Bridgeton Considers Giving Homeless Small Space of Their Own
BRIDGETON — City officials are hoping a tiny place to live could be a big step in getting help for the homeless.
The city is considering building a community of six to 10 houses, each perhaps no more than 200 square feet, to help transition the homeless from struggling to survive on the street to a permanent place to live.
While plans are still being developed, Mayor Albert Kelly said moving the homeless into the tiny houses would give them a formal address, something needed for better access to social service programs. The people taking up residence in the tiny homes could get everything from treatment for drug and alcohol abuse to job training assistance, he said.
Kelly said he does not envision those living in the community getting a free ride: They could be expected to volunteer for something similar to community service, such as cleaning up city parks or streets.
“It’s not for a person to go there and continue abusing drugs or continue to abuse alcohol,” Kelly said. “They have to commit themselves to necessary services so they can be there temporarily and move on to other, more permanent housing.
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