Homeless/Emergency Shelter

ElkinsDIY.com Presents:
This 4 sheet fluted plastic shelter can be built for under $120
If you have a few tools and some skills I offer build plans here:
elkinsdiy.com/...

[@taswang10]

I met Paul working at Boeing back in 96-97..I always heard about the guy that made this art piece that hung in our building right as go into the cafeteria..Long story short..I met him and then we ended up working right next to each other..The Ideas in that mans brain is incredible..Seriously intelligent and real personable easy going guy..I will always remember Paul Elkins! Keep up the good work bud!! 👍🏻

[@bopdaddy69]

I keep telling folks Simplicity is Golden! and with 90,000+ homeless just in LA California!!! boy do a lot of folks need one of these!!! I imagine it would give them a sense of having something and strengthen their RESOLVE to not give up!! And get themselves back on their feet. Well done Sir!

[@hogweedblitz8739]

Really great idea, I wish the govt had 1/100th the intelligence and compassion this guy does.

[@fraaggl]

In Paris they give a igloo tent to the homeless. What a joke !

[@ladygreen632]

@Larry Smith actually its got a lock on the outside, so when you're sleeping in it, some random asshole can lock you in.

[@beverlywaits7663]

Hogweed Blitz👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💚💛

[@beverlywaits7663]

Hogweed Blitz btw interesting name😊👍🏾💛

[@beverlywaits7663]

@@ladygreen632 Woahhh🤔😔💛

[@fuknbludydragon2]

It's my dream and will to help the homeless out as much as possible, as I used to be on the streets myself. Once in awhile I have some bad luck and get street bound. But I help either way. Street bound or in a house. Thank you for the ideas and for what you do.

[@stephaniesturgeon5591]

Nice homeless shelter idea! Too many people are homeless, & that's a shame, nobody should be without a place to lay their heads. Especially veterans that served & protected our country🇺🇸

[@jeffrea1527]

Thank u being im a homeless vet its nice to know somebody thinks about us and you r so right the hardest part is having somewhere to lay your head.

[@stephaniesturgeon5591]

@Here's Johnny a veteran soldier was refused a funeral by government? I feel like I'm in a dream & everything happening is nightmare, I mean what the hell is wrong with this world, it's gone to shit ? That's just crazy. 😢

[@seeamerica1]

I wish you worked for FEMA & were actually able to manufacture these for when disaster strikes. Keep up the good work!

[@jaysonwilliams3938]

Paul - I am glad there are people like you and your wife in this world - you also have a good sense of humor - peace

[@thepoweroftruth3624]

God bless this man...someone looking out for the homeless!!

[@carrie253]

I would have loved that to camp out in as a little kid

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

That can probably be done quite easily. Good Idea. As it is I use a cheap Carbon monoxide alarm, similar to a smoke alarm. I also crack the round window and now have a 1 square foot flap in the rear that I use for ventilation.

[@curtislocker830]

seeing a mans ingenuity used for love not war is fantastic.

[@YMPHH]

What a liberal comment.

[@triggercrank]

Why not both? NO GREATER LOVE THAN A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS....nuff said.

[@YMPHH]

@@triggercrank because you can't choose both sides. There are always theives, gangs, and liberals that will take what you have. It needs to be more secure. Do you not lock your house up before you leave for work?

[@triggercrank]

@@YMPHH I meant , why not the cautious warrior. Warriors are givers, not takers.

[@angelaackerman8934]

Bill Clinton Where’s Hillary?

[@mosaicgraffiti]

This is awesome. I really wish it had more views. I was homeless and pregnant attempting to flea domestic violence. All while working full time about 9 years ago. It was the best and worse thing that ever happened to me. IT is something I would wish on no one, but was helpful to have insight. I went through extreme weather living in MPLS-MN sleeping outside sucked. But staying at hotels was not always an option. This would of been nice, but storage would of been an issue.

[@linkster57]

Resembles a covered wagon. Put wheels on it and it is portable. I like this one.

