Exploring Housing Options For California's Homeless Issues

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In the ongoing battle against homelessness, providing adequate housing solutions remains a critical priority. With a diverse array of options available, communities have the opportunity to tailor interventions to suit local needs and resources. Here, we examine five types of housing options and three financing strategies aimed at housing the homeless, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses.

Addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach that combines innovative housing solutions with sustainable financing strategies. By carefully considering the strengths and weaknesses of various options, communities can develop holistic interventions, assistance and supportive solutions that prioritize both the project's cost-efficiency, scale and sustainability and issues related to dignity, safety, and stability for all individuals experiencing homelessness.

In the section below we explore 9 Very Different Types of Housing options that may make sense for communities to consider to best serve their unhoused or at risk neighbors.

Tiny Homes on Open Land (One-time use dedicated to a specific site)

Strengths: Offers a sense of ownership and privacy. Can be tailored to individual needs and preferences. Provides a sustainable living solution with minimal environmental impact.
Weaknesses: Requires access to suitable land, infrastructure (water, power), and community services. Initial construction costs may be high.
Options: Self-contained units with kitchen, restroom and shower or units with Congregant Resources
Build Options: Assembled (pop-up onsite hand crafted) or Pre-Fab delivered to the site
Read more - Dignity Moves

Mobile Tiny Homes on Open Land (Reusable to other locations)

Strengths: Provides flexibility as homes can be moved and relocated. Offers a compact and cost-effective housing solution. Can be quickly deployed to address urgent needs.
Weaknesses: Limited space and amenities. Challenges with zoning regulations and finding suitable parking locations. Vulnerable to theft or damage during transit.
Options: Self-contained units with kitchen, restroom and shower or units with Congregant Resources
Read more - Goodness Village - Kim Curtis

Repurposed Residential Homes with Congregate Living

Strengths: Utilizes existing residential structures, reducing construction time and costs. Allows for communal living and support networks. Potential for shared resources and amenities.
Weaknesses: Limited privacy and autonomy. Challenges with management and maintaining a safe and healthy environment. May face opposition from neighbors or zoning restrictions.
Options: Pre-existing housing with small or Build new - Purchased or Leased
Read more - Love Never Fails

Manufactured Modular ADU - Accessory Dwelling Unit - Individual Units

Strengths: ADUs are individual units (built into a basement, garage, etc, or modular units added to a residential property). Great single-unit solution, but the manufacturing "wait time" may require months to schedule a build.
Weaknesses: The upside cost is 'relatively high' compared to other temporary building options. Private units may not be ideal for unhoused individuals who have not previously lived in private units before. Prior stays in interim housing solutions may serve as a learning environment before moving into private housing in a residential area without a clear understanding of maintenance or tenant responsibilities.
Options: Self-contained units with kitchen, restroom and shower or units with Congregant Resources
Build Options: Added internally to a residential home, or a Pre-Fab delivered to a residential property
Read more

Repurposed Commercial Buildings with Personal (assembled) PODs and Open Congregate Space

Strengths: Maximizes underutilized commercial properties. Offers large, open spaces suitable for conversion. Can accommodate sleeping pod areas efficiently.
Weaknesses: Requires extensive renovations and compliance with building codes. Limited privacy and security concerns in open layouts. Potential conflicts with zoning regulations and neighborhood compatibility.
Options: Open space with POD (bed/sleeping area) - Purchased or Leased
Read more - Brownstone Shared Housing

Repurposed Motel Buildings with Single Resident Occupancy (SRO) Rooms and Congregate Campus

Strengths: Provides private, fully equipped living spaces. Utilizes existing infrastructure and amenities. Allows for efficient use of space and resources.
Weaknesses: May face resistance from current owners or tenants. Requires significant investment for acquisition and refurbishment. Potential challenges with management and maintenance.
Options: SROs - Purchased or Leased
Read more - Lao Family Development Post

Manufactured Modular Stackable Units

Strengths: Long-term housing, fully equipped and self-contained private units. Requires pre-set foundation and equipment to stack units. Great multi-unit solution. Manufacturing "wait time" may require months to schedule a build. Ground floor community and optional resident services can help with re-entry and workforce development assistance.
Weaknesses: The upside cost is 'relatively high' compared to other temporary building options. Private communal campus units may not be ideal for unhoused individuals who have lived in private units before. Prior stays in interim housing solutions may serve as a learning environment prior to moving into permanent communal housing with maintenance responsibilities.
Options: Prefab stackable can be purchase for use on leased or purchased land.
Read more - Factory OS

Manufactured Modular Permanent Single-family Home

Strengths: Long-term housing, fully equipped and self-contained family unit. Requires pre-set foundation. Best long-term value for all parties involved. Manufacturing wait time may require months to schedule a build.
Weaknesses: The upside cost is 'relatively high' compared to temporary building options. Permanent housing may not be ideal for unhoused individuals who have not maintained a property without interim housing that educates residents on permanent housing maintenance.
Options: Prefab purchased homes can be purchased for use on leased or purchased land.
Read more - R-Three

Other housing options: