Volunteers Clamor To Help Build Micro-Homes For The Homeless In Oakland
OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- Turns out way too many people wanted to volunteer this weekend to build micro-homes for the homeless at Oakland's beloved NIMBY art space.
More than 2,400 people registered on Facebook as "interested" in attending the event at the industrial workspace in Oakland's Woodland neighborhood east of the Coliseum, while over 400 people registered as "going" on Facebook.
But the organizers, who hope to build at least three complete micro-homes for the homeless on Saturday and Sunday, said the event is at maximum capacity and that people who didn't sign up on a sign-up sheet will not be allowed in. Registering as "going" doesn't mean you're allowed in to the event, organizers said.
The Pop-Up Build Shop for the Homeless Homes Project, spearheaded by Gregory Kloehn and Vanesa Dževdetbegović, will be in full swing from 11 a.m. to sunset on Saturday and Sunday at the East Oakland art space.
Volunteers were asked to bring materials such as plywood, screws, plexi-glass, and sandpaper, as well as tools, such as saws, hammers, drills and more. Volunteers of all experience levels were encouraged to sign up.
After getting together the materials and tools, volunteers will build one-of-a-kind homes for individuals in need of shelter.
While the group has reached maximum capacity for this weekend, more pop-up building days are likely, event organizers said.
The organizers are also collecting monetary donations to buy materials for the event, here: buildhomesforthehomeless.org/donate.
A video about the project and the making of the micro-homes can be viewed here: nationswell.com/gregory-kloehn-homes-on-wheels-for-homeless
The Los Angeles Times reported Thursday that city officials have begun seizing tiny houses from homeless people in South Los Angeles. Those tiny homes are similar to the micro-homes slated for construction this weekend in Oakland.
By Hannah Albarazi - Follow her on Twitter: @hannahalbarazi.
