ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Single room occupancy

Single room occupancy (SRO) is a type of housing where people live in small rooms that usually have only one bed and not much space. SROs are often used to help people who cannot afford to live in bigger apartments or houses.

Imagine you have a small, cozy room all to yourself, just like the one you might have at your grandparents' house. You would have a bed, a small table, and a chair. You might have a closet or some shelves for your belongings. You might even have a tiny bathroom, but sometimes SRO residents have to share a bathroom with other people who live in the same building.

SROs are also called "efficiency apartments" because they are small and don't have a lot of extra space. They are often in older buildings that have been converted from other uses, like hotels or offices. Sometimes, people who live in SROs have access to shared spaces like a kitchen or a common room where they can hang out with other residents.

Living in an SRO can be tough, but it can also be a safe and affordable option for people who need a place to live. Some cities have laws that regulate SROs to make sure they are safe and clean for residents.