Why a HomePod?

HomePod Advantages| A HomePod Provides
Alternate Uses |Manufacturers

HomePod Advantages
(over alternate accommodations)

• Minimal Land:
  • A HomePod’s footprint is negligible.
  • HomePods can easily fit into tiny spaces.
  • Their wedge shape can be arranged in quarter, half, or full circles; or in creative line-and-curve arrangements.
• No Zoning Permits: 
  • A tiny HomePod has no permanent power or water hook-up.
  • HomePods are so small they don’t require building permits in most jurisdictions.
• No Recurring Utilities or Property Taxes: 
  • Expenses are almost non-existent for a HomePod.
  • Solar cells can power its minimal cooling and heating needs.
  • Their hosts usually provide electricity, washroom, laundry and kitchen access.

Please share your thoughts about the Homepods concept on our Join Us page.
[back to top]

A HomePod Provides
(things that many temporary shelters don’t)

• Mobility:
  • It can have wheels.
  • It can be pulled on foot.
  • It can be towed by bicycle.
  • It can be loaded onto transportation.
• A long term personal structure:
  • It can be secured to a permanent location.
  • It need not be shared or vacated every morning.
  • Having a personal space allows for personal belongings.
• A permanent mailing address:
  • Having a permanent address (provided by a host) provides stability.
  • A mailing address is often required in order to receive social services. 
  • A mailing address is needed to apply for government I.D. and employment.
• Privacy, with a doorway to the great outdoors:
  • A room of one’s own.
  • Essential for relaxation.
  • Socializing becomes a choice.
  • May be part of a larger community.
  • The door can be locked for privacy and security.
• All-weather comfort, in temperatures from -60 to +60 Celsius:
  • Ventilated with alarms for safety.
  • Insulated to require minimal energy.
  • Can easily accommodate all kinds of weather extremes.

• Multiple Uses:
  • Cost-effective expansion of existing homeless shelters
  • For a family member or friend who has become homeless.
  • Instant shelters for refugee camps or populations dislocated due to war. 
  • Emergency lodging for people escaping fires, hurricanes or other emergencies.
  • Escape from extreme weather (for homeowners who lack central heating or air conditioning, or for during power outages).

Please share your thoughts about the Homepods concept on our Join Us page.
[back to top]

Alternate Uses for HomePods
(unrelated to homelessness)

Individuals:

• Camping.
• Ice fishing.
• Home and cottage expansion.

Corporations:

• Work camps.
• Construction site sleeping pods.
• Transitional or temporary lodging.

Government

• Armed forces.
• Refugee camps.

Micro-dwellings are purchased directly from the companies that make them. HomePods.ORG develops design criteria, and promotes the best examples from existing manufacturers. Each year, we will showcase our favourite example by towing it by bicycle across the country where it is manufactured. (Our first cross-country bicycle ride will occur in Canada in 2026 – regardless of the origin of that year’s prototype.)

Please share your thoughts about the Homepods concept on our Join Us page.
[back to top]

Manufacturers
(Some could produce HomePods from existing facilities.)

• Truck tractor manufacturers who already create sleepers for truck cabs.
• Bicycle enclosure manufacturers who already create similar sized structures.
• Tractor trailer manufacturers who already create insulated, temperature-controlled trailers.

Please share your thoughts about the Homepods concept on our Join Us page.

There is no obligation involved for sharing your thoughts. Or, if you’d like to do more, select the ways you’d like to participate. It’s completely up to you. 

Help us provide homes for everyone. 

[back to top]