[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 180 (Wednesday, November 14, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1522]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           BIG HEROES, TINY HOMES--STUDENTS HELPING VETERANS

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                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 14, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, according to the Michael E. DeBakey VA 
Medical Center in Houston, Texas, 28 percent of Houston's homeless 
population are veterans. That is over 3,600 homeless veterans in 
Houston alone. These same veterans admirably served our nation and have 
dedicated their lives to the service and protection of the United 
States.
  Across the nation, ``micro homes'' are being used as transitional 
homes for those in need. A micro home is defined as a residential 
structure with utilities and built for full time occupancy, in less 
than 350 square feet. Micro home communities have been created by 
charities in Austin, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, 
Olympia, Portland, Seattle, and Syracuse. Now, students at Humble lSD 
are trying to add Houston to that list.
  More than 70 students at Summer Creek High School and Kingwood Park 
High School are working to create a community of micro homes for 
homeless veterans--designing tiny homes for big heroes. The students 
have spent the last several months designing the blueprints and a 3D 
model for the 200-square foot home and working with architects to make 
sure it works. From paint colors, to roofing, to electrical wiring, 
they have designed and obtained prices for everything necessary to 
complete their vision. Unlike usual school projects, this student-led 
initiative requires marketing to prospective donors and could take 
years to successfully complete this micro home community. These 
passionate students have given pitches and presentations to countless 
potential donors, the City of Humble council members and mayor as well 
as the City of Houston.
  So far, the students, along with the help of faculty and staff, have 
raised $40,000 to level a piece of land next to the school where they 
can begin the next phase of constructing the homes. Both Summer Creek 
and Kingwood Park will build a model tiny home by the end of this 
school year. The goal is to eventually partner with a nonprofit and 
also raise money to buy land to place the homes.
  Before giving a presentation to potential donors, a senior from 
Kingwood Park High School, Nicholas Logan, told Texas School Business 
Magazine: ``It's given me a purpose. I'm not just going to school 
today. I'm going to school so I can attend a meeting, so I can get the 
funding to help other people, so they can have a home.'' It is because 
of the actions of selfless minds like Nicholas, that this great country 
will be in the good hands of our future leaders.
  Good deeds do not go unnoticed. I know that the residents of Lake 
Houston Area are proud of these students and I applaud not only the 
students for their tremendous achievements and commend them for giving 
back to our community, but their parents as well. They are truly making 
a difference and represent all that is right and good in America.
  And that's just the way it is.

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