Some may see the makeshift tents and tarps that line the streets merely as garbage or eyesores, but Gregory Kloehn sees a game plan. Inspired by the improvised shelters that homeless people craft, Kloehn, the founder of Homeless Homes from Oakland, California, decided to start making his own “mini” homes with material mainly sourced from waste. With 35 houses built and counting, these miniature houses serve as a personal form of shelter for many homeless individuals. They give the residents an area that is dry, warm, and private. Most importantly, it is a safe space they can call their own.

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  • Karla Zimmerman

    Humanity of these individuals.

  • Jane Ellen Combelic

    Wonderful to see someone doing something concrete and creative with their compassion. Wish we could see stories like this on the news every day... rather than all the awful things happening in the world. The only way forward is to reach out to each other as individuals, no matter where we live. Well done, Greg!

  • Carey

    that the homeless has a place to lay their heads down at night out of the rain and weather and that Gregory has a huge heart, he is amazing.

  • Elisabeth Price

    It's a dream - an unselfish dream come true. A surprise, a joy, and an inspiration to keep on dreaming, hoping and doing.

  • Sheri

    His genuine concern and generosity were beautiful. He had no fear and simply followed his heart.

  • Cristina

    This Guy has a great heart.. He is an example of what love and caring means . If only more people would help the homeless like he does. Well done God will give you his blessing for what you do .

  • Kathleen

    Everything~ a beautiful man with a grand design to bring shelter, dignity and love.. Jesus loves him and would say "well done, my son".. Would love to be involved in this endeavor!

  • Judy

    A real contribution to the greater good and intelligent and positive use of discarded material to stop us neglecting discarded people. All the very best to this man and others like him.

  • Norma

    Kloehn is making a positive impact on people who have been ignored. He's using his skills and creativity to make a homeless person's life better every day. And ... he's seeing homeless people who are invisible to most people, listening to their stories, and enjoying their value as human beings.

  • Anita

    Connection between him and the residents mutual respect. The joy. His kindness and good nature doing something creative he enjoyed that made such a difference and was easy to do and inspire others. Their smiles

  • Rob

    Very generous and thoughtful. I have a homeless man I see every so often at our local laundromat doing his laundry and when I do I give him a $5:00 bill or so to help out. Sometimes I see him at the doughnut shop and do the same. He usually has his bike and tag along trailer with all his possessions with him and is doing everything he can to keep himself clean and fed. It's a great thing these tiny homes are doing.Everyone should try to do a little something and our governments should try a little harder also.

  • Mimi Baker

    There are a lot of homeless people in Honolulu where I live, I an always encouraged by the ingenuity of some people who come up with solutions for permanent shelter for the homeless.

  • Maya

    Everything! not enough words to describe the lesson, the kindness, the spirit!

  • Pam

    Someone cared. Someone saw the creative resourcefulness in our homeless brothers and sisters. You cared, more than you were scared. God Bless you!

  • char

    Loved that he took their ideas and improved what he could to give them a little place they could call their own. Really liked that he took, like the homeless did, items that had been discarded and made very useful things-- HOMES -- with them.

  • Rachel

    How inspiring and amazing! You have such an incredible love for people, thanks for sharing your story Greg.

  • anita

    Beautiful. Thank you Greg for sharing love. You are making the world a better place. Sending love to you.

  • Nancy

    That someone saw a need and proceeded to fill it. For more years that I recall I have been complaining about what we Americans take to the land fill that could have many uses for those who need it. Unlike Greg I have never found a way to utilize what is being thrown away and putting it to good use.

  • Therese

    I am so inspired by Gregory's care for people who have so often been forgotten or ignored, a great counterbalance to the rhetoric of some politicians who currently show lack of compassion for the less fortunate among us, and those needing our help.

  • Harold Hollis

    A seemingly simple solution, brought about by someone who sees a serious need and cares enough to do something about it. Life changing for the people he is helping, for himself, and potentially for others who learn of his work on behalf of people who are currently homeless. It is an effort that can be duplicated anywhere! Beautiful, beautiful. People helping people. It's what we are here for.

  • Ruth O'Donnell

    I am very taken with the mutual acceptance and respect. I think that it takes a very special kind of person to do what Greg does, and he does it with such dignity.

  • Carl

    Inspiring, I thank God for people like Greg. It makes me feel loved I/all of us should be doing more for the homeless

  • Leslie

    What a beautiful and inspiring story. Seeing the connection between Greg and his homeowners is heart warming. Thanks for sharing.

  • Carolyn

    I'm inspired by anyone who helps the homeless to live in a dry shelter they can call home. Not fancy but comfortable. Greg is amazing. Bring your ideas to Dallas. This will cut through the politics and help our homeless population.

