In February, a first-of-its-kind "Tiny Home Village" opened its doors to people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. Months after the initial opening, residents are generally positive about their experiences despite the many rules at the North Hollywood property.
The Chandler Blvd. property is made up of 39 individual homes. Each unit includes space for two beds, but during the pandemic they will only house one person unless they are a couple or related. The shelters also come with three meals a day, according to Ken Craft. Craft is the founder and CEO of Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, which operates the site.
“When I first got here, there were 20 people, and now there’s a lot more,” said Samuel, one of the residents who declined to give his last name.
The village has a strict 10 pm curfew in place, metal detectors, 24-hour surveillance and a policy of searching residents every time they return. Residents are also not provided with their own keys. LA county and city provided housing to those in need during the pandemic through Project Roomkey and faced criticism from members of the homeless community who said the rules were too severe.
But there are those who choose to stay at the Tiny Home Village even with the rules, “Better than being on the streets I would say,” said Samuel.
LA City Councilmember Paul Krekorian represents the North Hollywood area where Tiny Homes Village is located. He says the shelter's cost is about $68,000 per bed and with 75 beds – that’s more than $5 million total. Even so, Krekorian says that is less than the average congregate shelter facility.
He also described finding the right balance between rules that ensure staff and residents’ safety and getting people into the homes.
“There are rules, yes, we don't want those rules to be so strict that people decline the opportunity,” said Krekorian.
Since the first village opened in February, Hope of the Valley has opened a second location in North Hollywood, the Alexandria Park Tiny Home Village. Two additional villages are planned for Tarzana and Reseda.
