Dome Village facts for kids
Dome Village was a special community in Downtown Los Angeles. It was a place for people who needed a safe and stable home. These people might have found it hard to live in regular shelters. The village was located at 847 Golden Avenue.
The community was made up of 20 unique geodesic domes. Up to 34 people, including families, lived there. A group called Justiceville/Homeless USA ran the village. This group helps people in need. The people living in Dome Village cared about important issues. These included helping people without homes, promoting peace, and protecting the environment.
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History of Dome Village
Before Dome Village was built, the area was a simple camp where people without homes lived. In 1993, a community leader named Ted Hayes started Dome Village. The idea was to give people a steady and safe place to live. This helped them feel more secure.
How Dome Village Started
In 1988, a song called "People In Need" was made to support Dome Village. Famous Gospel singers like Edwin Hawkins sang it. This song helped bring attention to the village. A video called "Justiceville" also showed the clearing of an earlier camp led by Ted Hayes.
Building the Domes
An architect named Craig Chamberlain designed the dome homes. He had studied with a famous inventor, Buckminster Fuller. Each dome cost about $10,000 to build. They were easy to fix and take care of. The domes were made from strong polyester fiberglass. A company called ARCO helped pay for the village.
The Village Closes
On August 31, 2006, Ted Hayes shared some news. The people living in Dome Village were asked to move out. The domes were then sold online. Residents moved to other shelters. They hoped to start a new Dome Village somewhere else in Los Angeles.
Programs at Dome Village
Dome Village offered many helpful activities for its residents. These programs aimed to teach new skills and build community.
Learning and Skills
Residents could take workshops to learn about computers. They also got help finding jobs. There were classes about legal issues too. These programs helped people gain important life skills.
Community and Fun Activities
The village had a special program called Street Without a Name (SWAN). This was a community art program. There were also two cricket teams for sports fans. Residents could work together in community gardening programs. These activities helped people connect and have fun.
