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Micro communities offer homeless Americans safe shelter in growing number of cities

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Micro community opens in Overland Park neighborhood


Micro community opens in Overland Park neighborhood

01:56

In a dreary part of downtown Atlanta, shipping containers have been transformed into an oasis for dozens of previously unsheltered people who now proudly call a former parking lot home.

The gated micro community known as “The Melody” doesn’t look like a parking lot anymore. Artificial turf is spread across the asphalt. Potted plants and red Adirondack chairs abound. There’s even a dog park.

The shipping containers have been divided into 40 insulated studio apartments that include a single bed, HVAC unit, desk, microwave, small refrigerator, TV, sink and bathroom. On a recent afternoon, a half-dozen residents were chatting around a table in The Melody’s smoking area.

Housing Micro Communities
The gated micro community known as “The Melody” is a housing complex made from shipping containers.

John Bazemore / AP


“I’m just so grateful,” said Cynthia Diamond, a 61-year-old former line cook who uses a wheelchair and used to be chronically homeless. “I have my own door key. I ain’t got to worry about nobody knocking on my door, telling me when to eat, sleep or do anything. I’m going to stay here as long as the Lord allows me to stay here.”

Faced with years of rising homelessness rates and failed solutions, city officials across the U.S. have been embracing rapid housing options emphasizing three factors: small, quick and cheap. Officials believe micro communities, unlike shelters, offer stability that, when combined with wraparound services, can more effectively put residents on the path to secure housing.

Sprouting across nation

Denver has opened three micro communities and converted another five hotels for people who used to be homeless. In Austin, Texas, there are three villages of “tiny homes.” In Los Angeles, a 232-unit complex features two three-floor buildings of stacked shipping containers.

“Housing is a ladder. You start with the very first rung. Folks that are literally sleeping on the ground aren’t even on the first rung,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, sitting in one of the city’s new micro communities that offer tiny, transitional homes for that first rung.

More than 1,500 people have been moved indoors through the program, with over 80% still in the housing as of last month, according to city data. The inexpensive units are particularly a boon for cities with high housing costs, where moving that many people directly into apartments wouldn’t be financially feasible.

Both Atlanta’s and Denver’s program act as a stepping stone as they work to get people jobs and more permanent housing, with Denver aiming to move people out within six months.

That includes Eric Martinez, 28, who has been in limbo between the street and the bottom rung for most of his life. At birth Martinez was flung into the revolving door of foster care, and he’s wrestled with substance use while surfing couches and pitching tents.

Housing Micro Communities
Eric Martinez, 28, who has wrestled with substance abuse most of his life, was directed into a micro community after his Denver tent encampment was swept by the city.

Thomas Peipert / AP


“It’s kind of demeaning, it makes me feel less of a person,” said Martinez, his eyes downcast. “I had to get out of it and look out for myself at that point: It’s fight or flight, and I flew.”

Martinez’s Denver tent encampment was swept and he along with the others were directed into the micro communities of small cabin-like structures with a twin bed, desk and closet. The city built three such communities with nearly 160 units total in about six months, at roughly $25,000 per unit, said Johnston. The 1,000 converted hotel units cost about $100,000 each.

On site at the micro community are bathrooms, showers, washing machines, small dog parks and kitchens, though the Salvation Army delivers meals.

The program represents an about-face from policies that for years focused on short-term group shelters and the ceaseless shuffle of encampments from one city block to the next. That system made it difficult to keep people who were scattered through the city connected to services and on the path to permanent housing.

Housing Micro Communities
Martinez sits outside his room, one of the micro community’s160 small, cabin-like structures equipped with a twin bed, desk and closet.

Thomas Peipert / AP


Those services in Denver’s and Atlanta’s micro communities are largely centralized. They offer residents case management, counseling, mental health and substance abuse therapy, housing guidance and assistance obtaining anything from vocational skills training to a new pair of dentures.

“We’re able to meet every level of the hierarchy of needs — from security and shelter, all the way up to self-actualization and the sense of community,” said Peter Cumiskey, the Atlanta site clinician.

The Melody, and projects like it, are a “very promising, feasible and cost-effective way” to tackle homelessness, said Michael Rich, an Emory University political science professor who studies housing policy. Rich noted that transitional housing is still just the first step toward permanent housing.

The programs in Denver and Atlanta, taking inspiration from similar ones in cities like Columbia, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, offer a degree of privacy and security not found in congregate shelters or encampments.

