the village addresses the root causes of homelessness, offering a scalable blueprint that could be replicated in other communities. For the residents, it's a chance to reclaim their identity and strength. "The Other Side Village has enabled me to use my voice and be strong in who I am," said Lori, a resident. Her neighbor Nate echoed the sentiment, "I have cultivated growth across all facets of being—mind, body, and spirit."

As Hamlet Homes continues to leverage its Rock The Block fame by releasing exclusive behind-the-scenes content on its website and YouTube channel, the true legacy of the show in Utah is being built far from the television cameras. It's taking shape in a village where every new tiny home represents a life changed and a community strengthened, proving that the most valuable structures are the ones that build hope.