AUGUSTA, Ga. (WFXG) - The City of Augusta will move forward with its first tiny home village aimed at helping former foster care kids.

The development will be located on Merry Street. Bridge Builder Communities says the tiny homes will be used for 18 to 25 year olds who are aging or aged out of the foster care system in the CSRA.

District 1 Commissioner Jordan Johnson says kids coming out of the foster care system need additional support.

“The cost of housing is a little too high nowadays," Johnson says. "Not only that, but, when you're dealing with the population Dr. Drumgoole is working with that's such a vulnerable population, if they don't have a place to call home, the streets will become their home and when the streets become their home, it's only a matter of time before a grave becomes their home."

The developer says there will be an adult on site, 24/7 as well as security equipment. But, the main concern for some city leaders and residents is that this is the first time a program like this has been put in place in Augusta.

Those who live nearby hope the soon to be residents will be mindful of the existing community around them.

"I'm hoping it's something that will be good for the residents that don't have a situation where it won't be something that tears away from the fabric of the community that surrounds it," says District 5 Commissioner Bobby Williams. "So,I'm hoping that this is something that can be good, hoping that in...5 years down the line, 10 years down the line, it doesn't turn in to something that we don't want in Augusta."

City leaders are hopeful this could be a gateway to building tiny homes for veterans, teachers and even law enforcement in the future.

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