Exploring Housing Options for the Homeless: From Permanent Structures to Temporary Navigation Centers

We’re excited to present three innovative approaches to addressing homelessness: large-scale permanent structures exemplified by 6th Street Place, adaptable relocatable ‘sleeper’ units like Guerdon’s Quick-Build Sleeper units deployed for the Guadalupe Emergency Interim Housing project in San Jose, and a turnkey permanent solution utilizing standardized plans by Guerdon. Each option offers a unique blend of efficiency, sustainability, and compassion in tackling the issue of homelessness.

1. Large-scale Permanent Structures: Transforming Lives Through Customized Supportive Housing

For decades, award-winning architects and philanthropic organizations have collaborated to deliver vital permanent housing solutions in areas of utmost need. From the iconic Star Apartments envisioned by Michael Maltzan to Twin Lakes Landing in Washington, this construction approach demands meticulous planning yet offers the most enduring and steadfast housing option. Nevertheless, owing to its intricate nature, this construction method can entail extensive lead times and a multitude of stakeholders, thereby resulting in one of the lengthiest timelines for providing homeless housing. Given the protracted projection for traditional construction juxtaposed with the narrow funding window, Guerdon is frequently summoned to employ modular methodologies, curtailing construction durations and aligning with the funding mechanism’s temporal constraints. With a storied portfolio spanning decades, Guerdon has consistently championed this form of permanent, affordable, and supportive housing up and down the West Coast. Our most recent achievement in this realm is the lauded 6th Street Place development in Los Angeles.

Featured Project: 6th Street Place

Located in bustling Los Angeles, California, 6th Street Place stands as an emblem of tailored innovation in addressing homelessness. Developed by Mercy Housing California, this affordable supportive housing modular edifice replaces a former industrial building with a transformative space that offers hope to those in need.

Key Features:

• A six-story building with 93 residential units, purposefully designed for homeless individuals.
• Modular construction allowed for swift and efficient development, with units assembled on-site after being crafted at Guerdon’s factory in Boise, Idaho.
• The project includes 1,800 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, a community room, a landscaped courtyard, and essential on-site supportive services.
• The People Concern provides crucial support services, creating a holistic living environment.
• Guerdon provided the modules, and Suffolk Construction acted as the general contractor.
• An investment of $14.58 million from the Housing and Community Development Department showcased commitment to the cause.

2. Quick-Build Sleeper Units: Adaptable and Compassionate Shelter Solutions

Guerdon’s Quick-Build Sleeper Units offer a versatile approach to addressing homelessness. These relocatable units provide a dignified and low-cost interim shelter, accommodating extended use while remaining adaptable to changing needs. Used for everything from housing the homeless in an underutilized parking lot to providing remote workforce housing in the most remote locations in Canada, this housing offers a quick, relocatable, yet safe and dignified means of housing.

Example Project: Guadalupe Emergency Interim Housing: A Model of Cost-Effective Transition

The Guadalupe Emergency Interim Housing project represents a remarkable example of Guerdon’s Quick-Build Sleeper Units. This project showcases an inspiring approach to addressing homelessness, focusing on providing temporary shelter and support for homeless individuals.

Comprising 16 prefabricated structures, the project offers 76 housing units for homeless residents. The site includes various amenities such as shared kitchens, laundry rooms, community spaces, bathrooms, outdoor areas, and security facilities. Completed in just six months, it stands as a cost-effective solution, reducing expenses compared to traditional apartments. Funding sources include federal American Rescue Plan funds, City of San Jose Housing Department funds, and state Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) funds. Community partners, including Destination: Home, All Home, and Housing Trust Silicon Valley, played a vital role in providing financial support. The project serves as a transitional solution and features a transitional employment program to enhance residents’ job skills.

Key Features:

• Each private room includes essential amenities like a bed, shower, toilet, sink, desk, closet, and HVAC system.
• Rapid deployment and assembly make these units ideal for transitional housing solutions or bridging the gap while awaiting more permanent developments.
• The modular construction process ensures high quality and lasting performance for decades.
• Community demands and site sizes can be accommodated through individual module construction, offering flexibility in design.
• Guerdon’s commitment to quality ensures that these units are designed to last, contributing to lasting solutions for homelessness.

3. Standardized Turnkey Permanent Solution: Balancing Efficiency and Customization

Introducing a solution that bridges the gap between customization and efficiency, Guerdon’s Turnkey Permanent Solution brings standardized plans to life on various vacant lands. This approach optimizes cost-effectiveness while streamlining timelines, offering a compelling middle ground between the highly customized approach of 6th Street Place and the flexibility of relocatable units. The standardized plans used herein, are very similar to those used in the Quick-build sleeper product, but can be stacked up to 4 stories tall, and arranged in a variety of ways to maximize the land use while still maintaining speed and fitting into the surrounding area.

Key Features:

• Standardized plans are tailored to fit a variety of vacant lands, optimizing land use and minimizing costs.
• Modular construction allows for quicker assembly and reduced construction timelines compared to traditional methods.
• This solution strikes a balance between customization and efficiency, making it a promising option for rapid, cost-effective housing development.
• The high-quality construction ensures lasting performance, contributing to the longevity of the housing solution.

If you have a unique piece of land and are interested in this turnkey approach, learn more about it by visiting this page Turnkey Permanent Solutions.

As we explore these three distinct approaches, it becomes clear that innovation plays a pivotal role in addressing homelessness and there is not a one-size fits all option. Each community has unique needs, and the greatest success is found in employing the right type of housing to meet those needs. Whether through highly customized permanent structures, adaptable relocatable units, or turnkey solutions that balance customization and efficiency, these projects emphasize the importance of creating dignified and sustainable housing options for individuals in need.