Homeless-led Open designs Tiny shelters

Tiny shelters from scrap, dignity from design.

PalletShelter Commons is an open project where people with lived experience of homelessness share simple, safer micro-shelter designs, survival knowledge, and pathways into legal tiny-home and micro-community projects. No hype. No saviors. Just tools you can actually use.

View micro-shelter plans Get emergency help

⚠ Not legal advice — always check local codes and work with trusted organizations.

How this helps on day one

The short-term play is survival: staying drier, warmer, and safer with simple, movable shelters that do not pretend to be full houses. Each guide is written for people who may only have hand tools, a backpack, and a few hours of light.

Bill-of-materials checklists you can screenshot and carry.
Step-by-step sequences tuned for pallets and scrap lumber.
Design choices that assume you might have to move on short notice.

How this becomes a way out

The long-term play is leverage: turn your builds and lived experience into a portfolio you can bring to Habitat, churches, micro-community pilots, and small contractors. You are not "just" surviving — you are prototyping low-cost shelter solutions.

Downloadable build logs you can adapt and bring to meetings.
Suggested language for emails, grant pitches, and partnership decks.
Examples of how to describe your skills without hiding your story.

Micro-Shelter Build Guides

These guides focus on small, movable structures you can build with basic tools and reclaimed materials. All designs prioritize safety, weather protection, and the reality that you might need to relocate.

🏠 Basic 6×8 Pallet Shelter

Beginner 2-3 days Hand tools OK

Size: 6 feet × 8 feet (48 sq ft)
Cost: $50-150 if scrounging materials
Skill level: Beginner with supervision

Materials Needed

10-12 standard pallets (48" × 40") - free from stores, warehouses
Tarp or corrugated metal sheets for roof (8' × 10' minimum)
50-100 wood screws (3" deck screws work well)
Basic hand tools: hammer, saw, drill or screwdriver
Optional: 2×4 lumber for framing reinforcement
Door hinges and latch (can salvage from old furniture)

Step-by-Step Build Process

Foundation: Lay 4 pallets flat on level ground. Use concrete blocks if ground is uneven. This keeps you off wet ground.
Wall frames: Stand pallets on edge for walls. Connect corners with screws or wire. Front wall needs a 3' opening for door.
Roof frame: Lay 2 pallets across the top. Add a slight slope (6" drop from front to back) for water runoff.
Weather protection: Staple tarp over roof and upper walls. Overlap seams. If using metal, secure with screws every 12".
Door: Use a full pallet or make frame from scrap wood. Attach with hinges. Add simple latch.
Ventilation: Leave gaps near roof line or cut vent holes. Prevents condensation and carbon monoxide if using heat.

Safety Notes

⚠ Fire safety: Never use open flames inside. Keep any heat source 2+ feet from walls.
⚠ Ventilation: Must have airflow to prevent dangerous CO buildup and moisture.
⚠ Structural: This is NOT a permanent dwelling. High winds can damage it. Secure with stakes or weights.
⚠ Legal: Check local laws. Most cities prohibit unpermitted structures. This is emergency shelter only.

🏠 Insulated 8×10 Shelter

Intermediate 1-2 weeks Power tools helpful

Size: 8 feet × 10 feet (80 sq ft)
Cost: $200-400 with scavenged materials
Skill level: Intermediate - some construction experience needed

Key Improvements Over Basic

Insulated walls using cardboard, foam board, or fiberglass (from ReStore)
Proper plywood roof instead of just tarp
Small window for light and emergency exit
Raised floor to prevent moisture and provide storage underneath
More durable construction suitable for months of use

Where to Find Materials

Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Discounted lumber, windows, doors, insulation
Construction sites: Ask permission for scrap wood, damaged materials
Craigslist free section: People giving away building materials
Pallet yards: Many give away broken/damaged pallets for free
Roofing companies: Leftover shingles, damaged metal roofing

📋 Essential Tool List

You don't need much to start. Here's what actually matters:

Minimum Tools (Can build basic shelter)

Hammer or hatchet
Hand saw or hacksaw
Screwdriver (or use screws as nails)
Measuring tape or string for measuring
Utility knife

Recommended Additions

Cordless drill (battery-powered) - makes everything faster
Level (or use smartphone app)
Pry bar for dismantling pallets
Wire cutters and pliers
Safety glasses and work gloves

⚖️ Legal Considerations by State

These micro-shelters exist in a legal gray area. Here's what you need to know:

State	Tiny House Rules	Notes
California	ADUs allowed statewide	Many cities allow 120-400 sq ft structures. Fresno first to allow THOW.
Oregon	Very tiny-friendly	Portland allows tiny homes on wheels in all residential zones.
Texas	Varies by county	Generally lenient. Rural areas more flexible than cities.
Colorado	Some cities adopt Appendix Q	Denver and Boulder have warming shelter programs.
Washington	ADUs permitted most zones	Seattle has Safe Rest Villages program.

⚠ Critical: These micro-shelters typically DON'T meet building codes for permanent housing. They're emergency shelter. Work with local organizations to find legal placement options.

National Hotlines - Available 24/7

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text: 988

24/7 crisis support, trained counselors

HUD Housing Assistance

Visit: HUDExchange.info

Find shelters, housing counselors, emergency assistance

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-7233

Confidential support, safety planning, referrals