Micro communities for the homeless sprout in US cities eager for small, quick and cheap solutions
R.J. RICO and JESSE BEDAYN
Associated Press
Updated
In a dreary part of downtown Atlanta, shipping containers have been transformed into an oasis for dozens of previously unsheltered people who now proudly call a former parking lot home. The gated micro-community known as “The Melody” hardly looks like a parking lot anymore. Artificial turf i…
ATLANTA — In a dreary part of downtown Atlanta, shipping containers have been transformed into an oasis for dozens of previously unsheltered people who now proudly call a former parking lot home.
The gated micro community known as “The Melody” is shown April 12 in Atlanta. The housing complex is made from converted shipping containers and is intended to help house people from Atlanta's homeless population.
Eric Martinez sits in his room June 5 at a micro community in Denver. Martinez was directed into the micro community of small cabinlike structures after his tent encampment was swept. The community has been “very uplifting and supporting,” he said. “You don’t get that a lot.”
Thomas Peipert, Associated Press
Eric Martinez sits outside of his room June 5 at a micro community in Denver, which has opened three micro communities and converted another five hotels for people who used to be homeless.
Antonio Allen, R.A. at The Melody, speaks April 12 in his room at the Atlanta micro community. Giving each resident their own bathroom and kitchen is a crucial feature that helps set The Melody apart, the nonprofit that runs it says.
Cathryn Vassell, CEO of Partners for Home, speaks April 12 at the Melody in Atlanta, where shipping containers have been divided into 40 insulated studio apartments that include a single bed, HVAC unit, desk, microwave, small refrigerator, TV, sink and bathroom.
The gated micro community known as “The Melody” is shown April 12 in Atlanta. The housing complex is made from converted shipping containers and is intended to help house people from Atlanta's homeless population.
Antonio Allen, R.A. at The Melody, speaks April 12 in his room at the Atlanta micro community. Giving each resident their own bathroom and kitchen is a crucial feature that helps set The Melody apart, the nonprofit that runs it says.
Cathryn Vassell, CEO of Partners for Home, speaks April 12 at the Melody in Atlanta, where shipping containers have been divided into 40 insulated studio apartments that include a single bed, HVAC unit, desk, microwave, small refrigerator, TV, sink and bathroom.
Eric Martinez sits in his room June 5 at a micro community in Denver. Martinez was directed into the micro community of small cabinlike structures after his tent encampment was swept. The community has been “very uplifting and supporting,” he said. “You don’t get that a lot.”
Eric Martinez sits outside of his room June 5 at a micro community in Denver, which has opened three micro communities and converted another five hotels for people who used to be homeless.
