In this piece, Web Urbanist has compiled fourteen "smart & sensitive" design solutions for providing housing for the homeless.
While policy solutions for ending homelessness have been experimented with across the world to mixed results, Web Urbanist looks to the design community to conceptualize, "how we can meet the needs of disadvantaged people living in our own communities, and ensure that the situation is only temporary."
Examples provided range from the small and cheap to the large and expensive. Hopetel is a high rise that, "includes compact dwelling units as well as shared amenities like laundry, storage, showers and kitchen facilities. It's organized in a way that promotes social interaction between its residents, allowing these people to see that they are not alone."
Intended more as a way to raise awareness, rather than a definitive solution, the Shelter Cart by Zo-Loft Architecture & Design, "re-imagined the potential uses of that cart, creating a large, highly visible yellow push-cart that also functions as a shelter."
Instant Housing by Urban Nomads, "consist of a metal container with a pop-out tent-like structure, fitted with wheels...Affordable and easily transportable, the units could also be used for emergency housing in the event of a disaster, or recreational camping.
FULL STORY: Housing for the Homeless: 14 Smart & Sensitive Solutions

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians
Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside vehicles.

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie