Multi-Shack: Homeless or emergency Housing (Free Plans)

This is a design and plans for a 4x6 structure that can be used for homeless or emergency housing, guest bedroom, playhouse, office, business or many other uses. Plans are free here:
www.simplesolar...

[@wisdomoffered1903]

i like this, maybe i could put this in my garden to allow a homeless person a safe roof and shelter thank you. Pity i'm not in the usa, but i'll come up with something

[@SusanRogersMakingItWork4Me]

I like this building, so many possibilities for ways to use it. I've seen several other designs that looked a bit tall and unstable, this looks safer and not apt to topple over in a little wind. I really like it!

[@solarcabin]

Please share this video on your social networks and share it with any church or social group helping the homeless.

[@JDeWittDIY]

I'd make it 7' long if possible. A lot of people are taller than 6' and it could get cramped when sleeping.

[@aggness860]

I'm headed to menards to pick up the materials to build one. Thank you for sharing!

[@AnneAndersonFoxiepaws]

This is lovely LaMar I'm going to share it and send a copy to my local Member of Parliament's Facebook page...I don't know how people survive in the Winter. ..this is such a good idea. ..They have these bicycles that you pay by putting money in a slot (they're electric) Why dont they have little areas where people can go and park their little houses. ..They shouldn't have to pay but if they are able, perhaps they could help the project. ..I've seen one like it on KZbin. ..This is a good idea. ..A central building for showering and cooking would be great. ..if the government can get it together with electric bicycles then why not something like this for the homeless. ..it's much more important! !

[@flyright6493]

If you add finger holes to the inner movable panels then the occupant can re-orient the panels *WITHOUT* opening the door. This is great when it is cold or raining or any other time when going outside is inconvenient. You could also use drawer pulls or other types of handles. The advantages of finger holes are zero cost and that they are flush - they don't stick up, poke you, or break off. Screwing woven straps into the panels might also be a good method.

[@solarcabin]

Good ideas! I hope someone builds one and sends me the pics.

[@jimmartin7899]

Aluminium telescopic shelves table bench and bunk beds could be used within these shelters. Spring piston pressure water vessels for the sink and shower located on the out side of the shelter that can be filled and set from inside the shelter to do dishes and to shower. Atomizers on sink faucet and shower for extreme water management. Novartis

[@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594]

An exceptional concept ... ! A 4' × 6' , "Wooden Crate" does N0T require the 2" × 4" ( 1-1/2" 3-1/2" ) framing that a 3 car garage needs ! Two × three ( 1-1/2"×2-1/2" ) would be more than sufficient. Actually, in most instances 1"×4" ( 3/4"×3-1/2" ) or even 1"×3" ( 3/4"×2-1/2" ) should work fine ... ! A 2×3 would save 40% in weight over a 2×4 . A 1×3 would save 80% in weight over a 2×4. Even utilizing a 1×4 would save 50% over 2×4 construction, with N0 strength compromise; allowing even 1-1/2" more interior room inside a 70-1/2" × 46-1/2" ( over 72" L× 48" W ) . 20 × 40%, 50% or 80% would be significant ! One & one-half inches would equal approximately 3% roomier than 69" L × 45" W . Forty-eight inches wide really isn't very much, unfortunately 4'×8' is standard size for sheet goods. Metal roofing might be another option, as flashing for shingled dormers might pose a challenge with nails sticking through the roof. I love your idea !

[@Knightrayn]

This is so thoughtful it brings me to tears. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@believeliveloveandlaugh3844]

Lamar, you are a very kind person. God bless you!

[@jimmartin7899]

Design them modular with different models. A pop up restroom with a cartridge toilet and cartridge shower with atomizer shower heads for water management all built right into the base for easy Grey and black water management.

[@WesternStarproductions]

oh yeah ! this is great ! I can see in emergency situations the city putting these out there for sure ! these look nice and moveable and suitable for the need like a snow storm and the shelters are filled up ! oh yeah !.

[@tamaraweber3296]

Thank you for sharing your personal life with us and thank you for keeping the homeless in your thoughts. Numerous people are one paycheck away from being homeless and some of the people fail to realize this. Viewing these videos will give people alternative ways to live and getting them to think out of the box. Do you have a plan for a lightweight tiny house that can be pulled by a tiny car? I would love to build one and travel with it.

[@DistantVision85]

In my city, Prince George BC Canada, there is a new effort to help ease the burdens of the homeless. I had an idea of a cart that can serve for storage, as well as an emergency shelter. Can also be used to transport loads like bottles. I appreciate this example.

[@solarcabin]

If anyone builds one of these please send me pics and I will add it to the plans and website so people can see how they are being used. You will be rewarded!

[@bustedcombine]

solarcabin Fun & easy build. Thanks!

[@lflorez3590]

Thank you for understanding the needs of people to survive, maintaining self pride, and advance.

[@slowerlifeonpurpose]

You posted this year's ago. Thank u, I'm looking for ways to make a small portable home. Something I can pull with my bicycle. I'll be leaving my current living conditions as soon as I have some sort of shelter I can transport wherever I need. And I can't afford a vehicle and all the stuff that comes with it.

[@georgewu5]

This is one of the best designs I have ever seen for many years. Congratulations. George Wu, AIA, ARCHITECRT,NCARB 2017-9-9

[@Tsiri09]

You're right about the homeless. Most don't want to be. I was homeless and would have loved to have something like this.

[@christiansaravia7865]

I love it, I would like to build one like this using coroplast and foam most likely to keep it lightweight in case I have to move it around

[@SuperNinja147]

Another good one. Thanks for sharing this, Lamar. Well done!

[@kathleenwinser4033]

I shared this to Facebook and Twitter

[@jonathanhouston4328]

I'm building 5 to give away to veterans village of San Diego thank you your changing people's lives

[@mommason3596]

nice. great idea. just put a big handlebar are the outside and we can push our house around werever you go.👍🏻👍🏻

[@russeldavis2592]

Great project. What I'd like to see is a pinned/design for quick knock down or set up. A way for a condensed storage or transportation.

[@ChristeneDelacruz2014]

Thank you! I know some people will find this useful. More power to you.

[@solarcabin]

Right on friend!

[@charlottegunning1548]

I LOVE it! Well thought out and a smart idea for the homeless

[@RipsterSA]

Howdy. I been looking at numerous tiny house videos lately. Some interesting thoughts here in your design.. which are great. What I'm missing though is that most basic of needs... toilet, shower and basin. Would a homeless person not still be in a very tough position without a bathroom? So adding 4 foot to the trailer would give space for a bathroom, a kitchen counter, and a place for a chair. Or does that make the unit too long then for some reason?

[@jimmartin7899]

If designed correctly this concept of a folding pop up shelter could be stacked on a truck bed or flat trailer and set up any where in minutes has a single shelter or connected to shelter a family or group. The solar low voltage induction cook tops for cooking heating and generating hot water and also electrical power with the use of thermal electric power generation would mean no need to burn anything making the shelter much safer. Novartis

[@Topic_____542]

Tis is very interesting and brilliant. I'm glad there are people like you who design these plans for the homeless

[@activeal]

Brilliant idea. And love the CAD program. Thanks!

[@solarcabin]

Glad you liked it!

[@lflorez3590]

A push bard located at the back will help. Also one set of rotating caster at the back and fixed caster at the front.

[@choneyb54]

SO TRUE!! GREAT IDEA, ESPECIALLY FOR THE HOMELESS!! ENOUGH ROOM FOR ONE OF THOSE LIL CLOSET SIZE PORT O TOILET.

[@solarcabin]

I have free plans here for a bigger unit: www.simplesolarhomesteading.com/microcabinplans.htm

[@theother1406]

You're a really great guy. I can hear the urgency and sincerity in your voice. I like your on the computer simple break-downs too. A lot of these videos are in fast motion. You really want people to know how to do this. You're very kind.

[@solarcabin]

Glad to help

[@NancyBeegle]

WOW! I'm really starting to like this guy! I've been homeless before with small children, lived in a '73 duster for months, and then in a cheap, dumpy hotel room. I think this is awesome....one question....you gave a price of under $200, but what about the things inside, like the toilet, table, etc.? God bless you!

[@solarcabin]

+Nancy Beegle The toilet is just a 5 gallon bucket toilet. The table is one of the bed platforms. Camping gear would work fine for living in one of these which many homeless people do have.

[@NancyBeegle]

+solarcabin I agree. I would love to help, but unfortunately, I'm on SSI (very low, set income) because I ended up disabled at just 29 years old. I've been there, as I said the other day, and don't envy anybody being in that position. I can't even afford a tent right now, and have to just live in a room in the house my widowed mom's renting from someone else. If I ever am blessed to where I am able to build one for myself, I'll be sure to try to help someone else with one, too. Bless you.

[@lilymcmillan5112]

Nancy Beegle, Your touching comment pulled on my heart strings! I'd like to know if you got some help and if you're doing OK for yourself. BLESSINGS !!

[@mollypaananen3193]

Nancy Beegle Me to!Now I'm just working for tax time to roll around.....im buying a motorhome so we don't ever have to live in a tent, car, abandoned house AGIAN.....

[@susannordstrom5065]

Great design

[@solarcabin]

Free plans are here: www.simplesolarhomesteading.com/multishackplans.htm

[@isthe9484]

Awesome work man.

[@mollymcneilly8700]

Hey, very cool. I was homeless for a year and half so I have some perspective. My first thought is if I were to give this to a homeless person they would have to worry about it being stolen when they left the premises.

[@solarcabin]

+Molly McNeilly That is why I suggested this as a project for churches or organizations that can store them on their property.

[@ninamcrae7295]

Maybe you could add a hitch and chain to the back. So it can be chained in place.And add a key lock to the door.

[@Tsiri09]

I was homeless for over 2 years in a tent. Would have loved to have something like this. shared on FB

[@michaelwessner6169]

You are a great designer

[@solarcabin]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mollymcneilly8700]

Just had a mini brainstorm. What if a lightweight structure was made on wheels that folded up or collapsed and was easy and convenient for the homeless person to pull along with them so they can be super mobile and not cumbersome?

[@solarcabin]

+Molly McNeilly I have a design on my website for one that slides together. I am working on one that can be towed by a bike. www.simplesolarhomesteading.com/apps/blog/entries/show/42470143-pushcart-survival-shelter

[@mollymcneilly8700]

+solarcabin cool design at first glance, can't wait to look at it more thoroughly. I love this kind of stuff, I'll get back to you with thoughts or comments.What a cool fun thing to put your energy into!

[@peaceandlove544]

Your work and contribution is visionary, creative, ingenous and socially conscious. God bless you. This can also help young people that can afford to live away, but want and need some privacy and saving money. But is there not a risk with having propane gas tank and turn on an stove inside such a small place?

[@PaulDossAlabamaGulfCoastVideo]

Nice job! Brings to mind some of Paul Elkins work.

[@solarcabin]

+Paul Doss (Alabama Gulf Coast Video) I met Paul at burning man. Very creative guy!

[@cadd5574]

That design is amazing, exactly was I was looking for, many thanks and I subbed to your channel!

[@dandart9890]

"I am my own man, there aint no one else like me. I am my own man and I live how I please :)

[@solarcabin]

+Dan Dart Right on friend!

[@dandart9890]

+solarcabin did you write that tune?

[@solarcabin]

+Dan Dart Yup- I write, play and sing all my own songs.

[@sweettea1191]

I will do that . thanks.for ideas

[@robinyarborough4727]

What is the weight the floor will hold for two people and if so has that been tested?

[@elvindekle9835]

I'd love to have the plans . I'm working on the problem of homelessness in SoCal.

[@solarcabin]

www.simplesolarhomesteading.com/microcabinplans.htm

[@mattcavoto]

I keep coming back to this design, but am trying to understand why it's not simply a 4'x8' footprint. Wouldn't that reduce the amount of cutting needed while giving more space inside?

[@solarcabin]

I went smaller t make it more moveable but I also have plans for larger sizes and different designs.

[@mattcavoto]

@@solarcabin I totally get that. It's really interesting when looking at structures under 100 square feet how you have to put so much more thought into how you want to utilize the limited amount of space at your disposal.

[@mollypaananen3193]

Been homeless myself..... Wish now just for a tiny place..... Tax time!Cant wait!

