Providing Safe and Mobile Homes for Working Homeless Families

Julie Akins, a freelance journalist based in Ashland, Oregon, embarked on a life-changing journey in August 2016. She spent two years living among homeless people and chronicling their stories for her book, “One Paycheck Away.” While on this journey, Akins discovered families who were finding shelter in old school buses. Intrigued by their resourcefulness, she decided to convert retired school buses into comfortable and livable spaces with kitchens and bathrooms for working homeless families.

“They want to have a place to live that is their own, that’s safe — and they want to be mobile, so they can get better jobs,” says Akins.

A Cost-Effective Solution

This project, known as Vehicles for Changes, was launched by Akins about 18 months ago. The first family moved into a converted school bus, dubbed as a “Skoolie,” about nine months later. Alex Daniell, an experienced tiny house builder, believes that refitting retired school buses is more cost-effective than building tiny houses from scratch.

By repurposing these buses, the project minimizes costs and allows for easier mobility. Families can relocate to areas with better job opportunities without the hassle of hauling their homes on a truck.

Changing Lives, One Bus at a Time

David Flood, a substitute teacher pursuing a master’s degree, and his family fell behind on their rent and became homeless. They lived in a tent and their car before finding refuge in a converted school bus provided by Vehicles for Changes. Their new home, lovingly referred to as the “Yellow Submarine,” has significantly improved their quality of life, reducing stress and providing stability.

The Flood family is planting an organic garden beside their bus, creating a sense of community wherever they park. Their story is just one example of how this project is positively impacting the lives of working homeless families.

Expanding the Project for Greater Impact

Akins aims to increase the number of converted buses to five per year by raising more funds and awareness. With the help of volunteers, community groups, and artists, the project can continue to provide safe and comfortable homes for families in need.

The long-term vision is to develop a design that can be replicated by other organizations across the country, preventing families from being torn apart and ensuring children stay in school.

By repurposing retired school buses, this innovative project offers a solution to the housing crisis faced by working homeless families. It provides them with a place of their own, a safe environment, and the ability to pursue better job opportunities.