One guy with a knowledge of construction, an art degree and a big heart is helping the disadvantaged in his town by building mobile mini houses for the homeless. Greg Kloehn, a 43-year-old from Oakland, California, became intrigued by the ingenuity of men and women sleeping rough after starting work on a book about homeless architecture. Seeing the plight of those in his own neighbourhood, Greg decided he would put his skills to good use and change the lives of as many as he could, one brightly-coloured shelter at a time. Now his idea has snowballed, with volunteers pledging their time and skills to the newly-launched Homeless Homes Project.
Greg, who honestly points out that his initial motivation was purely professional curiosity, started out collecting the materials that homeless people themselves use for their makeshift shelters. That meant trawling skips and tips for the expected supplies (offcuts of wood, doors, OSB), but also the less obvious, such as trolley casters, refrigerator shelves and car windscreens. A week of building in his workshop later, the first house was ready, but it sat gathering dust for a few months until a chance encounter with a homeless woman Greg had known for a decade.
Charlene called by to ask if Greg had a spare tarpaulin. He replied that he didn’t but that if she returned tomorrow, she could have a house instead. Charlene came back the next day with husband Oscar, and together they wheeled away their new home, along with a complimentary bottle of champagne.
Seeing the difference a week’s work and some junk could make to another’s life, Greg decided he wanted to build some more, and he did. Around 10 of his individual creations are now dotted around Oakland; they have to be made mobile as the authorities move the occupants on every few weeks. The homes all have a touch of individual flair, too, with vivid colours preferred, and Greg gives them all names, like R2D2, Uni-bomber Shack and The Tank. The designs are driven by the materials that Greg and his growing team of helpers can find, and the donations of local businesses who have also got involved. The operation has now outgrown Greg’s studio, and the project is in need of a new work site, as well as any kind of help from others who wants to get on board.
In addition to the altruistic side to his house-building, it has been a thought-provoking experience for Greg from a creative point of view. He has long been interested in small homes, the feeling they evoke in comparison to standard ones, and the possible impact DIY living could have on the future.
“Tiny houses are striking a number of cords in our society,” he explains. “They are not just homes but are fast becoming a lifestyle option. They are usually cheaper than regular homes, giving more people the opportunity of ownership. By skipping the traditional 30-year mortgage, perhaps the tiny home movement could even reshape the way we think about work and what we want to accomplish with our lives.”
To get involved with the Homeless Homes Project, visit the website where you can pledge time, money or materials, as well as keep up to date with the workshop calendar through a newsletter.
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