Helping the Homeless: Old Problem. New Ideas

Nov 27

In the U.S., today is Thanksgiving, a day families travel to be together, eat sumptuous meals and reflect on life’s blessings.

For some, though, today is no different than too many other days—dependence on the generosity of others for food and shelter. I thought this would be an appropriate time to survey innovative ways communities around the world are helping the homeless. Ideas, like kindness and generosity, that have no borders.

In canada, buses converted into mobile clinics drive through the city at night

Portugal's parking towers reserve one floor nightly for mobile beds on wheels

In the Netherlands, sleeping capsules stack under bridges with coded entry for safety

Finland's universities dedicate unused auditoriums to quiet sleeping zones during extreme winters

Ireland turns shipping yards into modular shelters

A German startup made backpacks that transform into insulated beds with solar panels

Australia trials curbside "wash poles" that unfold basins at night

UK turns old phone boxes into coat banks

In Thailand, mobile laundry vans serve unhoused populations

So many inventive ways to help those in need. Ideas that could migrate across borders and inexpensively be adopted by communities everywhere. Are you aware of others? Let me know and I’ll gladly spread the word.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Comments? Criticism? Contact Joe Rothstein at jrothstein@rothstein.net

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Joe Rothstein

This article was written by Joe Rothstein, a veteran political strategist, media producer, and author. Over a career spanning decades, Joe has managed and advised more than 200 political campaigns, served as editor of a major daily newspaper, and written three political thrillers—The Latina President, The Salvation Project, and The Moment of Menace. Through his writing, he offers clear, experience-driven perspectives on politics, culture, and the forces shaping our democracy.

https://www.joerothstein.net/