Housing Matters gets shelters to help with social distancing

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) In an effort to create more distance between residents at the Paul Lee Loft, Housing Matters bought ten Pallet shelters.

The shelters can sleep one to six people, and Housing Matters said they are durable, portable and free-standing. They have lockable doors, outlets for chargers, heating, windows and beds.

Ten Pallet shelters arrived Tuesday, and they will replace ten of the 20 single-occupancy tents currently set up at the Paul Lee Loft. Housing Matters also bought four more beds in case a household of two people wants to shelter together.

The organization said it had considered getting the shelters in the future to expand capacity, but the situation with COVID-19 has presented an opportunity to try them.

“We needed to expand shelter bed spacing quickly for COVID-19 relief efforts. Our first step was to quickly erect tents on campus,” said Phil Kramer, Housing Matters Executive Director. “But we wanted to supplement with something that also served the long-term shelter needs of people experiencing homelessness, while they looked for permanent housing.” 

Kramer said the shelters help in the short term, but they could also help the shelter capacity expand before a permanent facility can be built.

The shelters do not have bathrooms or kitchenettes, but Housing Matters said it has restroom and dining infrastructure for residents.

The organization said the shelters could also be a good alternative for people who may not do well in a dormitory-style shelter.

“It may seem counterintuitive, but traditional shelters can be more of a hindrance than helpful for some people experiencing homelessness,” said Evan Morrison, Program Manager of the Paul Lee Loft. “I’m really excited about the possibilities these shelter structures will open up for Housing Matters and all the clients we serve.”