An exterior view of housing and outdoor seating as part of The Melody, a shipping container housing community in Atlanta. It is built for an occupied by hard-to-reach homeless populations as part of the Rapid Housing program.

Shipping containers: An easy-to-build shelter alternative for hard-to-reach homeless populations

THIS PROJECT CAN HELP YOU ADDRESS:

  • Hard-to-reach homeless populations who cannot stay in traditional shelters
  • High cost and long lead time to build traditional shelters

THE PROBLEM

Many people in major cities, like Atlanta, Georgia, who face chronic homelessness cannot stay in traditional shelters.This is due in part to policies that deter them, such as prohibiting pets, cohabitation for couples, and more.And while traditional shelters are a vital component of cities’ holistic approach to homelessness, they require high capital expenditure and long lead times to build.

THE SOLUTION

Recycled shipping containers can be retrofitted into temporary alternative housing for people facing chronic homelessness. Coupled with policies that do not impose additional restrictions on residents,

 Shipping container “villages” are a relatively low-cost, easy-to-build solution that bolster cities’ comprehensive strategies for addressing their homelessness situation, while providing a pathway to critical wraparound services for hard-to-reach populations

THE IMPACT

  • Nearly 300 bed-units across Los Angeles, Atlanta, Bristol, and Brighton
  • Contributes to reduction of street homelessness
  • Approximately 30% lower construction cost per bed compared to traditional shelters, with construction complete in 3-6 months

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