A REDDITCH charity which says it has the answer to eradicating homelessness has welcomed the first ever man into one of its iKozie Micro-Homes.
Homeless Foundation, based on Evesham Street, believes it has an innovative solution to end homelessness - believed to be the first of its kind in the world.
The iKozie Micro-Home, which measures 186 sq ft, boasts a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and even an entertainment zone.
They are inexpensive to build and can be stacked on top of each other to create a bigger community.
Shallow foundations mean they also work well on Brownfield sites.
The aim is to provide temporary accommodation to one homeless person.
Recently, 18-year-old homeless man Kieran Evans, moved into one of the homes, reportedly in the back garden of a house in Worcester.
Mr Evans said: "I’m ecstatic, genuinely so happy to have my own space, it’s like a compact luxury apartment."
The teenager was 17-years-old when he became homeless and later spent time in a YMCA hostel.
The design of the micro-home, which costs around £40,000 to manufacture, was inspired by first class airline cabins.
Joanne O’Donnell, trustee of the Homeless Foundation, said: “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."
A spokesman from the charity told the Advertiser earlier this year that they are eager to see the ambitious project roll out, starting with Redditch.
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