(VitalNews.org) – Micro-communities of all sorts are popping up left and right across the country to combat homelessness and create neighborhoods for them.
In Atlanta, a part of town has been transformed by shipping containers that have been turned into homes for previously unsheltered people. The gated micro-community is called The Melody and it consists of areas where artificial turf is spread across the asphalt in parking lots. People have added potted plants and chairs to resemble a real neighborhood that even has a dog park.
These shipping containers have been divided into forty insulated studio apartments which are fully equipped with a bed, desk, HVAC unit, small fridge, microwave, TV, sink, and a bathroom. Just recently the residents from The Melody were seen chatting together around a table.
Cynthia Diamond, a 61-year-old former line cook who is in a wheelchair and used to be homeless, spoke out about what a difference this has made for her. “I’m just so grateful,” she said, “I have my own door key. I ain’t got to worry about nobody knocking on my door, telling me when to eat, sleep, or do anything. I’m going to stay here as long as the Lord allows me to stay here.”
Homelessness is a growing issue within many United States cities and officials have been racing to find housing options and solutions. Officials believe that micro-communities like this provide stability to homeless people and can effectively put these residents on a path to acquiring a real home.
Denver is another city that has opened three micro communities now and five hotels for people who used to be homeless. In Austin, they’ve created three villages full of “tiny homes” that are being used by those who used to be homeless.
Said the Mayor of Denver, Mike Johnston, “Housing is a ladder. You start with the very first rung. Folks that are literally sleeping on the ground aren’t even on the first rung.”
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