  • Carol DeLaurier

    His big heart. He is doing something wonderful for the homeless people. Fantastic!

  • Sarah Lincoln-Harrison

    Greg's clarity of vision of what might be and how it resonates with his compassion, his skills and his ability to see the resources at hand. He is, in my mind, a truly rich person and a wonderful model for his children.

  • Sharon

    Thank you for sharing your story. What a wonderful thing to be happening in a community,

  • Susana

    The beauty of bringing dignity to a misunderstood segment of our society? How can we as a people not tap into the abundance of money to help our own? Beautiful act of kindness from one caring soul!

  • Jennifer

    Wonderful! I watched this with my 7 year old son and he wants to make a house! What an inspiration. Thank you.

  • Frederick Buriak

    A great act of kindness

  • john gaal

    i have been there for 8yrs in p.a. an now am a homeless advocate in 4 states pa/nj/sc/tx for 10 yrs now i can now b reached at 806 441 8246 my god is a awesome god

  • Kathy

    The definition of compassion and loving kindness. THANKYOU!

  • loretta

    Gregory! But I wonder why the city allows people to live in these houses, when it is illegal to sleep in your car?

  • ernesto

    How about the land ? where does he built them ?

  • Suzanne

    This is true heart centred living and never doubt that one person's acts of kindness can make a difference to many.

  • Marianne

    The Whole Thing - Seva at its best....Gregory is full on living with purpose / dharmic living; it soothed me & made my heart smile ! THIS IS NEWS !!!! Why cant we have news headlines focusing on things like this?

  • Madeleine

    Now THIS is what America. IS about!

  • Rich

    such a beautiful act of self-less-ness. We should ALL be contributing in some way - whether in financial support to people like Gregory - or some other creative endeavor that helps the local population.

  • John

    The down to earth appreciation Greg has for the resourcefulness, resilience and humanity of his unhoused neighbors who now have a place to call their own.

  • Patricia

    Powerful example of the difference one person, a big heart and lots of imagination can do. Very inspiring and hopeful ----

  • Eileen McDargh

    Los Angeles County could use his skill...He is a great example of seeing more there that meets the eye.

  • Laura

    Kloehn is an inspirational example of unconditional love. The capacity to give and provide to those whom society has forgotten, is priceless!

  • Kare

    People are so cool! Greg, you're an inspiration.

  • Deepak

    Gregory has a heart full of love , compassion and empathy for all beings . So much learning .

  • Jeffrey Farrar Dean

    It's nice when You see Kindness

  • Lynne

    I loved the respect he has for the people he is working with - also, it's great fun to watch him as he finds things to use in his work - SO inspiring. thank you!!!

  • DiCanada

    Great stuff. The guy is down to earth, not patronizing to the people he suppoert, has fun. What a stellar human being. Now, what can be done for tiny homes and heat and insulation for a Canadian Winter?

  • Teresa

    Greg shows us we can help one another.

  • Susan

    My father was a contractor and made a fortune. I and my brothers have a foundation to support homeless people. I like this guy's ingenuity! Thanks so much!

  • Vicky

    It's all about love and connecting. Growing up I always heard "Don't take things for granted, we are all just one paycheck short of homeless". I am grateful for even the small things. Thank you for what you're doing.

  • rishav

    creativity

  • Kristin Pedemonti

    Thank goodness for human beings like Kloehn who cares and takes action. Tiny houses created out of found materials is so ingenious. And how he incorporated knowing this community as human beings and learning from them as well as creating living structures. Wow, fantastic! Thank you! Look what we can do when we care, listen, learn and do! <3 Hugs from my heart to yours!

  • Cheryl Nimtz

    I was homeless 20 years ago. I'm moved to tears.

  • tiffany

    Love ♡

  • Cindy

    Wow, so impressive from every standpoint. Kudos to Mr. Kloehn.

  • rupert

    what an amazing man with so much talent and such compassion for the homeless men and women, bless him :)

  • Carolyn

    I have always been fascinated with tree houses, play houses, sheds etc because I just love the security and solace that comes from being in a small, quiet space away from the often ickiness of this world. What Greg is doing for his new friends goes beyond fun and recreation to the protection and survival from both physical and emotional stresses. A place to just be and allow your mind the time to figure out what to do next. What a wonderful thing to do BUT I think his most important message is take the time to get to know people...homeless, black, brown, old etc. Wow!

  • Page 1

  • Learn more about Homeless Homes.
  • Tiny houses are not just used by homeless individuals.
  • The cost of compassion cannot be measured. Show it to everyone, and especially to those for whom kindness will restore their dignity.

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