What was once destined to become another jail in downtown Los Angeles has instead transformed into something remarkable: a vibrant community built entirely from shipping containers.
In 2021, the Hilda L. Solis Care First Village opened its doors, offering both temporary and permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness. Designed by NAC Architecture and Bernards, the project reimagined a vacant lot into a 64,000-square-foot village—all completed in just six months during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The facility is made up of two main buildings containing 132 permanent apartments, plus trailers converted into 100 interim units, creating a total of 232 private homes. Each three-story structure is formed by steel containers stacked and connected with balcony corridors and stairways, giving residents both accessibility and shared spaces for community.
Inside, the containers are fully insulated and fitted with windows, turning industrial shells into comfortable homes. Each unit comes with a bed, television, microwave, mini-fridge, and private bathroom. As one resident described it, “It’s just like being at a Best Western, only smaller.”
Beyond the living spaces, the village includes landscaped courtyards, a dog park, parking, a commercial kitchen, laundry facilities, and support services. Meals, case management, and round-the-clock assistance are also provided—ensuring residents have not just a roof, but a path forward.
L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis, who championed the project, admitted she was skeptical at first about the idea of using shipping containers. But the finished result quickly won her over:
“The environment is quite impressive. Treating homelessness can be done with dignity and respect.”
Since opening, the Care First Village has reached full occupancy within a month and has already served close to 800 clients. Today, it’s managed by the Weingart Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to social good.
More than just housing, the project stands as a blueprint for change—proof that when cities act quickly and think creatively, even a space once reserved for incarceration can become a beacon of hope.
As Mark Pestrella, director of public works, put it:
“Public servants are excited to be given the opportunity to make a difference. People just dig in when they need to.”
The Hilda L. Solis Care First Village is more than a housing complex—it’s a powerful reminder that small, modular designs can spark big solutions in the fight against homelessness.
