affordable/ efficient alternative non-profit housing

[francolettieri]

My solution for the homeless & high housing costs

Ok, I posted this idea a few weeks ago and it got a lot of criticism. I modified the idea a little and I'm trying again to see what everyone thinks.

Here is a way to provide cheap, private, comfortable housing for the homeless, (or anyone that wants a cheap, small, safe dwelling) Modify those mobile mini metal storage pods so people can live in them (one person per unit). A simple parking space sized metal pod (15 feet X 8 feet X 8'6" high) can be converted into living shelter. All the essensials can easily fit inside (ventilation, a bed, flat screen tv, small stove or hot plate, computer, LED lighting, small energy effieicient heater/AC.
Thousands of these "living "pods" can be put into an energy efficient large multi floor structure, which can be built in a major city near the public transportation hub and grocery stores. Many ammenaties can also be built to provide recreation.....A giant field for recreation with a walking track surrounding it, a swimming pool, gardens, internet cafes...etc....I believe these "pod cities" would work best in cities with warm weather, but they could also be modified for colder cities like New York, Chicago etc...
I believe this would be a good, cheap, efficient, comfortable way to house people who were previously homeless, on welfare, etc...Would also be good for people who can afford more expensive housing but just want to save $$ to spend on other things, like me. Seriously, I'm sick of the large responsibilites/expenses that go along with renting and owning houses and apartments. It costs 50% of my income, or more. I'd rather be out and about and spend a large portion of that money on fun stuff, instead of working my head off simply to afford a place to keep stuff and sleep.

There are a few complications to this plan...Security guards would need to be on duty 24/7. A lot of peole on this forum thought that was insulting, to have security guards on constant patrol through this "mini city." I don't see why. Anytime you have people living in close proximity to another, regardless of whether they're millionaires or bums, you need security!! It might not be possible to put private bathhooms in individual living pods, they would have to be in a locker room arrangement. andnot sure about how difficult it would be for something like this to comply with fire codes. But I think its a good idea and I would not hesitate to live in one of these pods..I think it would be cool!!! Astronauts don't mind living in small spaces, we can do it here on earth too. Unlike astronauts, people in this arrangement would have the luxury of being able to get out and about, anytime they wanted.

We need more cheap, safe, private, efficient housing in every major city and this is a good way to accomplish that goal!!!! I don't see anything insulting or demeaning about this, and as I mentioned several times already, I wouldn't hesitate to live in one.

[dkf]

1. I agree that spending all your money on housing is ridiculous.

Not sure how comfy your pod will be or how the squishy environs will do for privacy but its an interesting idea. Sounds a little bit like Japan where they have some ridiculously tiny living spaces.

[frazzled]

2. Some things that don't quite make sense to me

1. One person per unit. Okay, this takes care of some people, but there are a lot of homeless families. This doesn't address their needs in the least. Finding shelter for children should be a first priority.

2. Flat screen TVs and computers? Where do homeless people get these? If you're suggesting they come as part of the pod, paid for through whatever nonprofit organization is financing the thing, maybe.

3. Metal sounds unhealthy in both very cold or very hot climates. They'd have to be fairly insulated, and have sufficient ventilation.

4. Put them near public transportation hubs in large cities? I live in a large city, and I can't think of a single area that could house a fair number of these, not to mention a "giant field for recreation, swimming pools, etc." Yeah, can you imagine this in New York City? There is no space.

Some well-known architects have come up with better ideas. Helmut Jahn, for instance, has built this LEED-certified (the top grading for green, eco-building) housing aimed primarily at homeless men (in a neighborhood not far from me). It's powered by a wind-turbine system that sits on top, and the five-story building has units with 300 sq. feet each, a kitchenette and private bath.

Stanley Tigerman has designed another housing unit on the South Side (where there's a lot more land).

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/05/realestate/05national.html

[naaman fletcher]

3. Two options..

1. Use cargo containers. Very cheap. Quite a number of people do this.

2. Check out this article about IKEA's affordable housing plans: http://www.gizmag.com/go/7108/



But, it is worth pointing out that most people CHOOSE to spend 1/2 their money on their house.

[cameozalaznick]

4. I read somewhere about a novel idea...

They took a housing project and redeveloped it. They kicked everyone out temporarily and remodeled all the apartments. Then they invited professionals to move in as well as the former tenants who were on public assistance. Those who could afford it, paid more than those who were on assistance and/or getting subsidies.

The cool thing about it was that the people who could afford to pay had a positive impact on those who could not afford to pay. And the children of those in poverty had positive role-models and mentors instead of pimps and hos and drug dealers which is what was living there before.

Rather than devolve into another crummy housing project, the development is flourishing.

Win/Win/Win.