[@janieescobar8424]

I saw that you posted that you are working on different plans. You a gift...an inspiration for the us; and an example for everyone; those you are trying to help and those of us who are blessed with a place to lay their head. May you and your continue to be blessed for all of your efforts.

[@victoriayoung6667]

The more ideas, the better.Thanks for letting us know yours. Great !

[@judycarey9051]

Love it. Would love one for camping.

[@Katrina-z1c]

Good idea,,,like that you said they can be built fast and used in winter amazing, very smart shelter/house.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

It's about 10 degrees warmer inside on a cold day or night without any added heat.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Foam core can be bought at a good lumber store. This shelter is made with fluted plastic which is hard to find. You're best bet is a plastics supply store or a sign shop.

[@StraightupGentleman]

Pretty Awesome how you think about helping the homeless. Truly amazing. Keep up the wonderful ways of helping the less fortunate. Happy Holidays and God Bless.

[@ericsgranny8933]

This is great! The possibilities are amazing!

[@M0untainBerry]

Brilliant idea, had never thought of using fluted plastic in this way. I see many replys here asking about temperatures & insulation etc but don't think that's such an issue for an emergency, just something to keep you dry & out of the wind. Only thing that bothers me is the gas cooker. Don't think id be lighting a fire in there. Otherwise , can't wait to make one .

[@TK-zc5wu]

Looks very cosy and comfy saw something similar years ago on tomorrow's world don't know if anything came of it ,hope yrs makes it!

[@sgwhite4]

Excellent idea, keep them coming Paul

[@ChrisSmith-ym1bv]

I wish I had one of these I’d be so happy ... I don’t need heat a stove nothing just something to lay my head on I’ve been homeless for 4 years right now in a truck but would love one of these to have in the bed .. god is here an he is great!!

[@cindylong624]

try" cheap rv living' channel on youtube

[@shawnr771]

If you have some skill this should not be too difficult to build. Look for things people are giving away for free on craigslist.

[@decoysk]

also doubles as a coffin ! I`ll take an 8x10 tent anyday !

[@jesikebiking]

Me again,I'm retired now,but before I was a self employed computer technician ,and a lot of times I would have to install a large computer case fan to reduce heat inside a computer. Maybe just maybe a fan from Radio Shack hooked up to a 6 volt lantern battery. The fans aren't bulky 4 to 5 inches wide and less than 1 " deep hope that helps

[@devalcars5873]

i want to live on a house like that!!!! seriously i dont have the fear of thight places,and that is compact,all important stuff would still fit in

[@RickaramaTrama-lc1ys]

I could live in this for the rest of my life~!! Good job.

[@teogo]

Key word - could. If you think living in an emergency shelter the rest of your life is so great, you should do it.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

I'm currently working on completing one plan at a time. Plans for this will be available in the near future. Thanks for your patience..

[@ladygreen632]

Don't put lock latches on the outside. Seriously, if i have to tell you why, you aren't too smart.

[@dustinhittle27]

Will. You make me one on wheels. For me to use as a small tiny camper. Ill pay you 100 dollars

[@donnamasonbrown4119]

This is so Awesome. Better than being out in the cold. Thanks so much for sharing this with me 💖 From Texas

[@curtisporter5571]

wow nice job well thought out I'd sleep in it better than most tents genius use of that type of material water and windproof great job the biggest problem would be where to set it up at having been homeless for almost 2yrs once upon a time I had the police tear down a shelter I built that was a rude surprise to see that they destroyed it one of those things to think about

[@donnacabot3550]

The govts will have none of that. A good job skipper. A great human being. Cheers.

[@jeanlathan9689]

Hi Paul, I've seen a few of your builds and you have great ideas and do nice work . Congratulations !!

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Thanks Jean!

[@tanazinn8484]

Paul Elkins... You are a very thoughtful genius!!!!!😇👍👏👏👏👏🙋

[@radiantjet418]

If you wanted to you could add a small solar panel and wind generator and have a small amount of power!

