Pods for homeless in UK town equipped with bed and chemical toilet

10 June 2024 , 08:33

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The proposed Chelpods in Cheltenham's lower High Street (Image: CCP)

A pod for homeless people - fully equipped with a bed, chemical toilet and a USB charging point - could be set up in the centre of a UK town.

The scheme is planned in Cheltenham's lower High Street for homeless people - marking the beginning of a significant project. Planning permission has been sought from the local council to place this pod at 340 High Street, the site of Caring Communities and People (CCP)'s offices, as part of a trial scheme.

The design statement submitted by Hoch-Bau Architecture on behalf of CCP reveals that the pods are constructed using a fibreglass-covered timber frame and require no mains connection. The document reads: "The pod is a pilot for a larger scalable scheme, providing a short-term system of accommodating Cheltenham homeless for whom hostels and other strategies do not provide the right solution for their needs.

"The pod will provide safety, privacy, dignity and an address along with support services such as mental health, employment, education and the like." Supporting documents from CCP explain that the pilot pod aims to aid entrenched rough sleepers by offering them safety, privacy and dignity through a semi-portable home for single occupancy.

How the outside and inside of the pods will look (CCP)

The Chelpods are set to be placed in existing community spots like community centres and churches, where they can integrate with current support groups that help the local community. The statement explained: "The Chelpods will be sited in existing community facilities for example, community centres and churches, where existing support groups commune and provide support to their local community.

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"Other wraparound services including mental health support and potential training, employment etc all have a far greater chance of success with the objective of step-up accommodation into a more permanent home as the person is stabilised and given hope, on which the many services in the county, can more effectively build."

To kickstart this initiative, a fundraising campaign is necessary to purchase and set up the first pod, serving as a model for future efforts. Each single pod has a price tag of £10,000, while a double pod costs £19,500, reports Gloucestershire Live. Additionally, CCP aims to gather an extra £5,000 to cover the initial support needed by individuals.

Founded in 1989, CCP is dedicated to tackling the root causes and mitigating the effects of homelessness, family breakdown, and social exclusion. You can view and comment on the application here.

Rom Preston-Ellis