Storage for the Unhoused: Problems and Solutions

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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Why we stay nonpartisan

By Katie Koglman • October 7, 2026

United We Help: Why United Way Wayne and Holmes Stays Nonpartisan Turn on the television. Scroll social media. Check your mailbox. Election season brings a steady stream of political messages, each competing for our attention and asking us to choose a side. It can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to separate facts from opinions and decide whom to trust. At United Way Wayne and Holmes Counties, we value the trust our community places in us. That is why we want to be clear about our role during elections.We do not endorse candidates, oppose candidates, or tell people whom to vote for. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, we are prohibited from participating in political campaigns for or against candidates for public office. This is a legal requirement , not simply an organizational preference. Our responsibility is to serve Wayne and Holmes Counties and bring people together to help our neighbors. Nonpartisan does not mean silent We see the challenges people face every day: families struggling to afford groceries, workers facing transportation barriers, children needing opportunities to learn, and neighbors searching for mental health support. We have a role in helping our community and policymakers understand those needs. We can share information, educate elected officials, build relationships, and speak up about issues connected to our mission. We can also engage in some lobbying on specific legislation, within the limits that apply to charitable organizations. Speaking up about a community need is different from asking you to vote for a particular candidate. Can we do that? Our “Can We Do That? A Quick Guide to Nonprofit Advocacy” graphic uses a traffic-light approach to explain the difference. Green: Speak up for our community. Share stories, explain community needs, educate policymakers, and encourage civic participation. Yellow: Know the rules. Supporting or opposing specific legislation is lobbying, which comes with limits and responsibilities. Red: No candidate endorsements. We cannot support or oppose candidates, contribute organizational funds to their campaigns, or use our organizational voice to tell you whom to elect. We can encourage people to register and vote, and provide voter information, as long as those efforts remain neutral and do not favor or oppose candidates or political parties. Your vote belongs to you You may hear us discuss hunger, literacy, housing, transportation, or other issues affecting local families. You may see us meeting with elected officials to help them understand what is happening in our communities. Those conversations are about the people we serve. They are not candidate endorsements. We encourage you to ask questions, examine reliable information, learn about candidates, and make your own informed choices. The neighbors who turn to us for help have different backgrounds, beliefs, and political views. So do the donors, volunteers, and partners who make our work possible. Helping our community takes all of us. Election season will come and go. Our commitment to Wayne and Holmes counties continues regardless of the outcome. We encourage all of you to vote, and vote for who you think is the best candidate! Early voting begins October 6, 2026 through Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026 and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. To find where you should go to vote Click Here. Go VOTE!!