A series of futuristic wood and steel cabins, which can accommodate up to two people, protect the homeless from the cold, wind and humidity.
While waiting for all governments to evaluate the Finnish model Housing First to give homeless people a real home, Ulmer Nests are tested in Germany, hi-tech capsules to protect them.
A shelter from the cold, a place to sleep: the frost of recent weeks has only brought us cases of homeless people dying from the cold. “Ready” solutions do not seem to be enough. Opening the stations is not a remedy worthy of civilized countries, and the normal shelters are saturated.
Space nest
On the project website the makers of the Ulmer Nest capsules say they have come up with this solution with those who cannot access regular homeless shelters in mind. Sometimes for psychological factors, in other cases because they have a pet, for example.
It is not, and will never be, an alternative to staying in a more traditional hostel or accommodation facility, but it is certainly an emergency alternative to sleeping outdoors. One last important resource.
Ulmer Nest: minimal technology to protect
The homeless capsules are equipped with solar panels and connected to a radio network that allows the occupants to communicate without depending on mobile networks.
To ensure privacy, there are no cameras in Ulmer Nest, but opening the doors triggers a motion sensor that alerts social workers and volunteers. They will be able to check the pods after their use to ensure they can be cleaned, and also to provide assistance to anyone using this temporary form of accommodation.
The pandemic slowed the installation of the capsules, but in parks and other places at the test site (the city of Ulm, kilometers west of Munich) volunteers were able to install them in time for "the coldest nights" .