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Monday, February 17, 2014

-tiny Houses - Gregory's Homeless Homes Project

by Christina Nellemann on February 17th, 2014. Add a Commen

Many readers of the Tiny House Blog might know Gregory Kloehn best from his Dumpster home that was featured on Inside Edition and the Rachel Ray Show. Gregory now has a new project in the works. The Homeless Homes Project, which features tiny structures built out of illegally dumped garbage and industrial waste are becoming more than an environmental stance or garbage art. These little homes are fast becoming a collaborative project between different groups who want to help shelter people who live on the streets.

homeless-shelters

With names like R2D2, Romanian Farm House, Uni-bomber Shack and The Chuck Wagon, these structures are built from pallets, bed frames, futon frames, doors, plywood, OSB, paint, packing crates, car consoles, auto glass, refrigerator shelves and anything else Gregory can find in local dumping areas around his home in Oakland. He looks for anything that has real wood, tempered glass and sturdy frames, and only purchases nails, screws, glue, paint brushes and saw blades. When a home is completed, he pushes it into the street, take a few photos and then gives it away.

homeless-shelter-gregory

“From that point on, I have no more say in it,” Gregory said. “The homes take on a life of their own. One was stolen, one was sold, one was firebombed, one is in a neighbor’s backyard with dogs living in it, the rest are still on the streets with people living in them.”

Gregory’s initial concept of these homes was not to house the homeless but came about because of some research he was conducting on homeless architecture and the various structures built by people who live on the street. He was inspired by their resourcefulness to take found objects and create homes and a livelihood from them.

“I was inspired to take these same materials back to my shop and put them together in a more permanent fashion,” Gregory said. “After about a week of collecting and building, I had a 21st century hunter/gather home, built from the discarded fruits of the urban jungle.”

homeless-shelter-window

“This sat at my studio for a number of months, just collecting dust,” he continued. “One rainy night, Charlene, a homeless woman I’ve known for some 10 years, asked if I had a tarp for her.  I told her I didn’t have one and I went back inside. As I walked past the home, it hit me, I should give her this. I ran back out and told her to come back tomorrow and I would have a home for her.  She and her husband Oscar came back the next day. I handed them a set of keys and a bottle of champagne and watched them push it down the street. It felt so good that I started making another one that same day.”

homeless-shelter2-inside

homeless-shelter-inside

Gregory’s now working on the projects with several community groups and people who come to his shop to help. The plan is to move into a larger space that can accommodate workshops and larger builds. He said his Dumpster home project taught him many lessons that he’s applying to the Homeless Homes including sticking to his original vision.

“Regardless of what others say, or what you may even say to yourself about an idea, if you think it has merit and you want to do it, you should just do it,” he said. “Don’t let petty details derail your desires, you can deal with those later, what’s important is the essence of your ideas.”

Gregory’s interest in tiny homes came from building a lot of different homes and condos over the years and realizing that the smaller projects actually made him happier.

“There is a spontaneity and playfulness in making small homes that traditional houses do not offer,” Gregory said. “It reminds me of making forts as a kid, no city planners, no architects, no crews, no bank loans, just my ideas and my hands.”

homeless-shelters-Gregory-Kloehn

Photos by Gregory Kloehn

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

White VS Brown sugar

sugar-cubes


White and brown – the two most commonly used types of sugar

As with most products with misleading name, according to the majority, brown sugar falls into the category of “brown” foods – brown rice, rye bread, etc.. Therefore more useful, harmless and it can be consumed more. So is it really?

Raw sugar is extracted from sugar cane. Her color is brownish in the formation . This is due to the presence of molasses – viscous , thick syrup , which was obtained in the refining of sugar cane, sugar beet, grapes , and is also known as a “plant ” copper .

Sugar producers handle their entire production, which leaves it white . Brown sugar is made when molasses again return to bleached sugar. Different flavors of white and brown sugar is only due to the absence or presence of molasses – white is lighter , and the brown is rich and sweet with a rich flavor . Brown sugar is a different texture and – it is more moist and granular , in contrast to the dry sand- crystalline white sugar.

click for full size

click for full size

Although many people believe the brown sugar for a healthier, the truth is that their nutritional values differ somewhat dismissive. White sugar was 99.9% pure sucrose until the brown 97% sucrose, 2% water and 1% of other compounds.

Teaspoon white sugar contains 16 calories, while the same amount of brown sugar contains 17 calories. Molasses in the brown sugar contains certain minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron, but in too low concentrations to be used by the body.

click for full size

click for full size

The final choice between the two products should not be based so much of one percent mineral content of brown sugar or one kilocalorie less white – these values are insignificant to human health. Some people prefer brown sugar because of the rich taste and color that it brings to baking , others are fans of pure taste of white sugar .

In the end , no matter which one is used , it is important not to overdo it with any of them. The recommended amount is 20-25 grams of sugar per day for men and 13-18 grams per day for women. Each svrahkosumatsiya of any kind of sugar in the raw form or sweetened foods and beverages can lead to obesity , diabetes , hypertension and other health problems.

Your Garden will not green-grow
-if you do not water it properly-