[@ronarmstrong835]

Lots of good ideas in this video. Well done.

[@DarkMoonDroid]

Why didn't you use the entire 4'x 8' ? Great SketchUp skilz, btw!

[@solarcabin]

It is designed to be pushed by one person and that reduced material use and weight. You could build it bigger.

[@robinyarborough4727]

I would add a heater non flame to it anyway

[@MrConradF]

Thank you for the great videos and project ideas! Any chance something can be done to increase the audio levels of the videos? Even with my volume all the way up, the audio is almost too low to hear. Thanks!

[@solarcabin]

+MrConradF It gets louder after a minute. I have a new computer and recording is not great on this system But I am working on it.

[@ericcoombs]

that's awesome man! I'd TOTALLY build one!!

[@maxboonkittypoison]

Yeah nice but build one and test it and improve it even furder. Oh yeah and help someone who's homeless as a test :D I have been homeless and i wish i had something like a mobile shelter and a place to put it. Because everything you wanna build as a homeless person is hard and just out of reach because the stuf cost money and if you have a couple of dollars you wanna buy food. Paul elkins has some great ideas but no homeless person got one. I have seen one man on youtube that made a shelter for a homeless woman and that was amazing to watch. I would like to see more people do that. Great video and design i cant work with computers but i can make everything if i had the funding to buy the materials. Greetings,, Kitty.

[@amphidory7600]

love the lines. do you know if anyone ever made one? would love to see a real life version of it

[@solarcabin]

It has been built by a few people.

[@krislarsen6546]

If you happen to know people who are contractors they might have some scrap wood that would be useful for this project

[@trilobite-knight7746]

Hi, I'm a part of the Speech Team at my college & am currently working on a speech about hostile architecture and how it effects the homeless. I'm also showing examples of designs that work for the homeless, not against them. Would you mind if I used this design as one of my examples?

[@trevdogg100]

what's the weight? how hard would it be to add a tow bar and bike wheels, and haul behind a bicycle?

[@solarcabin]

+trevdogg100 At 4 feet wide I don't think you would want to tow it with a bike and casters are not made for that. I have a smaller design that can be towed I will be doing next.

[@annapaulikonis2433]

Good point.

[@kathleenwinser4033]

This is a wonderful idea. I was homeless once and yea it wasn’t good at all.

[@kodit7951]

is the plan for this one still on the website ? can find it this is the perfect size for my son to build with my husband this summer

[@rdrusty]

Hi Lamar, love your designs. Is there a PDF version of the plans for the multi shack? I can only see the paper version on your site. Thanks and keep up the good work! Greetings from the UK

[@solarcabin]

drive.google.com/file/d/1u4Kzsm2k__zisn3xVgu8bdQ6ZM24Zcf3/view?usp=sharing

[@rdrusty]

@@solarcabin you sir are a real gent. You've gained yourself a new subscriber and I'll be buying a copy of your ebook. I'm looking to build a cabin but land here in the UK is very expensive. The search goes on. Happy Christmas!

[@ede2225]

Very cool. What program do you use LaMar to design these?

[@RyanMuniak]

Very cool LaMar! Never considered the caster idea. Do you think casters would get around any legal issues (that's why most tiny homes are on trailers)? Would love to see this with a barn-style or angled flat roof too.

[@solarcabin]

+Ryan Muniak Thanks- the casters make it movable and many cities require anything on the street to be moved every few days even cars but I can't say these would be legal except on private property. It could be modified with a barn roof pretty easily.

[@maehay4065]

A great idea for emergency shelter 4free plans!

[@invicta_vita]

Ahhh man.....this is awesome!!!!

[@muyassaralnooh5841]

Good for you.....

[@sirkriskringle]

Very cool setup :) . SKK .

[@muyassaralnooh5841]

And God bless you

[@moqui5783]

Wow it is really kind of you to give away the plans for free. Maybe u should link your PayPal in case people want to donate.

[@jimmartin7899]

Please make a detailed video of these concepts and share with everyone thank you. Novartis = )

[@shelbyandmargaret]

awesome

[@Fintan33]

super nice work

[@artwebb6939]

I don't actually see a link to the plans on your website Was it removed?

[@thathikingguy]

Great design Lamar. Thanks for sharing

[@mikesmith1550]

Sorry but I didn't find the downloadable plans with the link. Can you redirect me? Thank you.

[@solarcabin]

Here ya go: drive.google.com/file/d/1u4Kzsm2k__zisn3xVgu8bdQ6ZM24Zcf3/view?usp=sharing

[@evamonos9191]

Very very smart idea!!!

[@jaymesfairless7207]

hey I have an idea... flip the desk idea around... no one wants to be trapped.

[@Vera-dc7my]

Where are the plans for this? Went to your site. It’s not there

[@earlraff9162]

Very nice

[@DUNELIZARd7]

I got lil bit money but I need help building one to putt on my property

[@ronarmstrong835]

Shared on my Facebook wall.

[@charleneleber1933]

Could provide something like this for folks in Houston until they can rebuild their lives.

[@robinyarborough4727]

So how does a homeless person get the free floor plans?

[@mannyperez9789]

Hi can't find the plans, how can I buy it to use for homeless people thank you.

[@solarcabin]

drive.google.com/file/d/1u4Kzsm2k__zisn3xVgu8bdQ6ZM24Zcf3/view?usp=sharing

[@camilleb7997]

Amazing!!!

[@malmnn]

I went to your site to see the plans, but can't seem to find them. When I put Multi-shack in the search bar it said 'no entries found'.

[@solarcabin]

www.simplesolarhomesteading.com/multishackplans.htm

[@tinadrake372]

i have respect for everyone but its sad how many do not understand what it actually is to be houseless or homeless . people if they had to spend even 3 days out there would have a much different outlook on houselessness

[@solarcabin]

I have been homeless and broke twice in my life and lived in my truck and a small camper. That is why I design these simple to build inexpensive structures so hopefully groups and churches will build them for people that need a safe shelter. It doesn't have to be big or expensive.

[@brandibrown7198]

I went on the web site were would i find these plans?

[@solarcabin]

drive.google.com/file/d/1u4Kzsm2k__zisn3xVgu8bdQ6ZM24Zcf3/view?usp=sharing

[@brandibrown7198]

Thank you 😊 💓 ☺ 💗 💛

[@andrisecasimir4930]

How can i get buy one?

[@solarcabin]

www.simplesolarhomesteading.com/microcabinplans.htm

[@charlesknight3204]

Kind sir. I am unable to locate and access these free plans; would you please assist me in this matter? Me and mine wish you and yours all things great and good!!! Take care, be safe, all my best and God bless!!! Chuck Knight. 🤠🐩✝️🙏☃️

[@solarcabin]

www.simplesolarhomesteading.com/microcabinplans.htm

[@charlesknight3204]

Kind sir ... Thank you so very very much!!! God bless and stay warm!!! Chuck Knight. 🤠🐩✝️🙏☃️🖖👍

[@amyh5872]

Sufficient , good design.

[@solarcabin]

Hi Amy, I have free plans of other homeless housing here: www.simplesolarhomesteading.com/microcabinplans.htm

[@JohnHenryReaves]

looked in the sketchup warehouse, but did not find

[@solarcabin]

+John Henry Reaves That's because it is not on Trimble. Plans are on my website: www.simplesolarhomesteading.com

[@founditnow]

solarcabin z

[@lialeigh6905]

@@solarcabin Can you post a more specific URL? i couldn't find it on your website

[@geneheard9776]

no free plans on the site.

[@solarcabin]

Looks like I need to update that link: drive.google.com/file/d/1u4Kzsm2k__zisn3xVgu8bdQ6ZM24Zcf3/view?usp=sharing I also have free plans for the plywood truck camper and vardo wagon on the website.

[@neverbow5943]

Anyone have access to this free plan?

[@solarcabin]

www.instructables.com/Multi-Shack-Portable-Shelter/

[@neverbow5943]

Yeah, it says the plan was deleted. :/

[@hitoshiigarashi5350]

genius

[@Mangold108]

audio?

[@solarcabin]

+Angelo Give it a second and it gets louder.

[@Noway673]

It's nice but it almost look.like a birds house.