What It’s Like to Call a Pallet Home Your Own and Experience Everyday Living?

Minimalism and tiny houses have become well-known concepts in the trend towards smaller living. Organizations have embraced these ideas, giving rise to pallet homes designed to cater to individuals in need. A pallet home, essentially, is a compact dwelling constructed using pallets. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass houses shipped on pallets but constructed from robust materials, like aluminum and reinforced plastics, ensuring longevity and resilience to the elements. These durable materials contribute to the homes lasting for more than a decade, making them viable for accommodating a significant number of people.

Pallet homes often serve as transitional housing for individuals facing displacement, including refugees, veterans, and those impacted by life-altering events leading to homelessness. The concept of Pallet homes was initially proposed by Amy King's husband, driven by the idea of responding to disasters. Amy King, the co-founder of the Pallet organization, explained in an interview with LA CityView 35 that the goal was to create a lightweight, affordable, and easily constructible house using panelized components. This approach aimed to offer swift and cost-effective shelter solutions for people in need. Various organizations actively contribute to providing pallet homes to communities, ensuring quick and uncomplicated assembly, allowing individuals to obtain housing within a matter of hours. For those interested in such communities, understanding what to expect when living in a pallet home is essential.

Inside pallet homes

Pallet homes, designed for immediate and secure shelter, typically have smaller dimensions, averaging around 64 square feet per dwelling. While some models can accommodate two to four individuals, the more prevalent designs are tailored for one or two occupants. Despite their compact size, these homes incorporate essential amenities. Despite their swift assembly, pallet homes must comply with local safety codes, ensuring residents' safety with features such as fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Furthermore, these houses are insulated, providing heating during winter and air conditioning in the summer. They also come equipped with electric lighting and outlets, enhancing the livability of these modest dwellings.

Typically, these communities assign a distinct number to each pallet home, facilitating easy identification for residents. Inside, the living space includes a bed and storage facilities for personal belongings. The presence of operable windows adds to the overall homeliness of pallet houses. Notably, bathroom and other hygiene-related appliances are not part of the standard offerings. However, organizations often arrange transportation to resource centers providing showers, restrooms, and laundry services. Onsite outhouses are also available, although some models, like Pallet's S2 Ensuite, do incorporate these amenities, though it is less common. When a resident transitions to a new home, the sponsoring organizations assist in cleaning and preparing the unit for the next occupant.

Resident experiences

For individuals residing in pallet homes, the experience extends beyond having shelter and a bed. According to CEO and co-founder Amy King, Pallet collaborates with service providers such as Salvation Army and Hope of the Valley to offer specific services like job searches and assistance in finding permanent housing, alongside providing transitional homes. Amy King emphasized in an interview with LA Cityview 35 that the key to rehabilitation in these sites lies not only in the shelter itself but in the engagement with services. She stated, "That is really the magic of how the rehabilitation happens in these sites, right? The shelter is one thing. It encourages someone to come inside. But the service engagement is what really changes a person's life and helps them move on."

At Pomona Park in Greensboro, North Carolina, current inhabitants of the pallet home community shared firsthand accounts of how their living situation has significantly improved their lives. A resident, who preferred not to disclose his full name or face, expressed gratitude, stating, "To me, it's a blessing. I mean, it's better than sleeping in your car." He revealed that severe medical issues and six surgeries led to him residing in his car for six months before transitioning to a pallet home. Another resident, Joseph Quick, who experienced homelessness for five years and stayed in various shelters, proudly showcased his living space, stating, "Take a look at my man cave. Got my little shoes lined up. I gotta open the windows sometimes... It is something until you can do better, you know what I mean?" The testimonials highlight the positive impact of pallet homes on individuals facing challenging circumstances.

Pros and cons of pallet home living

Beyond the fundamental advantage of providing shelter, pallet communities prioritize offering comfortable living conditions for their residents. The shelters furnish essential amenities like beds and storage for personal belongings, and on-site security measures are implemented to ensure the well-being of the occupants. In addition to the physical comforts, individuals residing in pallet homes benefit from a sense of community, sharing experiences with neighbors and forming friendships. The support network, whether from organizations facilitating rehabilitation or the camaraderie with fellow residents, ensures that those living in these communities are never alone on their journey.

While pallet homes offer numerous advantages and substantial support to residents, there are important considerations for those seeking to apply. One notable aspect is the absence of plumbing in pallet homes, requiring occupants to address bathroom and hygiene needs at public resource centers and outhouses. Additionally, these homes lack kitchenettes, making it challenging to store perishable food items beyond dry goods. While transportation assistance may not always be guaranteed, organizations typically provide support with bus schedules. It's crucial to recognize that pallet homes are temporary and should not be viewed as permanent housing. Amy King, the CEO and co-founder, emphasized, "When we're talking about homelessness, the intent here is not for someone to live here forever. That's not why we created this. And this is not a way that someone should live forever." Understanding these aspects is vital for prospective residents to make informed decisions about their housing situation.

Resources for pallet homes

There are opportunities to become involved in pallet home communities, whether you are seeking assistance from organizations placing individuals in homes or wish to contribute to the movement through donations. Those in need of shelter should begin by identifying the nearest programs in their area. While pallet home communities are still relatively limited due to the initiative's novelty, it is expanding progressively. Pallet's website provides a comprehensive list of cities with pallet communities, the number of homes in each community, and details about the sponsoring organizations. To express interest in securing a house and inquire about the waiting list, individuals can contact the organizations listed online and familiarize themselves with the application process.

In Greensboro, North Carolina, the initiative is known as the Doorway Project, and individuals interested in participating must undergo a referral and intake process. Priority on the waitlist is given to individuals over 60 years of age or those with disabilities. It's crucial to recognize that pallet homes are compact and not designed for families. For those interested in making donations, many nonprofits and sponsors associated with these communities accept contributions through their websites. If organizations wish to contribute to the community, they can find information on the city's official website.