[@jesikebiking]

Hello Paul, When I started to think of a bike trailer,I looked at a lot of designs . Some of them were good,but for some reason I kept coming back to your Quonset hut . I didn't want to tow a 7 footer behind my bike so I made a major change. I'm half way done hope to finish it this summer. All of your video are great thanks Michael D.

[@robertchavez5281]

Awesome lightweight and portable made from recycled plastic helps the environment this is genius

[@debbiebelden4359]

Yeah ,this is a greatly improved version, well done

[@michaelalvarado3673]

You got awesome videos your a Awesome survivalist

[@carlosmedina9488]

Amazing shelter. A really great idea.

[@appa32472]

They're all nice ideas but really I think a 4 man tent is just as good and more room. But it's still a wonderful idea. It's always good to know others are thinking bout the less fortunate

[@hazelforde5869]

Having just seen you making the prototype Paul, you seem to have improved by making this new pod for around half the price of the first one. Best of all .... No tools required, maybe a sharp pair scissors or tie wrap tool to remove the ends of the ties. You really need to put your ideas on paper and in front of the right people as I personally believe you are on to a winner with this invention. Be it for the homeless, an alternative to a tent for camping in...... and so the lists go on. There are so many practical uses for these pods you make, best of all, you now have a completely recyclable pod. Fantastic. Great job again Paul.... I can see me selling up and ordering one of your pods to live in...lol. I'd probably need a much larger one , but the concept is there to make any size you wanted to. Assuming the Mrs hasn't actually thrown you own , yes it's possible to actually live in these pods. There are many ' Loners ' in the world. They could just pack up and live the nomadic lives of their dreams. I like the idea of the Red Cross being able to use these in times of devastation for persons in war torn, or natural disasters. This idea would give so many people a dry place to rest. God Bless you Paul.

[@barbibutton9619]

Gonna make one for some feral cats in the neighborhood

[@sharong8511]

Barbi Button Have you seen the cat shelters made from old beverage/food coolers? You drill a six inch hole, wrap the inner sharp bit of the plastic with pipe insulation and fill it halfway with straw. You put the hole to one side and down low so they can get out fast if they need to. I can’t remember where I saw the idea, I think it was on Facebook? I thought it was brilliant. 💖

[@priestesslucy]

I would love one of these for a guest bedroom for my in-laws 😋

[@joegotz7272]

Remarkable unbelievable the government whomever are the check writers start writing checks! This would save lives they can be used in the summer all-year-round temporarily for the homeless. Statewide Community disaster zones. I could see these also for Mountaineers base camp shelters. Limitless my hat's off to you! Blessed Wishes Michael Syracuse.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Although not fire proof, I would buy foil backed 1/2" thick white styrofoam panels for the inside. These flex enough to contour to the roof. I just haven't done it yet.

[@paulwelkinsdiy]

Good point. I've since added a 1 ft square flap on the back wall for circulation. Still would get hot regardless. Hmmm.

[@joedejesus6363]

Neat concept, 👍 now if only we can patent this so large cities can help their homeless victims.

[@ruhisamani4502]

Radio was one of the mans best inventions.

[@waynehodgetts5220]

Looks great low cost.

[@DarkMoonDroid]

Look up the prices for this stuff.

[@bcantrell47]

I really want one of these!

[@zachariah7021]

you know what would be better design if u cud make it collapsable so it's portable easy to setup an take down like a pop up tent. Something u cud carry around easily like a suitcase. that would be even more awesome

[@psawyer4090]

That is really cool .I love what u build it makes my mind go to different things. I would love something like this on wheels.

[@m.victoriareyess.5687]

Your mini house is wonderful, a homeless will appreciate! God bless you and I hope all your plans can be real.

[@orgorg239]

You don't want to keep these people alive when they will not take care of themselves. They are leaches.

[@1nkw3ll]

Tom Cool I really hope you get to experience homelessness one day, so you can see what it's like at the very bottom trying to find a way to the top while constantly fighting negativity like that which your spew here. I hope you have the life you deserve.

