Homelessness is a real problem in our society. It’s tough on anyone who has to experience it, at any time of the year, but for people with nowhere to go when the weather turns cold, it can be deadly.
There are programs, but we all know that times are tough and resources are stretched thin.
Which is why these stories about individuals who have the time, funds, talent, or expertise to help – and actually do it – strike straight to the heart.
Image Credit: GoFundMe
Carpenter Khaleel Seivwright, like all of us, is concerned about the troubles so many people are having as a result of Covid-19.
With another Canadian winter bearing down, he wanted to do something to help – so he gathered extra materials from his various finished projects, then designed and built his very first tiny home.
His offering is simple, just a large, rectangular box that’s insulated with fiberglass. It’s on wheels and guaranteed to keep people warm enough in temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Image Credit: CBC
Once completed, Khaleel delivers the shelters to anyone in need, no questions asked and at no charge.
“It just seemed like something I could do that would be useful because there’s so many peoples staying in tents.
I’ve never seen so many people staying outside in parks, and this is something I could do to make sure people staying outside in the winter could survive.”
He’s doing it even though the city of Toronto has expressed its displeasure, preferring people stay in shelters instead due to concerns like fire hazards (they say).
Khaleel knows it’s not a permanent solution, but he figures that doing something is better than watching people die out in the cold. Shelters are full, and even with the additional 500+ beds the city plans to add, the need will likely be greater.
Image Credit: CBC
“This is what I know how to do, this is what seems to be viable, so I’m going to continue to do this.”
Amen, sir. May we all have such courage of conviction to apply our talents when and if they’re needed.
The tiny houses cost Khaleel about $1k and 8 hours of labor. If you want to contribute to his cause, he’s set up a GoFundMe for others to help.
