90 for 90 Brings Tiny Hope One Step Closer to Completion With roots stretching back nearly 60 years in St. Thomas, a project that began with a dream in Puerto Rico took another important step forward on Thursday, August 6. Doug Tarry Homes officially broke ground on its new 90 for 90 LifeARK™, an all-electric home that will be built and sold to raise at least $90,000 for the final piece of the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin’s Project Tiny Hope. For Doug Tarry, the project brings together affordable housing, innovative home construction and a very personal piece of his family’s history. “Tiny Hope began as a dream I had in 2018 while fixing roofs down in Puerto Rico, after Hurricane Maria,” Doug told those gathered for the groundbreaking. “My vision was to try and address the need to deliver a deeply affordable rental project for our community that could also be best-in-class high- performance housing.” At the heart of that vision was a simple belief: “Safe, affordable housing is a basic human right.” From the beginning, Doug knew he wanted the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin involved. While providing housing was important, he wanted Tiny Hope residents to have help in building a better future. “I wanted to partner with the YWCA specifically because they provide their client tenants with programming to help them improve their life situation,” he said. The latest project will help fund the Tiny Hope Program House, an important final component of the community. The name 90 for 90 comes from Doug’s aunt, Iris, who turns 90 this year and whose own connection to the YWCA dates back to the 1960s. At a Tarry family gathering last year, Iris began asking Doug questions about Tiny Hope. Eventually, he asked why she was so interested. Her answer provided a connection between gen- erations. Iris served on the YWCA Board of Directors and was president in 1968, when the organization faced a decision about whether to amalgamate with the YMCA. Iris strongly believed the YWCA needed to remain independent so it could continue focusing specifically on supporting women.
In a note shared by Doug, Iris recalled the young women who lived at the YWCA residence, including women coming from farming communities for their first jobs and others experiencing difficulties at home. “The residence provided a safe and home- like environment,” Iris wrote. When amalgamation was proposed, Iris believed the YWCA’s mission could be lost within the larger organization. The board ultimately voted unanimously against amalgamation. Years later, that decision helped make partnerships such as Tiny Hope possible. “Our goal is to raise at least $90,000 in support of the Tiny Hope Program House, in honour of my aunt Iris turning 90 this year,” Doug said. “We are very thankful for the opportunity to honour
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Page 6 Hometown St. Thomas • September 2026
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