They say a man's home is his castle and for one man, his castle can be found on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Wilton Place.
The man, who goes by the name 'Q' is an Army veteran, construction worker, and bike repairman. He's also been experiencing homelessness since the pandemic.
But not anymore.
In a move of ingenuity and determination, he's built himself a tiny house on wheels, ensuring he'll never be homeless again.
Home Sweet Home: How One Homeless Man Worked to Empower Himself
Determined to change the narrative around being homeless, Q constructed the home using old wood tossed away from construction sites and help from DIY YouTube videos.
“I feel good,” Q told Fox11. “I feel like I’m, you know, kind of being an example for people that’s in my situation. Letting them know that just because you are living on the streets doesn’t mean that you have to just let go of everything.”
His home is complete with an electric generator, hanging potted plants, and even a tapestry around the front door. It's also transportable.
For Q, who is originally from Kansas, the wooden house represents more than just a roof over his head. It symbolizes a sense of freedom, empowerment, and control over his circumstances. Things that are often stripped away from those battling homelessness.
And while the city did offer him temporary housing, he refused, saying that the options are like "concentration camps" and he prefers "a makeshift home over a temporary stay at a hotel."
Because it's not just about having a place to sleep; it's about creating a space that is his -- a place he can call home.
The Struggles of the Homeless Population
Homelessness has been a longstanding issue in Los Angeles where it sits in stark contrast to the glitz and glamor of Hollywood.
According to the most recent statistics, there are nearly 42,000 homeless people in Los Angeles, and 69,000 homeless in L.A. County.
The city's high cost of living, lack of affordable housing, and mental health challenges have contributed to this crisis. Despite efforts by various organizations and the city government to provide shelters and assistance, many homeless individuals find themselves living in dire conditions with limited access to basic amenities.
Something Q was determined to change for himself.
While Q may not have the funds to buy himself a house or pay an exorbitant price in rent, he does have the power to refuse to let adversity define his life. By constructing his tiny wooden house on wheels, Q not only gave himself permanent shelter but also a sense of achievement, pride, and dignity.
"I don't even consider myself homeless," he said.
Creating a Home and Inspiring Others
Not everyone was as thrilled by his home as he was, however. The local reaction was mixed. While some people complimented Q on his innovation, others complained about it being parked on a public sidewalk.
He has since moved to an undisclosed location.
So often in life, we allow ourselves to be defined by our circumstances. But we are so much more than the situations we find ourselves in.
Q refused to be defined by his homelessness. Rather than let it defeat him, he used his creativity and resilience to flip the script. He hopes that his actions can "send out a positive message to other homeless people."
It is after all, by empowering ourselves that we can empower others.
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