Shelter for the Poorest

Brenda Gardenhire was homeless over the last year, until she got her EDAR unit.

They are currently calling it the "Hobo Condo." We posted in December last year about EDAR (Everyone Deserves a Roof) an innovative shelter designed by Pasadena Art Center College of Design students. We are happy to report that the unit is on the streets and helping people already. Here is a web article from CNN.

It's the brainchild of "Revenge of the Nerds" movie producer Peter Samuelson, who has spent much of his life working with charities to help impoverished children. He researched the project while cycling to work from LA to Santa Monica. He interviewed 62 homeless people on one ride alone.

Samuelson put his smarts and money to work and came up with the EDAR.

The four-wheeled home has an expandable base that stays off the ground and is covered by a canvas, giving it the feel of a tent. It extends 86 inches and is 32 inches wide, thin enough to fit through standard doorways. Each unit has a mattress and sleeping bag to provide comfort. It's also flame-retardant and sturdy enough to keep its occupants dry during heavy rains. A braking mechanism prevents the unit from rolling away at night. They also come with a chain and padlock to prevent it from being stolen.

It's not a moment too soon.