Elvis Summers took it upon himself to start a GoFundMe campaign last spring so he could build tiny houses for homeless people in Los Angeles to live in. But LA officials are not taking the act of kindness well, an article in NPR by Anna Scott reported.
The article explained that Summers gave out 37 tiny 6- by 8-foot houses, which cost $1,200 each to build. (Check the article for photos)
But LA officials are not as enthusiastic about the tiny homes.
From the article:
"Unfortunately, these structures are a safety hazard," says Connie Llanos, a spokeswoman for LA Mayor Eric Garcetti. "These structures, some of the materials that were found in some of them, just the thought of folks having some of these things in a space so small, so confined, without the proper insulation, it really does put their lives in danger."
More from the article:
Willie Hadnot lost his tiny house when the city confiscated it.
"About my house, you know, you know I had a peace of mind," he says. "I could shut the door, go lay down, quiet. And that's what I miss a whole lot, man. I don't want to start crying."
For now, Summers said he is handing out tents instead.