Current Solutions

Video description:

A new transitional housing known has tiny homes has become the new solution to end/prevent homelessness in Los Angeles. It is a pathway for permanent housing.


Each tiny house is 64 square feet and comes with heat, air conditioning and built-in beds. Each resident is someone who was once a member of the unhoused community.

Picture Description: A village of the tiny homes

Picture description: A village of the tiny homes from birds eye view

Hope of the Valley Rescue

All tiny home villages are operated by the nonprofit Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission in partnership with the Los Angeles City , which helps clients:

  • get back on their feet as they seek permanent housing.

  • provides support from a staff on call 24/7

  • caseworkers to help with such basics as job applications or securing benefits.

  • Hot meals are provided and residents have access to a communal laundry, showers and restrooms.

Picture Descriptions: A bed in one of the tiny homes.

Rules

The village does have rules such as:

  • no weapons or drugs allowed on campus

  • paraphernalia must be checked at a locker outside.


Hope of the Valley says residents live in the homes for free and can stay as long as:

  • they are on a pathway to permanent housing, which counselors estimate takes 3 to 6 months.


"I'm one of the lucky ones," he said, "because a lot of people (addicts) died."


Todd Dumanski on the right

Photo taken on Paul Vercammen, CNN

Dumanski, 36, said he once had a large net worth of well over a million dollars by founding a vitamin and supplement company in the Philadelphia area but he said business misfortune and his drug use eventually put him on the streets after a move to Los Angeles.

Now, Dumanski lives in a tiny home less than a mile away, with little more than his bed, toiletries and a huge water jug with a handle that he lifts to add to his workouts.