Half a croissant, on a plate, with a sign in front of it saying '50c'
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waterproof boxes

 a weather resistant home for the homeless
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How about making large water-resistant boxes for the homeless? Keep the elements off of them for the night and still be portable enough to move around the city.
—packrat, Jul 04 2002

Baked, I say http://www.camptent...ion/expedition2.htm
Except at $250 a pop, I imagine half the homeless people would immediately sell them for drugs, and then go on to mug the other half for theirs. [DrCurry, Jul 04 2002, last modified Oct 04 2004]

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       Waxed cardboard would be cheap, waterproof and reasonably environmentally-friendly, but I would worry about the fire hazard. These would also be good for earthquakes and other such disaters. But I can't help thinking that the real answer is to help the homeless into proper accomodation, not perpetuate their indigent lifestyle. Well meaning, but (possibly) misguided.
—8th of 7, Jul 04 2002
   

       Tents?
—pottedstu, Jul 04 2002
   

       pottedstu: How and where do you put the tent pegs in ? Besides, these things need to be VERY cheap, practically disposable. Even the cheapest tenst cost £10 - £15. I can see a cardboard box shelter being made for about £2 in quantity. Also, better insulation. Less likely to blow away.
—8th of 7, Jul 04 2002
   

       How about refitting a bunch of large dog kennels/houses to give to the homeless? I have one that is large enough for a person to sit in quite comfortably.
—polartomato, Jul 04 2002
   

       This is a good idea. Just because giving them jobs or actual housing is a better solution doesn't mean something like this couldn't cheaply and easily improve their lives. As was said, how much does waxed cardboard cost? I say stock them and give them out to homeless people that refuse shelter. Many of them do you know. I might also want one myself as a one-time-use tent. The kids would love them too. (Kids already "camp" in boxes, now they actually provide shelter!)
—Madcat, Jul 04 2003
   
      
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