Transit Village Initiative (TVI Housing)
🚨 Executive Summary
Proposed By: Amiya Ingram
As King County faces a worsening homelessness crisis with over 17,000 people unsheltered traditional solutions can’t keep up. The Transit Village Initiative proposes a rapid-response solution by converting retired train cars and buses into micro-housing units, health clinics, job hubs, and community centers—creating an immediate, human centered village.
🏗️ Program Concept
TVI transforms decommissioned transit vehicles into a full-service micro-community:
Train Cars: Private housing units for 2–4 individuals, climate-controlled, lockable, insulated.
Buses: Converted for showers, restrooms, mobile grocery stores, clinics, laundry, and job training hubs.
Central Green Space: Safe, social area for community meals, recreation, and peer support.
🗓️ Implementation Timeline (2026–2027)
PhaseDates (2026–2027)Key ActivitiesFeasibility & Planning Jan – Mar 2026 Site approval, zoning, community inputVehicle Retrofitting Mar – Jun 2026 Insulation, plumbing,
Power retrofitsSite Infrastructure May – Jul 2026 Utility install,
Site prep, accessibility features Village Assembly Jul – Sep 2026 Deploy converted units and staff onboarding Program Launch Sep 30, 2026 Residents move in (75–100 person target)
Service Integration Oct – Dec 2026 Begin full wraparound services
First Public Review March 2027 Assessment, adjustments, expansion recommendations
💰 Estimated Budget (Pilot Year)
Item Cost Estimate Vehicle Acquisition (12 units)$180,000 ($15K each)Conversion & Retrofit $300,000Site Prep & Utilities $150,000 Staffing & Security (1 year)$500,000 Health & Support Services $400,000 Contingency & Maintenance $120,000 Total Pilot Cost$1.65 million
Funding Sources:
King County housing and transit surplus funds
Federal HUD and emergency shelter grants
Private partnerships and ESG funds
✅ Key Benefits
Fast Deployment: Units ready in 6–9 months—faster than new construction.
Sustainable Reuse: Breathes new life into public transit assets.
Dignified Living: Privacy, heating, safety, and access to services.
Comprehensive Support: Residents get shelter, food, health care, and job training on-site.
Scalable: Future villages can be built using the same model across the county.
📍 Why Trains & Buses?
Repurposed transit vehicles are:
Already weatherproof and structurally sound
Designed with modular compartments and electrical infrastructure
ADA-accessible and community familiar
Low-cost compared to building from the ground up
🌱 Long-Term Vision
Each Transit Village will serve as a launchpad to permanent housing and employment. With successful metrics, King County can scale this model to reduce chronic homelessness by 30% over the next five years, while revitalizing underused public land.
🔚 Conclusion
The Transit Village Initiative is an innovative, efficient, and compassionate solution to one of our region’s most pressing issues. By reimagining public transit vehicles as transitional homes and service hubs, King County can lead the nation in forward-thinking, human-centered housing policy.