Giving each resident their own bathroom and kitchen is a crucial feature that helps set The Melody apart, said Cathryn Vassell, whose nonprofit, Partners For Home, oversees the micro community. Aside from a prohibition on overnight guests, staff emphasize the tenants are treated as independent residents.

Vassell acknowledged it’s unclear how long the containers will last — she’s hoping 20 years. But, she said, they were the right choice for The Melody because they were relatively inexpensive and already had handicap-accessible bathrooms since many were used by Georgia hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project, which took only about four months to complete, cost about $125,000 per unit — not “tremendously inexpensive,” Vassell said, but less than traditional construction, and much quicker. Staffing and security operations cost about $900,000 a year.

City officials look to expand rapid housing 

The Melody is the first part of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ target of supplying 500 units of rapid housing on city-owned land by December 2025. A 2023 “point-in-time” count found there were 738 unsheltered people in Atlanta, far fewer than many cities, but still an increase over the previous year.

“We need more Melodies as fast as possible,” said Courtney English, the mayor’s chief policy officer.

Few objected when The Melody was announced last year, but as city officials seek to expand the rapid-housing footprint, they know local pushback is likely. That’s what Denver faced.

Mayor Johnston said he attended at least 60 town halls in six months as Denver tried to identify locations for the new communities and faced pushback from local residents worried about trash and safety.

“What they are worried about is their current experience of unsheltered homelessness,” Johnston said. “We had to get them to see not the world as it used to exist, but the world as it could exist, and now we have the proof points of what that could be.”

Prepped for a move at a moment’s notice

The scars of life on the street still stick with Martinez. All his belongings are prepped for a move at a moment’s notice, even though he feels secure in his tiny home alongside his cat, Appa.

The community has been “very uplifting and supporting,” he said, pausing. “You don’t get that a lot.”

On his wall is a calendar with a job orientation penciled in. The next step is working with staff to get a housing voucher for an apartment.

“I’m always looking down on myself for some reason,” he said. But “I feel like I’ve been doing a pretty good job. Everyone is pretty proud of me.”



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How to watch the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams NFL game today: Livestream options, more

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gettyimages-2184888165.jpg
Reed Blankenship #32 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his interception along with Nolan Smith Jr. #3 and Darius Slay Jr. #2 in the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Getty Images


The Philadelphia Eagles look to extend a six-game winning streak to seven today when they take on the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Eagles, who are 8-2 so far this season, are coming off a November 14 win against the Washington Commanders. The Rams, with a record of 5-5, are coming off a November 17 win against the New England Patriots. 

Keep reading to find out how to watch the Eagles vs. Rams game today, even without cable.


How and when to watch the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams game today

The Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams game will be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 8:20 p.m. ET (5:20 p.m. ET). The game will stream on Peacock but it can also be viewed locally on NBC and the streaming platforms below.


How and when to watch the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams game without cable

While many viewers will be able to watch the game on regular NBC, you have alternatives, too. Just note that the below streaming options will require the use of an internet provider:

Peacock: Watch NBC-aired NFL games without cable

You can stream today’s game in addition to all NBC-aired NFL games and Sunday Night Football on NBC. Peacock subscribers can also watch original programming on the streamer as well as live content airing on NBC if you purchase a Peacock Premium Plus subscription. Plus, you’ll gain access to Peacock’s library of on-demand content. You can buy a one-year subscription to Peacock Premium (with ads) for $80. For $120 annually you can secure a one-year Peacock Premium Plus subscription which is mostly ad-free. Want to pay per month, instead? Peacock Premium is just $8 each month while Peacock Premium is $14.

NFL+: Watch Eagles vs. Rams live on your phone 

Do you want to able to watch today’s game no matter where you’re located? Then check out NFL+. You can pay just $7 per month or $40 for the year. The network includes all games, including those being broadcast outside of your local market. You can also upgrade your subscription to NFL+ Premium with NFL RedZone. That will allow viewers to watch up to eight NFL games all at the same time.


Want to support your team? Fanatics is a great way to do so. With the latest player t-shirts, jerseys, hoodies and apparel, there’s plenty of stuff in stock to keep you covered this season. But don’t wait much longer. As each week in the season passes by, competition for this merchandise will increase. Act now before it sells out.

Head over to Fanatics now to check out the latest NFL fan gear drop.



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How to watch the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders NFL game today: Livestream options, more

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NFL: NOV 18 Texans at Cowboys
Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon (28) runs for yardage during game featuring the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys on November 18, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.

John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images


The Dallas Cowboys will face off with the Washington Commanders today. With a record of 3-7, the Cowboys have had a tough season so far and will be looking to recover after a five-game losing streak. The Commanders, who have racked up a record of 7-4, will be trying to snap a two-game losing streak on the heels of last week’s 26-18 loss against the Eagles. 

Here’s how and when you can watch the Cowboys vs. Commanders game today, whether or not you have cable.


How to watch the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders

The Cowboys vs. Commanders game will be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT). The game will air on Fox and stream on Fubo and the platforms featured below.


How and when to watch the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders game without cable

You can watch this week’s NFL game on Fox via several streaming services. All you need is an internet connection and one of the top options outlined below.

Experience NFL action with Fubo’s comprehensive sports streaming platform. From Sunday showdowns to primetime matchups, catch every NFL game across major networks including CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, ESPN and NFL Network. Choose the Pro package to unlock 200+ channels and limitless DVR storage, or elevate your game-day experience with the Elite with Sports Plus package, featuring NFL RedZone’s commercial-free scoring highlights and stunning 4K quality.

Test drive the service with a no-commitment seven-day free trial, and share the excitement with family and friends — Fubo supports simultaneous streaming on up to 10 devices, so everyone can watch their favorite teams.


Catch today’s game by subscribing to Sling’s Orange + Blue tier, which features 46 channels, including ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Fox, covering local and nationally broadcast NFL games. The plan also includes 50 hours of DVR storage for added convenience. To expand your NFL coverage, consider pairing it with Paramount+ for CBS games or enhance your lineup with the Sports Extra add-on, which offers channels like NFL RedZone, NBA TV and Golf Channel.


Watching NFL games, including Fox broadcasts, is simple with Hulu + Live TV, which includes 90 channels, unlimited DVR storage, and access to NFL preseason games, live regular season games and studio shows. The service includes ESPN+ and Disney+ in the subscription.


Want to watch today’s game live on your smartphone? Then the NFL+ streaming service is the solution you’re looking for. It lets you watch NFL Network and out-of-market games on mobile devices, with an upgrade option to NFL+ Premium that includes NFL RedZone for watching up to eight games simultaneously. Just note that NFL+ only works on phones and tablets, not TVs.



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How to watch the San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers NFL game today: Livestream options, more

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Seattle Seahawks v San Francisco 49ers
Jauan Jennings #15 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Ricky Pearsall #14 after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.

Getty Images


The San Francisco 49ers will take on the Green Bay Packers today. With a split record of 5-5, the 49ers will be looking to secure a win against the Packers after last week’s tight 20-17 loss against the Seattle Seahawks. The Packers, who have racked up a winning record of 7-3 so far this season, could be tough to take down as they look to lock in their second win in a row. 

Here’s how and when you can watch the 49ers vs. Packers game today, whether or not you have cable.


Here’s how and when to watch the San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers

The 49ers vs. Packers game will be played on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 4:25 p.m. ET (1:25 p.m. PT). The game will air on Fox and stream on Fubo and the platforms featured below.


How and when to watch the San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers game without cable

You can watch this week’s NFL game on Fox via several streaming services. All you need is an internet connection and one of the following options.

Dive into NFL action with Fubo, the ultimate sports streaming platform. Watch every game from Sunday kickoffs to primetime battles on CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Upgrade to the Pro package for 200+ channels and unlimited DVR, or level up with the Elite + Sports Plus package for NFL RedZone’s nonstop scoring highlights in stunning 4K. Try Fubo risk-free with a seven-day trial, and enjoy the excitement on up to 10 devices simultaneously — perfect for sharing the game-day experience with family and friends.


Catch today’s game by subscribing to Sling’s Orange + Blue tier, which features 46 channels, including ESPN, ABC, NBC and Fox, covering local and nationally broadcast NFL games. The plan also includes 50 hours of DVR storage for added convenience. To expand your NFL coverage, consider pairing it with Paramount+ for CBS games or enhance your lineup with the Sports Extra add-on, which offers channels like NFL RedZone, NBA TV and Golf Channel.


Watching NFL games, including Fox broadcasts, is simple with Hulu + Live TV, which includes 90 channels, unlimited DVR storage and access to NFL preseason games, live regular season games and studio shows. The service includes ESPN+ and Disney+ in the subscription.


Want to watch today’s game live on your smartphone? If so, NFL+ streaming service is the way to go. It lets you watch NFL Network and out-of-market games on mobile devices, with an upgrade option to NFL+ Premium that includes NFL RedZone for watching up to eight games simultaneously. Note that NFL+ only works on phones and tablets, not TVs.



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