People are affected by homelessness all over the world. About 567,715 Americans were homeless “on any given night” in 2019.
Worse, 37% of these individuals sleep outdoors without any shelter. While there is no clear answer to the growing problem of homelessness, there are things you can do right now to support those living in inappropriate places. According to reports, there were over 860,000 homeless people in Germany. Nine deaths from the common cold in 2018 marked the height of the controversy surrounding the issue. During the cold winter nights, a group of Ulm residents created isolated pockets for the homeless to sleep in.
A creative group makes pods for the homeless
To address social challenges, the southern German city of Ulm has established an innovative program similar to a think tank focused on doing good.
Six tech gurus and entrepreneurs took up the challenge. They started coming up with ideas and asking the community for feedback on how to make things better. Many asked how the team could help homeless people sleeping outside in the bitter winter.
Florian, one of the members of the creative team, explained the formation of the team. Our team in Ulm first came up with the (perhaps audacious) concept of a ‘think tank’/’creative lab’ initiative where anyone could bring their problem, no matter how big or small, and we would solve it.
Before that, we selected a group of specialists whose task was to choose which of the presented challenges we would actually have to work on for 48 hours straight. Subsequently, the city of Ulm basically presented their “problem” which was something like, “We have homeless individuals who don’t have access to shelters, and we don’t want them to freeze to death.” Is there anything that can be done about it? And that was the task our specialists chose for us.”
With their heads down, the squad quickly got to work. Several variants of sleeping pods have been developed for those who would rather not stay in shelters. These “Ulmer nests” will provide warmth in the event of dangerously low temperatures, as well as some protection while sleeping.
Florian added: “It happened on Thursday morning at eight o’clock.” “By Friday evening, the basic concept of the nests was born, a prototype demonstrating the shape, functionality, and processes was there, even including a VR prototype so you could experience what it was like to be inside one of the pods – and we never changed a single thing about it afterward. “
Ulmer Nests: Their Design
Although they look fantastic, these prototype homeless pods are currently undergoing testing and development. Finding out how the pods fare in the German winter was one of the important tests that were carried out last year. In order to make the design flawless, it is still being worked on.
These nests are not a substitute for a typical home; rather, the team built them as emergency shelters for people with nowhere else to go. It is especially ideal for people who avoid shelters because most do not allow pets or for psychological reasons. 4]
“For this winter, we’ve adjusted the details of our doors in an effort to improve usability for both the people sleeping in the Nests and the social workers checking them out,” commented Florian of the module’s layout. To maintain optimal humidity and temperature with minimal energy consumption, we have also invested a lot of time and effort in improving insulation and climate control. In connection with this, we have further improved the connectivity of the Nests by integrating them into Ulm’s urban wireless IoT network.”
Each pod is made by hand. The group is trying to lower its price compared to the current one. However, in addition to solar panels and good insulation, they have enough space for two people, their belongings, and a pet.
Sensors monitor humidity, temperature, and carbon dioxide and smoke levels. The case is secured from the inside with a lock, ventilation system, and lighting. In addition, a motion sensor is installed on the outside so social workers can monitor when the module needs to be cleaned to maintain hygiene standards and when the entrance is open.
Optimism for a better tomorrow
There are still problems to be solved, such as where and how to use the pods, even if they are ready for mass production. “We are still operating at a small prototype level and are looking for a possible potential user (city) and ways to produce more nests if there is sufficient demand for them,” he said.
So far, Ulm’s government is very supportive of the team’s solution. “We’ve even seen some effects we never dreamed of, like neighbors giving overnight guests hot tea in the morning and things like that,” Florian noted.
In addition, while working on Nests in the city, other non-essential opportunities arise and individuals (homeless and homeless alike) approach you to thank you. It actually means a lot too.”
Currently, nests are built exclusively in winter and their number is limited. While this is a tiny effort compared to a major global problem, this news for the homeless provides optimism for a better future.
The Ulm initiative represents a meaningful and innovative response to the pressing issue of homelessness. The creation of Ulmer Nests demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the needs of those facing extreme cold and inadequate shelter. By offering a practical, temporary solution that combines warmth, safety, and basic amenities, this project not only provides immediate relief but also fosters a spirit of community and empathy.
Although still in the prototype stage and facing challenges in scaling up, the support and positive feedback from local government and residents highlight the potential impact of such initiatives. The project serves as a reminder that creative solutions led by community collaboration and compassion can make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with homelessness.
As Ulm continues to refine and expand this project, it offers a hopeful look at how small innovations can contribute to broader efforts to address homelessness and improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations.