COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho (AP) — A nonprofit in northern Idaho is urging city officials to consider building a village of tiny houses to help keep some people warm through winter.

The Spokesman-Review reports that similar projects have been erected in Seattle and other major cities. The homes are about the size of a bedroom and will have electricity.

Gar Mickelson, the homeless outreach coordinator for Heritage Health in Coeur d'Alene, says volunteers have already built a model 96-square-foot home to help start discussions about the project.

The idea has already received support from local churches and business. However, Coeur d'Alene Police Chief Lee White says a homeless village could cause public safety concerns.

Mickelson is still looking for a possible location and is planning on holding several community meetings about the project.

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