I was searching for a good Thanksgiving-related story to share with you on this blog when I came across this incredible act of kindness two organizers showed a houseless woman living in a tiny house down in San Francisco. These are fellow organizers in the same professional association I belong to. Here’s the story:
Several weeks ago, Amanda Kovatanna joined Debra Baida, NAPO-SFBA (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals-San Francisco Bay Area) on a pro bono organizing consultation for a new resident of a tiny house in San Francisco. This was not just any tiny house but an all-volunteer built Transitional Sleep and Storage Shelter that is part of a pilot program of Saint Francis Homeless Challenge.
The client was a homeless woman who had timed out of one of the city’s Navigation Centers. Rather than going back to the street while she awaits more permanent housing, she has the dignity of a roof over her head, a lock on her door, and an incredibly supportive volunteer neighborhood-integration support team. She is the first transitional resident to be hosted by a property owner, Impact Hub SF, and she has 24/7 access to a full bathroom and kitchen located in their Mission District building.
In addition to having an insightful and powerful experience with the client, Amanda and Debra provided organizational design ideas to improve the cozy 5′ x 8′ x 8′ interior that will likely be integrated as standard features for future tiny homes built through this program. They used Sterilite-like plastic drawers and an array of basic small, medium, and large lidded plastic storage bins to help outfit the tiny home. The organizers used these kinds of organizing products because they can be utilized in and moved from a tiny home to an apartment. Additionally, they help individuals maintain a sense of order and control when they transition. Both Amanda and Debra plan to stay involved with SFHC as need for their skills and expertise arise.
What a great idea these organizers had! It makes me wonder if a similar organizational set-up would help the residents of Portland’s experimental Kenton’s Women Village in North Portland. I think I might look into this … Happy Thanksgiving everyone!