Storage for the Unhoused: Problems and Solutions

Alexa Carlozzi • July 20, 2022

All statements below that are not cited are based on the knowledge, opinion, and experience of the author or the interviewee

When discussing the obstacles the homeless population faces, the topics usually include finding employment, transportation, food access, or locating both short-term and long-term housing. However, one subject is often forgotten: storage. For those without permanent housing, carrying all belongings, at all times, is the only option. As stated by Tim Higgins, one of the Majors of the Wooster Salvation Army, “this is their life, these are their belongings…these are important things to them.” However, carrying all of one’s belongings can impede finding a permanent housing solution, being able to travel to work or appointments, or staying in shelters and short-term housing. Storage for these items during the day is essential for removing these impediments and granting better physical, social, or financial mobility. Unfortunately, this obstacle is often forgotten or can be difficult to solve.

Most employers do not allow large amounts of items to stay in the employees’ lounge, nor do most public transportation options, and sometimes even shelters struggle. For the Salvation Army, Major Connie Higgins states that the shelter can hold a visitor’s belongings for three days, with storage options under the beds, in lockers, and in the garage. However, “last Christmas, the walkways between buildings became a ‘tent city,’ where people had brought a lot of things,” says Major Tim. Finding space in shelters is a frequent issue as room is limited, but other issues around storage exist, as well. Security, liability, and management remain persistent obstacles in finding efficient storage options for shelters and organizations. Most organizations do not have the resources to store a large number of items and then, ensure nothing is stolen or misplaced. Thus, those who have more items than can be stored must leave them outside, which is not usually a feasible option and will inherently exclude many people from using the facilities. All of these issues make it difficult to find efficient, secure, accessible, and permanent storage solutions for both organizations or shelters and the homeless community.

While finding storage options for those who are unhoused can be difficult, there are potential solutions. For the Salvation Army, “finding a storage solution was a question posed to us immediately in our first few months,” says Major Connie. The first option proposed was adding more lockers. However, Major Connie argues that lockers are not the best option as many items cannot fit in the lockers and will be left outside of them - which does not solve the problem. Both Majors agree that a dedicated storage room or storage center would be an effective solution. The idea of “trash can storage” has also been discussed. Already enacted in several cities, such as Phoenix and Los Angeles, the project works by keeping clean, 60-gallon trashcans in a lot or warehouse that are individually locked and monitored by a security personnel. Unhoused people can keep their belongings in the trashcans for the day or even several weeks, which allows them to keep their belongings safe and secure - granting more mobility and decreasing stress. The Wooster Salvation Army says the project may be a possible solution but finding appropriate space and personnel would be an obstacle.

In conclusion, storage solutions for the unhoused are in strong demand in the community, but problems with location, security, and funding persist. However, the need for these options can be summarized by Major Tim, “I can’t imagine having to carry all my possessions, pulling all that with you, day in and day out.”

Sources:

1. Beech, Chace. “Safe Storage Options Present Opportunities for the Homeless.” spectrumnews1.Com, 2021, https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/housing/2021/10/08/safe-storage-options-present-opportunities-for-unhoused.

2. Carlozzi, Alexa, et al. “Interview with Salvation Army.” 1 June 2022.

3. “Garbage Bins and Zip Ties Create 'Lifesaver' Storage Program for Phoenix Homeless Population.” YouTube, Azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic, 11 Feb. 2022, https://youtu.be/S29yiZNh31E.

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From Grandma to Goal-Getter: My goal setting journey, part 2

By Katie Koglman • June 2, 2025

From Grandma to Goal-Getter: My goal setting journey, Part 2

Books and Balance: Cultivating Mental Well-being Through Reading

By Kayley Cox • May 12, 2025

Growing up, I had a complicated relationship with reading. I thoroughly enjoyed reading various chapter books or series, ranging from the Arthur to The Baby Sitter’s Club to A Child Called “It” series. But once I reached middle school, many of the English classes I attended had required reading for the course, and the requirement meant reading was no longer an option, but rather it was mandatory, and to take notes, and to be tested on the material! The required reading lists often burned me out, leaving me disinterested in picking up a book for pleasure. I would go through phases of wanting to read more, but the enthusiasm was often short-lived. As an adult I have really tried to be intentional with reading. As someone who has made a New Year’s Resolution to “read more” the last 6 years, I have really tried to focus on finding what genres interest me because when I do, I do in fact “read more,” and I like it! It also makes me happy. I feel like I have more to talk about in conversations and enjoy the dialogue reading a book brings, along with the mental break it provides me from daily life. As a parent of two young children, I have really tried to make it a priority to foster a love of reading in my kids. I encourage them to choose the books we read, and to take it a step further, I have also been intentional that my children also SEE me reading. Reading books for my own enjoyment. I want them to remember that reading isn't just something we do together, but also something we can do for ourselves. It’s a form of self-care and can really help our health-our MENTAL health. Literacy plays a critical role in children's mental well-being. Research from Scholastic and the Yale Child Study Center-Scholastic Collaborative for Child & Family Resilience highlights the powerful influence of books and literacy on mental health. It shows that a love of reading can boost self-esteem, increase empathy, and mitigate anxiety and depression. Reading can introduce children to different types of people from all walks of life, and not only that, introducing children to different points of view, perspectives, ideas and ways of life. This exploration can foster creativity and imagination and innovation – traits that are needed for our community to evolve and grow. And this exploration can provide an opportunity to show that no matter your thoughts, you are not alone in them. By modeling reading, I hope to instill in my children the understanding that books, while educational tools, are also powerful allies in maintaining mental health. Our brain, just like anything else in the body, needs exercise. And we have the power to put the book down or keep turning the page. Whether it’s going to library to pick out our selections, or borrowing books through the Libby app, I challenge you to give yourself a moment of escape with a side of perspective that a good book can bring. Then, track your progress through Wayne County Public Library’s Beanstack app to follow your book journey. This action has truly helped me prioritize reading for my mental well-being while also instilling the love of reading in my children so they too can create a balance for their own mental health.