LUXURY shelters for the homeless?

August 19, 2021

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3 min read

Alexandria Park Tiny Home Village in Los Angeles is a development of 103 micro units that serve as temporary homeless shelters. They offer people and families a safe and dignified place to live before they transition to permanent housing.

Introduction

Pallet Shelter, a Seattle-based social purpose company, designed the modular units, each measuring 8′ by 8′. These units feature a simple, steel frame and lightweight insulated panels, available in varying thicknesses. The components can be conveniently flat packed for easy storage and transportation, with up to 30 shelters fitting on a single truck. Assembling these units is a breeze, as they do not require a foundation thanks to their in-built sub-structure, and they can be put together in less than an hour using minimal tools.

Characteristics

Safety and durability are paramount, as the units can withstand winds up to 110 miles per hour, snow loads of 25 lb/ft2, and temperatures as low as -40°F. Any damaged panels can be easily swapped out for new ones. Additionally, the units can be connected to the city’s power grid, a generator, or solar panels. Inside, the units are utilitarian yet purposeful, providing space to sleep two people while allowing for storage under the bed and on shelving units. Safety features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide monitors, egress doors, and fire extinguishers are also included.

The Alexandria Park Village was constructed within a remarkable 13 weeks, showcasing the efficiency of the Pallet Shelter design. These temporary shelters are quickly deployable during emergencies, offering individuals and families a three-month stay before they move on to permanent housing. The units are easy to clean, maintain, and set up on any flat land, making them ideal for spaces left unused, such as areas near highways.

Concerns

While the Alexandria Park Tiny Home Village is an inspiring endeavor, there are some concerns worth addressing. The choice of gaudy, childish colors for the units has raised questions about the need for a sense of anonymity and ownership among residents. Encouraging residents to take part in building or community projects, even for a short period, may foster a greater sense of belonging and responsibility.

Additionally, the lack of vertical density in the design has driven up the cost per unit significantly. Increasing the number of units that can fit comfortably on a site could lead to a more cost-efficient project. Although Hope of the Valley, one of the organizations behind the project, faces criticism, their unique “Tiny Home Sleep-over” approach aims to engage the community and gain support.

As for the cost, the project’s total expenses raise concerns, as it appears that the funds allocated do not align proportionately with the value of the units themselves. This trend is not isolated to this project alone, as similar issues are seen with other initiatives aimed at housing the homeless in California. Delays and inflated budgets have resulted in a lower-than-expected number of people being housed.

Conclusion

While the mission to help those in need is commendable, there is a growing need for accountability and efficient use of taxpayer dollars in such projects. It is crucial to address these concerns and find effective solutions that prioritize both the welfare of the homeless and responsible financial management. As citizens, we must be vocal about holding the government accountable and seeking transparency in the allocation of public funds.