For many years the YMCAs would offer these Single Room Occupancy/"SRO" rooms. Many were like tiny efficiency apts. but with bathrooms down the hall and laundry elsewhere. Unfortunately they decided that was no longer part of their "core mission" and so most Ys have abandoned those.

I agree there's a need for these SROs but they won't be rebuilt in the gentrifying urban core. It's too bad there's not some way to re-use some of the large empty commercial spaces for some of these types of residences, and keep it safe by keeping some rooms for on-site managers.