Here are some thoughts I feel that the state, counties, and cities should explore to address the homeless housing crisis. This would be cost effective, easier to implement, and help create a sense of home, not a municipal housing project costing a fortune to build or renovate. I propose a mobile home complex with a variety of units to meet individual or family needs!
I’ll try to explain:
1. Mobile homes come in various sizes and shapes with varying amenities. Single wide, double wide, and so forth. They come equipped with kitchens, baths, living rooms, bedroom or bedrooms, and storage space, depending on individual or family needs.
2. The mobile home complex could be designed so different sections allow for single individuals’ units, family units, and maybe a veterans only section.
3. The infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, gas, electricity, garbage pickup, parking) is significantly cheaper to build than for an apartment complex, converted hotel or motel, or a single housing project.
4. This complex could or should be located close to existing community infrastructure connections without major costs incurred, such as water, sewer, electricity, gas, roads, etc.
5. Within this complex, a central community facility could be located for use by the county Social Services for assessment and evaluation to address any medical or mental health issues. Multiple agencies and nonprofits could assist in providing programs on-site for an array of social or family needs.
6. We are currently trying to buy or build and convert hotels, motels, apartment complexes, or individual homes to satisfy this growing need. This approach is costing a fortune and only groups unfortunate individuals and families into a “non home” environment.
I’ve read about storage sheds being proposed or used and all the other housing methods currently being practiced. In my opinion, a mobile home complex helps to provide assistance while providing cost-effective housing, and creates a home environment, community accessibility, and most of all a helping hand to return as a valuable member or family of our community.
I know a lot of you have maybe bigger and better ideas and welcome your input in solving this problem! m
Bob Orach was a longtime Santa Maria City Council member and is currently a self-described “recovering politician.” He writes to the Sun from Santa Maria. Send a response to letters@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in May 13-20, 2021.