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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Answering the Call: Childcare Solutions for Working Families in Holmes County

By Katie Koglman • September 9, 2025

Answering the Call: Childcare Solutions for Working Families in Holmes County Imagine being a working parent in Holmes County with no safe, reliable place for your child before or after school. No before- or after-school care options at all. Just a desperate patchwork of relatives, friends, or the rare in-home provider, if you can find one. At United Way Wayne and Holmes Counties , we know community needs don’t get solved overnight. Every solution requires two things: A champion – someone to lead the work. Funding – because even the best solutions cost money. Sometimes the same organization fills both roles. More often, it takes years of partnerships and persistence. The Childcare Challenge When I joined United Way in late 2018, one need rose to the surface quickly: childcare. Both Wayne and Holmes Counties face challenges, but Holmes County was especially hard hit. In 2019, the Holmes Center for the Arts stepped up as a champion and launched before- and after-school programs at Millersburg and Killbuck Elementary Schools. Families finally had an option—until COVID disrupted everything and the program faded away. Still, the calls from parents didn’t stop. Families were desperate, not just for childcare, but for affordable childcare. A Champion Steps Forward In early 2025, a group of concerned citizens rallied around this crisis. That’s when the YMCA of Wayne County stepped forward to become our champion- utilizing a group of concerned and caring community members as an advisory board. And it was the right move. The YMCA of Wayne County has decades of experience, trained staff, and a proven track record in childcare. They know how to provide safe, credentialed before- and after-school care programs. Parents can focus on work knowing their kids are cared for. But the second question remained: who will pay for it? The Reality of Family Budgets Some might say, “Parents should just pay for childcare.” But let’s look at the numbers. A survival budget for a family of five (two adults, two school-aged children, one infant) earning $70,000 per year looks like this: Household income: $70,000 Basic survival expenses: $87,600 Budget gap: -$17,600 And that’s just for bare-bones needs like housing, food, transportation, and childcare. It doesn’t even include clothes, school supplies, internet access, or extracurricular activities. Families are working hard, but the math simply doesn’t add up. Side note: Who is Alice? Why does this reference an ALICE Household or ALICE Budget ? Our Role – We Help That’s where United Way Wayne and Holmes Counties steps in. We work alongside the YMCA of Wayne County to provide childcare scholarships for families who are working but earning too much to qualify for government aid—and not nearly enough to make ends meet. In August, our Board of Directors approved a $24,000 grant to the YMCA of Wayne County to launch affordable before- and after-school care in Millersburg. Thanks to this support, parents won’t have to choose between childcare and food. But here’s the truth: $24,000 doesn’t last long. The need is bigger than one grant. You Can Help too… Every child deserves a safe place to learn and grow, and every parent deserves the peace of mind that their kids are cared for. You can be part of the solution. Donate: Text WeHelp to 44-321 or CLICK HERE to support families in our community. Get Involved: Interested in shaping the future of childcare locally? Contact ashley@uwwh.org to join the advisory committee. Together, we can answer both questions: Who will be the champion? Who will pay for it? With your support, the answer is all of us.

What I learned at the Gas Station Counter; how my daily routine turned into a moment of compassion

By Katie Koglman • August 22, 2025

If you know me, you know I love my Coke Zero. Every day, like clockwork, I stop at the local gas station to fill my jumbo cup with ice and fizzy joy. It’s a small routine, but one that I look forward to. Last week, as I stepped up to the counter, I noticed the young woman working that morning was gently rubbing her temples, clearly in pain. I paused and asked, “Are you okay?” Her eyes welled up a little as she explained that she had a broken tooth. The pain was constant, and she didn’t have the money to see a dentist. My heart ached for her. I asked if she had transportation, and when she said yes, I told her about the Viola Startzman Clinic in Wooster — a place that offers affordable dental care for people just like her. She blinked in surprise. She had no idea it even existed. I scribbled down the phone number and urged her to call right away. She held the paper like it was gold. Then she looked at me and said, “You’re a Godsend.” As I walked back to my car, I thought about how it only took a minute — one question, one small effort — to change someone’s day, maybe even their life. There were other people in that store. They hadn’t noticed. But I did. And I’m so glad I did. We live in a community rich with resources. But the truth is, people in pain don’t always know where to turn. Sometimes, all they need is a little nudge in the right direction. A moment of kindness. A reminder that someone sees them. This young woman is doing her best, working hard, and showing up every day — even through the pain. She deserved help. And I’m thankful I could offer it. If you ever meet someone who’s struggling, don’t hesitate. Let them know about 2-1-1 — our local, 24/7 resource hotline. One simple call to (330) 263-6363 connects them to a live operator who can guide them toward the help they need. Because kindness costs nothing, but it can mean everything. And here’s the beautiful part — donations made to United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties help make all of this possible. Your support funds the Viola Startzman Dental Clinic, the 2-1-1 resource hotline, and so many other programs that offer real help to real people. When you give, you’re not just donating — you’re changing lives.