Santa Cruz guy making “micro tiny homes” for homeless

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) Alekz Londos assumed of an plan that could give people on the avenue a hotter place to sleep, and a safer region to leave their possessions. The so-identified as micro small dwelling is a box shaped device with insulation that can match just one human being with area to sleep and shop belongings.

“This is not truly addressing the issue, [of homelessness] but it’s a actually excellent band-help to the solution,” Londos stated.

Crossing the Soquel avenue bridge into Downtown Santa Cruz, you’ll see a team of tents squeezed along the railing overlooking the Riverwalk. There 1 guy sits in what appears to be like a silver box.

“I near this doorway and I’m secured,” Ken Atkins explained.

Atkins life in the to start with micro small dwelling. He’s been homeless in Santa Cruz for about 4 years in and out of shelters, but in the course of the pandemic he just wants his personal safe place. He suggests now he’s located that.

“It’s been tranquil,” Ken claimed.

Alekz Londos is the head and fingers driving the job aimed at a low price tag, environmentally helpful way to give warmth and basic safety for people on the avenue.

“Homeless folks do not essentially want a small house or a dwelling. They just want anything secure to sleep in correct now,” Londos mentioned.

Each individual device expenditures about $500 to make.

“I don’t will need a desk observed, and any type of sophisticated things. I just need the basic principles,” Londos explained.

Inside is insulated, there is a lock on the outside and wheels on the base so it can very easily be moved.

Londos hopes the strategy catches on, so other folks can replicate the plan all around the entire world.

“What kind of morals do we have if we can’t supply just the basics so they can have a safe night’s sleep?” he reported.

Londos states acquiring an spot in which these micro residences could properly and legally be is the upcoming step and would aid this thought grow.

He elevated plenty of money to construct four micro households for the pilot project, but considering the fact that he raised a minimal extra, he believed he could assistance Ken with a thing else.

The 59-12 months-aged with congestive heart failure’s wheel chair was stolen not too long ago, and a KION camera was there as Alekz brought him a manufacturer new a person.

“Look me in my eyes,” Ken explained to Alekz. “You received me a micro small property and you also introduced me friendship.”