[@philxdev]

where is the mini house you are talking about? sry but that is just BS this cannot be called a house! romanticizing is the worst.. this is not a solution but hey if it has a cuty cute little door, mini shelves and a flower pot you can call it a house and be done... wow..

[@whyme3904]

I hope ten thousand of them are built and laid out all over your neighborhood. God bless you.

[@manjago1070]

one problem..how the homeless want to get warm inside in winter season..that's plastic shelter!

[@bzgarage2703]

this is a very well put together shelter. i would sleep in it :)

[@nationoflaws7680]

Thanks for your efforts. clearly you have put a lot of thought into this. privacy factor important. geez louise. look how much these public sectors fools spent on so called emergency housing in San Diego California. Not many helped with their solution. GOOD JOB AND ATTA BOY to you. Great Work

[@jimmartin243]

You could design a A frame out of insulated Azdale panels that folded up from a flat surface. That had frameless widows and a door that swivel locked into place from the inside. With a low voltage solar powered induction cook top that you can use to heat it. A nice design for a emergency shelter you can fit in the bed of your truck or on the roof of your car. Novartis

[@TREEHUGGAH1]

this is so awesome Sir.i wrote your website about trying to buy some plans for making a few of these beauties for my 12 acres in an old growth forest. much respect,david

[@dragan3290]

Even better than tent top job man!

[@dianewalden6127]

I love this, keep up the great work.

[@groggynod]

Great idea.Some hot glue would seal up the zip tie holes making it super water resistant at least on the top and some quickly spread high expansion spray foam insulation between the top layers of coroplast would add some good insulation and rigidity I would imagine.

[@elsea8901]

It’s bout half as big as the sleeper berth of a semi (18wheeler) and truckers live in those for weeks, months even years...nice work sir!

[@JanColdwater]

Hey! Good build. It reminds me of the cattle panel greenhouses which leads me to think about building it up higher on sidewalls made of either cement block or various types of timber. Sure it will cost a little more but that depends on where a person sources the material.

[@fgonzalez78959]

awesome..you just inspire me to try something new

[@evalinawarne1337]

The volumn comes on and off. GREAT IDEA. THANK YOU

[@alexlim4525]

An ingenious little construction that comes in very2 handy in times of need or even pleasure!

[@waynedavis2505]

yeah self pleasure.......

[@ReneeandJimmyG]

it just reminds me of a dog house. i cant get past that.

wow this is amazing and so creative

[@fp3359]

Nice concept & well thougt out. Greetz from Holland.

[@a.s.3567]

Honestly, no one is a homeless person, that is a stigma of a word for people who are just misplaced mentally or physically. Anyone of us can be in this position. Thank you to this man who has the ingenuity to see how important shelter is when our paid leaders do not.

[@jeffreyjohnson8306]

Said by someone who has a home. Lose everything you have to no fault of your own. With no family because they all have passed on. Tell me nobody is homeless. Go try living in a shelter with living parasites walking around to steal what little ya have left. You have no clue what its like. I do. I live it every day. God bless.

[@a.s.3567]

I have lived 5 years as a nomad. Gave all my possessions away because they were burdensome. Find new blood family everyday. I come in empty handed and go out empty handed. Material items are just that. Not allowing a man to live free. Now the mind is the place we can make ourselves free. Rewrite the story.

[@MegaBoilermaker]

Well deigned and well made .

[@michaelzimmerman8959]

Very impressive, I like the concept.

[@jeffmech600]

great video, really cool build

[@valwillman185]

If you double that plastic, could you put some kind of insulation in between them? 👍🙋

[@DrLove911]

Or just line the inside walls with space blankets

[@wvadam]

That could be the $200 version and coming with a heater!

[@gjensen500]

Paul, I think your shelter would be great for hunter too.

[@sgwhite4]

g Jensen this is exactly what been on my mind since I've seen this

[@iwanmurtanto4202]

g Jensen ...i agree with ya

[@GaryntaraBurbank]

g Jensen that is true and for camping

[@lisaaqui5638]

n nice for the homeless

[@tileking8078]

A lot safer than a tent..

