Homeless Schools

Schools in many places are closing because of declining child enrollments. What to do with schools that are empty? Make then community activity venues? There are lots of these already as well as community rentable facilities that churches and other organizations depend upon for revenue. Some schools at present, sit empty for a very long time before being either torn down or converted.  My suggestion is to convert some of them into homes for the homeless. The buildings are solid and secure. Classrooms could become dormitories. There are  washroom facilities for  many, and with gym shower rooms, adequate cleaning up facilities for residents. The recreation rooms, libraries and other small rooms such as a "nurse's room", could create a a complete facility with space for a government hired staff as well: health care, education, counselling. The grounds could provide wonderful outdoor recreation, parking and security. The entire perimeter could be hedged and treed, the entrance made attractive and secure. Community who object to having "those" people in their neighborhood, need not worry about their children; their children are off at another school.  So let's take a closer look. Smith, a resident, with a "history" of  mental and other issues starts the day with a shower down near the gym and then, it's breakfast served in the school cafeteria. Breakfast was made by the team of trained residents who earn a small wage. They were trained by volunteers from the immediate community. The community wants to make the new facility a good place in their neighborhood.  Smith is heading to a class in plumbing. Classes are also given by volunteers so that the Homeless School is educational and something to be proud of. There are classes in  home care of appliances, electricals, plumbing and gardening. There are regular classes on various academic subjects for those who want to upgrade their formal education. Smith has a date with a counselor today. He's been feeling depressed lately. There is a resident health care provider, a security team and  counselling services on site. After his session, he likes to read the daily news and continue learning how to use Google. The school library, with comfortable furniture: books, magazines, newspapers and computers, has an on-site librarian to assist. After lunch he likes to go out to the garden and hoe the veges he planted. They're just starting to grow. While out there, he might go to the smoking tent to gab with the guys. Those not interested in these aspects might prefer to go down to the gym for basketball shooting, table tennis, badminton, folk dance or any of the other events planned by the residents' council and with volunteers sponsored by the community. The school music room has instruments donated and a volunteer who offers instruction. They hope to start a band. Later on, Smith will have a game of chess with his buddies in the hallway outside his dorm, and maybe go down to the bar room for a beer or two later. The grounds are designed for movement in and out freely, using fingerprint ID. Visitors to residents may meet but visit only in the pleasantly furnished portable converted classroom lounge at the gates. Smith has a date later with an old girlfriend he likes in town. A small bus provides for excursions, or travel to town twice a day. Smith doesn't like rules but he knows they have to be in place for the benefit of everyone. Rules are not only designed to accommodate the residents but also to adhere to legal requirements. There is security staff. Once registered, as in any good hotel, residents may chose to join in with activities or not, as they please.  The wide hallways have couches and small tables for playing board games or just walking and visiting. There are vending machines. A small charge for dorms is taken from each person's monthly cheque or they may choose to take a job in the facility.  Those choosing to leave as residents, may do so without comment, but have to be interviewed again to re-enter for health and security reasons. Smith hopes, one day, to have his own apartment, but, for now, he finds this is the best place. While the Homeless School ( a name for convenience) sounds ideal and perhaps, to some impossible, it is one way to keep expensive schools open, offer a building already complete, provide jobs and begin getting "those" people off the streets, into safe, caring facilities and onto a better paths.