Project Aims To Provide ‘Tiny Homes’ For Struggling Homeless Veterans
Most of the $300,000 needed for the Veterans Village is coming from a slew of local businesses and individuals. Each home is just 400 square feet, but includes a bathroom, kitchenette, bedroom and living area.
The Bakersfield Californian:
If It Works, This Tiny Homes Plan For Homeless Vets Will Likely Be Duplicated
The grassy patch of land on Covey Avenue in Oildale is mostly hidden behind a wooden fence that has seen better days. But by this time next year, the vacant lot could be well on its way to becoming home sweet home to more than two dozen homeless veterans. Think about that for a moment: They served their country yesterday. They're homeless today. They could be living under a secure roof tomorrow. (Mayer, 10/11)
In other news on the homeless crisis —
Los Angeles Times:
L.A. Prepares To Begin Crackdown On Homeless Camps, Under Fire From Civil Rights Lawyers
Outreach workers went tent to tent early Wednesday with offers of homeless services as the city launched a crackdown on encampments around a new shelter in downtown Los Angeles’ El Pueblo historic district. The city plans five-day-a-week cleanups and increased police presence in “special enforcement zones” around a network of 15 shelters it hopes to build by the middle of next year. (Holland, 10/10)
The Desert Sun:
Valley Cities Seek Emergency Funds To Combat Homelessness
Despite a slight increase in the overall number of homeless residents in Riverside County this year, homelessness remains an issue in the Coachella Valley and across the state. Coachella and Indio were among the first cities to join a valleywide effort to secure additional money to combat the problem. In response to the crisis, a law was enacted providing emergency funds to counties, supporting local efforts to fight homelessness. To compete for the $9.8 million allocated to Riverside County through the new law, SB-850, cities have to officially declare a "shelter crisis." (Mashke, 10/10)