[@MultiTimelady]

This shelter is awesome. and it is a step up from a tent. Very good Mr. Elkins

[@leealllrred3718]

Not good for. Handicap ppl.

[@trackrecord1592]

Yep I thought it was better than a tent

[@leadersuccess3761]

I can see a huge profit coming your way from your great idea and work🙂👍

[@mpdacor]

Im an artist on many ways. Kind of like you all my life. I love all your sketches, drawings those need to be in frames on a gallery wall in a downtown New York coffeee shop!!

[@LIv-tk5xw]

Thanks bro me and my dad are doing this in the summer I am doing the exact same thing you did!!!!!

[@lloydgarland4667]

What a brilliant idea!

[@OG-O226]

May God bless you friend this is an amazing idea many will appreciate

[@debrawalker7378]

Wow!!!! Creative and snug. I love it

[@user-tt5li8hf2f]

I really like the dome houses you make.

[@lisabohnenkamp9508]

great design that could really come in handy in a pinch. I like the fact that in an emergency setting it offers some privacy. situations like that its good to be able to get away from other people at times. I hope your marketing these for these types of situations or to help the homeless as you said. I live in Portland, Oregon and it seems being homeless is the thing to do when you move here. I don't see the appeal. I like to have walls. heat. showers etc...but I think those shelters could really be of great use around here. I'll have to keep an eye out for these I suppose. good luck would like to see more

[@rchristianwooley4870]

I love to see you design a fullsize Tiny House, and stand up Tear drop trailer, and design sets for a Scifi TV/FILM production.

[@patrickporco6972]

Homeless people have a need for stealth...the bright yellow is contrary to that...also your opening picture showed this covered in snow ..not insulated...also ease of transport is key...would work with a bicycle to tow it but better still if the bicycle were part of the build...then it would be a camper and not a homeless shelter possibly preventing legal charges....it is a great idea...

[@jaysonwilliams3938]

by the way, i like your idea - frankly if a town used them via a church and granted permits as long as officials checked and put in outhouses, i feel this is safer that tent cities i have seen on here

[@ccpperrett7522]

Very ingenious. Thanks for sharing your idea.

[@CGZ26]

This looks great, I know you did thinking for helping the homeless, but it also looks great for camping if you don't have the money for a trailer, you can put it in the back of the truck and go

[@coryjeffreys5146]

That’s a very good idea only thing is plastic get quite fragile in cold weather.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

I enjoy improvising and regular DIY projects, and am always impressed with your projects and videos you make to describe them. You are very creative and an excellent craftsperson. I liked your window idea a lot. I think your shelter would make an interesting addition to another of your coroplast boats, maybe a small scow hull for sheltered backwaters you could make into a mini houseboat..

[@reipartner]

Where do you buy the coroplast sheets? I found them on uline.com, but they are $32 each.

[@metromrtro9122]

but really a nice. well made. thoughtful thing

[@ruthmoore601]

Just great!!! Impressive, to say the least.

[@lifewithigor]

Great project. Inspired me to try something like this. Seeing this and one of your sketches in the beginning of your video made me want to ask something. Do you think it is possible to build a gyrocopter rotorblade using foam, plywood and coroplast as the skin?

[@cherbear1996]

Excellent idea..kudos to you🏆✌❤😊

[@sandrapapuni416]

God bless thoughtful people.

[@mysticwolf2842]

If these were available right now I would get a couple of them, there are a couple of people that I know of that could use them.

[@johnwalsh4948]

These should be produced in kit form and put in stores.

[@teogo]

Fantastic idea. That way people that are homeless could buy it.

[@toddstewart9070]

Great work. Just put a very energy efficient 19" led tv in there and youre all set!

[@argonaut6386]

Fantastic idea, really impressed.

[@kjlsdgfklshjdklflklj]

Looks great man! I enjoy watching your videos!