NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Over the last few weeks, we’ve talked about the “tiny house” for the homeless. Now the home is finished, and today was move-in day!
News with a Twist Reporter Kenny Lopez met the new homeowner.
Last night David slept under the bridge, but today he is no longer homeless!
“This house isn’t the biggest, but it’s the most comfortable and for someone who’s been living on the streets, I feel like its a big step up,” David said.
David became homeless after a family dispute.
“You see, my mom and died died. My sister took over the home and she wanted everybody out, so I was the first one she kicked out,” he said.
For the past three weeks, volunteers with the organization, “Never Homeless Again,” built this 10-foot by 6-foot tiny home – the size of a parking space – in the parking lot of the Harry Tompson Center.
“The big picture is that Never Homeless Again, the organization responsible for this tiny home, wants to acquire a piece of property where they can locate 20 of these tiny homes,” Vicki Judice, executive director of the Harry Tompson Center, said.
This solar-powered home has everything David needs, like a laptop, a futon bed, fans, a way to use the bathroom, and a shower!
“I’m very grateful. I can now sleep with both eyes closed now, instead of one eye, because life on the streets is tough,” David said.
David was selected to live in this tiny home by staff at the Harry Tompson Center. There were about 20 homeless applicants.
“We really need more affordable housing in New Orleans. The shelters are full, and the rents keep going up. This project is helping to fulfill the needs of the homeless. This is a very exciting project,” Judice said.
This “tiny home” will stay in the parking lot of Harry Tompson Center for about a month, and then it will move to an undisclosed private property. The home cost about $2,000 to build. It was funded by private donations.
Haiyan Kahn with Never Homeless Again spearheaded the project. For more information on Never Homeless Again, click HERE.
