Today’s Solutions: March 19, 2024

Los Angeles County has an estimated 66,000 homeless individuals, but a new initiative is helping some find housing from an unexpected source: old shipping containers. 

Recycled shipping containers can be transformed into livable spaces surprisingly quickly. Each container in the seven-unit complex has one bathroom, a kitchen, and a small front room.

The initiative is a collaboration between The People Concern, a homeless services agency, and Flyaway Homes. An onsite social worker helps connect tenants in need with newly-finished units. Given the success of the first complex, the organizations are working on completing four more throughout Los Angeles. 

Flyaway Homes’ Chief Operating Officer Kevin Hirai told CNN, “We recognize a solution is building enough permanent supportive housing rapidly at an affordable cost in order to make a difference.” The next complex, currently under construction, will include 16 two-bedroom units that house up to 33 people. 

The appeal of recycled shipping containers is not only their low cost but also their versatility. The containers can be easily moved and even stacked to adapt to tenant and community needs. The project is being funded with a $1 million grant from Los Angeles County, nearly $20 million from the city of Los Angeles, and additional private funding. 

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

Redefining masculinity: influencers lead the charge against toxic narratives

In the enormous expanse of social media, figures such as Andrew Tate have gained prominence for propagating what some refer to as "toxic masculinity." ...

Read More

The surprising human-like intelligence of the humble bee

In the wonderful world of bumblebees, a stunning discovery calls into question the idea that intelligence is entirely determined by brain size. These tiny ...

Read More

Scottish forests are the biggest they’ve been in 900 years

Scotland is a proud and iconic country, with a unique culture and landscape. Travelers from all over the world come to visit Scotland’s highlands, ...

Read More

Could this invisible label revolutionize textile recycling?

It's no secret that garments are thrown out at an alarming rate due to fast fashion and the rapid-fire cycling of trends. Furthermore, we ...

Read More