Innovative Solutions for Housing 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.