Phoenix Ashes Inc. is trying to shelter the valley’s most vulnerable populations by building small RVs that can be pulled by bicycles. PHOENIX – A non-profit Phoenix organization is trying to build up to 1,000 mobile campers for local homeless people. Phoenix Ashes Inc. designed a structure that is small enough to be pulled by a bicycle and yet has enough space to store everything you need. The campers have space for groceries, a sink, a hammock, a shower, shelves and a small desk. Each unit is 6 feet high, 6 feet long, and 3 feet wide. Jezzy Bass, CEO and founder of the organization, said Phoenix Ashes is trying to eradicate homelessness in the city and campers could be a step towards that goal. “We understand that this is not the solution to achieve our goal,” he said. “But it is a big step in the right direction that needs to be taken.” The project is largely self-funded, Bass said, but they hope the community’s donations could help them meet their goal of building at least 1,000 RVs. Shortly before the coronavirus pandemic, Maricopa County saw a spike in homelessness after volunteers counted 7,419 unprotected people in the valley in January 2020, up 1,000 from the previous year. Bass said the numbers worsened during the pandemic, in part due to a sudden spike in housing costs. Valley property prices hit unprecedented highs earlier this spring as rising home demand caused a stir in the market. “We do what we can do as a unit, but we can only do so much,” said Bass. After all, Phoenix Ashes wants to build a complex of tiny houses to accommodate the homeless – much like a sanctuary recently built on private property by a Texan man. “Our goal is to have one of the largest homeless complexes in the United States at some point,” added Bass. You can find more information about Phoenix Ashes on their website. RELATED: “Kick a Dog When It’s Down”: DOJ Examines Homeless People at Phoenix Speed Check out the latest news and stories on YouTube Channel 12 News. Subscribe today.
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