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Pallet ‘pop up’ shelters used to help combat homelessness

What if you could build a house in less than an hour? The US company Pallet has created a shelter that does just that in an effort to fight homelessness.

It can be a huge task building homes. Planning, construction, and plumbing can take months and even years, with sizeable costs and materials required before you can start.

These nifty temporary shelters from Pallet skip all of those obstacles, however, and can be put up in less than an hour. They’re designed to be safe places to sleep and are intended for use in disaster zones, to help homeless people, and wherever quick-fix accommodation is needed.

 

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The company says it aims to be a ‘leader in rapid-response shelter villages’ and employs those who’ve previously experienced homelessness. Each building has locks, and specially designed villages all come with on-site resources.

Large community rooms, offices, and bathrooms are all available alongside standard bedrooms, and are constructed using inexpensive materials that are sturdy but affordable. According to Pallet, the homes are resistant to winds of up to 110mph, can withstand snow, earthquakes, and ‘most conditions’.

 

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Units are regularly inspected by local fire fighters and come with an extinguisher, just in case things suddenly get heated. If you catch our drift.

The smallest unit is the Shelter 64, which is portable and serves as disaster housing in times of crisis. It can fit two beds and has options for air conditioning, heating, and internal power, which is handy.

So far there are 63 shelter villages, according to The Cool Down. 4,000 people have been helped to eventually find permanent housing through the scheme, which is funded through four avenues including federal, state, general, and privately.

 

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Pallet is tackling a growing homelessness problem, which will become more life threatening amidst rises in the cost of living and climate change. Those without shelter are more vulnerable, at risk of injury or death, and are significantly hindered in their ability to find stable work and live somewhere long-term.

Temporary homes and villages are the ideal stepping stone to bridge the gap, and could become more widespread and branch outside of the US.

 

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If nothing else, homes that are cheap and quick to build will contribute to a more affordable housing market and democratise an industry that is notoriously difficult to navigate without sizeable personal wealth.

We’ll likely see these kind of innovations become more necessary in the future, especially as the climate crisis damages communities irreversibly. Expect temporary homes to begin appearing in cities and towns across the world before too long.

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