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Homeless Chateau

Homeless Chateau published on 4 Comments on Homeless Chateau

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Artist James Westwater, who does the Plywood Chateaux, has created a “Homeless Chateau”. I thought it might be insulting to the homeless and their advocates to write this post the same day I link to the story of a homeless teen. The Homeless Chateau is, at the moment, a work of art and not an actual shelter. It’s conceivable though, that it could be used for the homeless.

I asked James if this is just art for art’s sake. Here’s his response:

“The main question I have always had, and was recently raised by a blogger on Core77, is should I do this “for real.”  He seems to think yes.  But according to Kevin–The Homeless Guy–Barbieux, (sort of a technical adviser on the project) the issue is not finding people to design and build solo shelters, but convincing municipalities to allow them.

The Homeless Chateau is conceived as an indoor shelter, so, in theory, just needs a willing landlord with an unused space.  On the other other hand, this could be tough sell, due to the mental illness, alcoholism and other chemical dependencies that often accompany homelessness, not to mention fire regulations and such.”

I asked if proceeds of his sales would go to the homeless and his reply was “Proceeds?  That would imply sales, darling.” Ok, fair enough.

Homeless Chateau, 2008, is a prefab one person living module, measuring approximately 4 x 8 x 4 feet and made from FSC certified and recycled materials. It can be knocked down, transported flat, and erected  once again with just a screwdriver. It’s fully self-contained, including a bed, cooking facilities and a toilet . I believe that porta-potty has been recycled from the renovation of James’ home.

“Beacon Artist” is the spankin’ brand new Westwater blog.

4 Comments

I will give the Homeless Chateau prototype to a benefactor who can provide a safe, warm, dry space in which to park the Chateau and ensure that a homeless individual will benefit from it.

I am also considering a sponsorship program where benefactors would pay $500 per Homeless Chateau, to cover materials and fabrication costs. Others would donate transportation of the Chateaux and donate spaces in which homeless people could live in the shelters.

Plywood Chateaux can also be easily “cloned” at remote locates, i.e. I don’t have to make them, and they don’t have to be transported from Beacon, NY. The materials are basic, standardized and readily available almost anywhere.

I would encourage other people around the country to build Homeless Chateaux and urge their local municipalities and landlords with appropriate vacant spaces to donate those spaces for homeless individuals to live in the Chateaux.

On the other hand, there are plenty of homeless people who are perfectly sane, not alcoholics, etc. I liked the original idea of “Chateau for a Homeless Artist” because it was more specific to J’s “peeps,” who when they’re not bankrolled by parents, partners, benefactors or galleries (as if!) often struggle to make ends meet and need a safe place to crash while they make their art. A good friend of ours finally left this country for Argentina because he got so worn down by things here (and because living out of your van in Colorado can get awfully cold in the winter).

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