Small, sustainable houses are a growing trend in America as a way of saving space and energy costs. But some people are taking the idea to help others in need. Some skilled carpenters, like Los Angeles resident Elvis Summers, have taken it upon themselves to construct these tiny houses as places of refuge for the homeless.
Elvis has crafted over 40 of these dwellings and given them to homeless individuals as warm, safe places for them to live and sleep. As he puts it, they are a hand up and not a hand out. The little houses he has built are basic, one room, constructions that cost very little, but are outfitted with basic amenities that take away much of the stress of being on the streets. These peaceful and well-built rooms, for the homeless persons to call their own, lifts their spirits and helps set them back on track.
Elvis has also employed the help of a 5th grade class in the building of another tiny house in order to teach them carpentry skills and give them an idea of what it is like to help others and do something to address the growing problem of people becoming homeless. Others are catching on to the trend, and the building of these kinds of sustainable houses for homeless, struggling veterans, and people trying to get back on their feet have become an option to help these individuals.
