England alone has around 270,000 people registered homeless. Most people do not choose to live on the streets as it’s cold, boring and scary. Most people find themselves homeless due to family problems, mental health issues or falling behind with the rent/mortgage. Also read how to help dogs of homeless people.
Homeless people do qualify for benefits. Councils and shelters can download a free SWEP toolkit to create a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol to set up accommodation for winter (this includes dogs who live with rough sleepers – the best way to help is obviously to find dog-friendly accommodation).
Above are SoloHaus homeless pods. In Seattle, City Pods are assembled in a few hours to convert vacant offices and warehouses into fire-compliant housing (with air filters and keyless door locks). These last 10 years and are fully-furnished with bamboo flooring (and double-pod options for couples).
Greater Change goes beyond giving money: notify StreetLink of rough sleepers then local charities find them to help with benefits and accommodation. Billy Chip credits shops to let homeless people redeem chips, for a hot drink or food.
Finland has almost reached zero homelessness thanks to Y-Säätiö, a nonprofit landlord that works with councils to build on-demand M2-Kodit homes that are safe, fully-furnished and energy-efficient, with access to green space, public transport and laundries.
The Social Bite Village is an innovative community in Scotland for up to 20 people, with 10 ‘NestHouses’ (shared by two residents) where residents can cook, eat and socialise, and also get training and support, rather than just sticking people in hostels.
Green Pastures buys properties to house homeless people. The great idea here is that it then asks churches to invest in their upkeep (rather than putting money on the stock market). Jesus would be proud! Residents offer around 10 hours a week help, in return for housing and help to get their lives back together.
MADI (Italy) builds affordable flat-pack ‘folding’ furnished homes that are easy to move and designed to last 50 to 100 years. With high standards for safety (fire, wind), these are even earthquake-proof so good for homeless people abroad during natural disasters. A great ideal for councils to invest in, they can be built and sent in 3 months, and ready-to-move into within 6 hours.