The Dome Village, a project of Justiceville/Homeless USA, is a non-profit organization which offers a structural alternative for homeless people unable or even unwilling to live in traditional shelters or return to the "mainstream" life style.
The domes themselves and the actual village arrangement is utilized as a stabilizing tool to provide basic, affordable, transitional housing which is non-threatening to the chronic homeless person nor to the local neighborhood.
Dome Village has created a positive and innovative approach to housing homeless people and achieves the goals of alleviating homelessness as it reduces urban blight and decay in our city.
Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, the Dome Village was founded by homeless activist Ted Hayes in 1993.
It has transformed an unsightly encampment site into a community of formerly homeless people who have become productive, industrious and responsible.
The Dome Village is comprised of 20 Omni-Sphere domes which provide housing and supportive service for up to 34 individuals and family members.
It is to be especially noted here that the Omni-Sphere dome was designed by Mr. Craig Chamberlain, a Vietnam Veteran; student and personal friend of the late Buckminster Fuller.
The Dome Village is often able to assist individuals who have shunned or been unsuccessful in traditional programs for the homeless offered elsewhere.
While its true that a variety of programs for the homeless are available, most have fallen short of providing long-term impact on the problem, unable to meaningfully engage individuals in activities which can alter the course of chronic hard-core homelessness.
The Dome Village’s philosophy of self-governance, responsibility, productivity, volunteerism and respect for individuals and the community right where they are, allows avenues for homeless people to seek empowerment and make a break from the chronic cycle and psyche of homelessness. |
