Teen Becomes First To Move Into UK ‘Micro Home’ Built To Tackle Homelessness [Images]

Did you know? According to an analysis by the Heriot-Watt University for Crisis, the number of homeless people in the UK is expected to double to half a million by the year 2041. The only way to prevent this, according to the report, is for the government to take “immediate action.” Fortunately, something of the sort is happening in Britain, where 18-year-old Kieran Evans became the first to move into a “micro-home” — an abode which is part of a larger project designed to tackle the country’s homelessness crisis.

Last Thursday, Evans moved into the 186-square-feet home after it was air-lifted to a back garden of the summer. Reportedly, the structure draws inspiration from yachts and first-class airplanes. All in all, it cost £40,000 ($52,748.00 USD) to build.

Following are photos of the micro-home:

Credit: SWNS

For an entire year, Evans lived on the street. Now, he has a home in Barbourne, Worcester, and is hopeful to rebuild his life after experiencing homelessness first-hand. The project — called iKozies — is the first-of-its-kind in the world, and is being hailed as a “cure” to Britain’s homelessness problem and housing shortage.

If iKozies is successful, more micro-homes will be installed across the rest of the UK. Said Evans, who lived at a YMCA hostel before moving into temporary housing: “I’m ecstatic, genuinely so happy to have my own space. It’s like a compact luxury apartment.”

Credit: SWNS

According to the Metro UK, the project was started by the Homeless Foundation. The housing itself will be managed by the Spring Housing Association, and tenants will be responsible for paying rent, water bills in food. The goal is to teach residents how to “survive independently.” Inside the micro-home, there is a bedroom, a fully-furnished kitchen, a bathroom “module” and an entertainment area.

Credit: SWNS

Credit: SWNS

Credit: SWNS

The charity believes the accommodation will be most helpful to students, young professionals, and key workers in areas where there is a housing crisis. Said Joanne O’Donnell of the Homeless Foundation:

“Rough sleeping is just the tip of the iceberg. The biggest issue in homelessness is the plight of young homeless people who cannot afford a home and end up sofa surfing or in hostels and temporary accommodation. The iKozie will provide a home for Kieran and will hopefully help him to secure his own tenancy with a Housing Association by proving that he can live independently and sustain a tenancy.”

Credit: SWNS

Credit: SWNS

Credit: SWNS

Because the micro-homes are manufactured off-site then air-lifted into place, they can be stacked on top of each other to create sustainable communities. Commented Andrew Eastabrook of Eastabrook Architects, who designed the home:

“I believe this is a world first. ‘We think it feels really nice inside. We will be moving on to do a lot more of these. This is the proof of the concept.”

Credit: SWNS

Credit: SWNS

Credit: SWNS

Credit: SWNS

Is this a viable solution to the homelessness crisis in Britain and elsewhere? Comment your thoughts below and share this news!

h/t Metro UK