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Take Two

San Jose to build tiny houses as temporary shelter for homeless

By Take Two Staff
Published Oct 13, 2016
Irene "Smokie" McGhee, a woman who had been sleeping on the streets in a South Los Angeles neighborhood, listens to music on the doorway of her newly built tiny home Thursday, May 7, 2015, in Los Angeles. Smokie said police told her she won’t be bothered as long as she moves the home , small enough to fit in a parking space, every three days. And the structure is so small that it wouldn’t require permits if built on private property, said Luke Zamperini, spokesman for the Building and Safety department.
Irene "Smokie" McGhee, a woman who had been sleeping on the streets in a South Los Angeles neighborhood, listens to music on the doorway of her newly built tiny home Thursday, May 7, 2015, in Los Angeles. Smokie said police told her she won’t be bothered as long as she moves the home , small enough to fit in a parking space, every three days. And the structure is so small that it wouldn’t require permits if built on private property, said Luke Zamperini, spokesman for the Building and Safety department.
(
Damian Dovarganes/AP
)

Take Two translates the day’s headlines for Southern California, making sense of the news and cultural events that affect our lives. Produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from October 2012 – June 2021. Hosted by A Martinez.

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San Jose to build tiny houses as temporary shelter for homeless

Solving a crisis of homelessness is a complicated and growing problem for cities across the country, but some suggest the solution is to think small. 

While the tiny homes movement may seem like remedy to some, others are concerned the one-room structures could prove a health and safety hazard.

So far, no California city has officially adopted the tiny home concept.  Individuals in Los Angeles have attempted to provide them but with mixed results and some have even been removed by the city. 

A new law that goes into effect in January could open the door to the possibility. The city of San Jose is now hoping to be first in the state to provide transition shelter to their homeless with the construction of tiny homes.

For more, Take Two's A Martinez spoke with San Jose's Homeless Response Manager, Ray Bramson.

The hear more, click the Blue Arrow above.