South LA Man Defiantly Builds Tiny Houses For Homeless People Across LA
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Elvis Summers has been measuring, cutting and assembling tiny houses for Los Angeles' homeless for several months.
And now, he's picking up the pace in order to build 10 houses by the end of the weekend.
"We're right before Christmas, it's getting really cold, and I'd really like to get these people shelter," Summers told KCAL9's Rachel Kim.
Summers says his mission started when he saw a 62-year-old woman sleeping on the sidewalk in front of his South LA apartment.
He then built her a small house, and since then, he and other volunteers like Angelica Aparicio have built dozens, thanks to donations.
"You give someone somewhere to sleep at night, that feels like you can't even explain it. It's the greatest feeling in the world," Aparicio said.
Earlier on Friday, volunteers scrambled to get the houses built. Summers says he especially felt the need to help after the recent death of a homeless woman he knew.
"She went to sleep and didn't wake up," Summers said.
"I know that's not my fault, but she did ask me a few weeks before if I could build her and her man a house," he added.
These tiny houses are about the size of a big parking space.
They have two windows and a door that can be locked.
Summers says they may not be fancy, but they'll eventually give someone a roof over their head and a place to call home.
"These houses are a lot prettier than a busted tent and bags of garbage," Summers said.
Some Los Angeles city leaders and residents don't like these houses popping up on the streets, however.
They say the homes on wheels are eyesores and attract crime, so they have petitioned for the their removal.
Summers says until both sides can find common ground, he will keep building.
"It's mind blowing, there's so many people that need help. It just fuels me more and more," Summers added.
A GoFundMe account has been set up for people to wish to donate to the cause.
Those interested in donating can click here for the site's link.
