Product
In the wake of hurricane Katrina, it became clear the America was not prepared to provide emergency housing to hundreds of thousands citizens in need. In the Fall of 2005, we developed a business plan for a non-profit company that would oversee design, manufacture and storage of small shelters that would allow thousands to have a safe place to live very quickly following a disaster. This shelter is designed to fill the niche of temporary shelters that can survive without maintenance for 6-12 months.
Each shelter would be large enough for 4 people, set up in less than 15 minutes and would contain emergency supplies. The shelters would be made of post-consumer recycled plastic. When unfolded, the outer shell would act as a 6-inch water barrier on the ground. The shelters could be combined to form larger indoor areas that could be used as emergency hospitals or command centers. I believe this proposal remains a strong business plan for a group looking to make an impact on the post-disaster lives of thousands of people. View our concept plan here (PDF).