Dignity Village

[IronRanger]

Here's an article from TinyHouseDesign about Dignity Village, a homeless community "allowed" by the local government.  I say allowed, because I think shelter's a basic human right protected by the Constitution. 


http://www.tinyhousedesign.com/2009/10/10/dignity-village-a-success-story/

There is much written about the origins and governance of this community on wikipedia and the Dignity Village website but I wanted to point out two very important aspects of communities like this that may go unnoticed.

Empowerment is powerful stuff – The first is that by allowing people the freedom and space to find solutions to their own problems their spirits are reinvigorated amplifying a sense of hope and pride in each individual. This opportunity of empowerment in itself can wipe away the biggest road blocks and allow people to rise up and take back their lives. Often all society needs to do is get out of the way.

Better for everyone – The second is that communities like these can be successfully self-governed, safe, and even a valuable additions to the community. It's also arguable that villages like this could help people get back on their feet faster simply because it's easier to succeed in a safe and nurturing environment.

The Dignity Village website:  http://www.dignityvillage.org/content/

[Sassy]

That was interesting looking at all the little shelters people have built for themselves.  Thanks for posting!   

[Virginia Gent]

If only more homeless/less fortunate people were allowed to do such a thing.

Perhaps cities, nationwide, could get together and designate, in a fair manner*, unused city land for those who are homeless. I'm sure the city would love to have less garbage to deal with, IE things like wooden pallets and 2x4s and other things that could be used in the homemaking process.

*Fair is the key word, and is what would, most likely, be highly contested on both sides of this coin.

[IronRanger]

That was interesting looking at all the little shelters people have built for themselves.

Yup, it's interesting the things people will do for themselves when allowed. 

Perhaps cities, nationwide, could get together and designate, in a fair manner*, unused city land for those who are homeless.

This is what I was thinking too.  Herding them along to other places and eventually underground doesn't work- if people are allowed community, outreach programs and law enforcement know where they are to assist and patrol.  Sounds win-win to me.

[glenn kangiser]

The new Mayor made a big public show on TV and all of closing the Fresno homeless camp and moving the last resident to a motel.

That was the show.  This is reality.  She closed only the one the city operated.  There are still tons of people in camps all over the Southwest railroad area and the group is growing.  Yesterday it appeared that there are more families there.  This pix is from a few weeks ago.

[John Raabe]

Thanks for this interesting post. "Homeless" is a growing demographic.

Here is a link to the free plans for an 8'x8' "Tiny House" like the one shown in IronRanger's first link.

http://www.tinyhousedesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/8x8-tiny-house-plans-v3.pdf

[glenn kangiser]

There is an area like that down there also.  If I don't already have a pix on my camera I'll try to get one next time I am there.

It is by a private charity with lots of rows of little houses.

[poppy]

Interesting thread.  Kind of makes me think more about the discusion on another thread about noncode cabins.