Thinking Inside the Box:
A New Concept in Affordable Housing

Why use shipping containers?

• Durability:
  • Constructed of high quality Corten steel, shipping containers provide a sturdy housing-shell that is…
    • Strong – Built to be stacked up to 9 units high on ships.
    • Designed to be Durable and Weather-tight.

• • • Corten Steel is resistant to rust and corrosion.

• Affordability:
  • A commodity that is readily available world-wide, a 40’ high-cube (9.5 foot high) container can be purchased for under $5,000 per unit.  Not bad for the steel shell of a home.
  • In many cases, the costs to modify and repurpose the container will offset some of the savings.  However, significant savings in labor & materials are recognized when containers are retrofitted in an assembly-line / factory environment.  
• Ideal for assembly line use:
  • Shipping container dimensions must be consistent world-wide in-order-to meet the criteria for ship/rail/truck transportation.
  • That consistency is perfect for an assembly line production.
• Mobile – Built for transportation:
  • Easily transported vis ship, rail and highway.
  • No need for wide-load highway escorts. 
• Sustainable & Energy Efficient:
  • Going Green… Used as a home, we are giving a second life to a material that would eventually be discarded or put in a landfill.
  • The steel frame provides an excellent structure for the use of solar panels, rainwater collection and other environmentally sound practices.
  • The above reduces environmental impact and provides savings in utility costs.

How Can Shipping Containers Help?

Shipping containers are an alternative to conventional concrete block construction.

Based on the findings of our feasibility study, conducted by Meridian Appraisal Group in 2015-16 with funding provided by JP Morgan Chase Bank, we found a savings of up to 15% over conventional concrete block construction before leveraging our nonprofit status.

What Are The Cost Benefits?

By leveraging Crisis Housing Solutions non-profit status, potential areas of cost reductions include the following, which offer additional savings passed along in terms of lower rent

• Donated or discounted land
• Discounted building materials
• Donated or discounted containers
• Property tax savings
• Waiver of permit and impact fees