Dome Village facts for kids
Dome Village was a special community in Downtown Los Angeles. It was a place for people who needed a different kind of home than regular shelters. The village had 20 unique dome-shaped buildings. Up to 34 people, including families, lived there.
A group called Justiceville/Homeless USA, which is a non-profit organization (meaning it doesn't aim to make money), ran Dome Village. The people living there were often involved in helping others. They spoke out about issues like homelessness, peaceful solutions, and protecting the environment.
History of Dome Village
Before Dome Village was built, the area was a shantytown. This is a place where people build simple, makeshift homes. In 1993, a dedicated activist named Ted Hayes started Dome Village. His goal was to create a stable and safe place for people who were experiencing homelessness. He wanted to offer them a more secure way of life.
The special dome homes were designed by an architect named Craig Chamberlain. He was a student of a famous designer named Buckminster Fuller. Each dome cost about $10,000. They were easy to fix and take care of. The domes were made from strong polyester fiberglass. A company called ARCO, which is part of British Petroleum, helped pay for the village.
Sadly, on August 31, 2006, Ted Hayes announced that the residents of Dome Village had to move out. They were given until October 2006 to leave. The domes were later sold online. The people who lived there moved to other shelters. They hoped to start a new Dome Village somewhere else in Los Angeles using the money from the sale.
Programs and Activities
Dome Village offered many helpful programs for the people living there. These programs aimed to teach new skills and build a strong community.
- Learning Skills: Residents could attend workshops to learn about computer literacy (how to use computers). They also got help with finding jobs and understanding legal issues.
- Creative Fun: There was a special children's theatre program for kids. There was also a community art program where people could create art together.
- Sports and Nature: The village even had two cricket teams. Residents could also join community gardening programs. These programs helped people grow food and connect with nature.
