# Shelter Option New forms of homeless shelters are debuting during the COVID-19 pandemic. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Sep 17, 2020 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/shelter-option ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.5/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Shelter Option trend? **Shelter Option:** Due to the ongoing pandemic, the housing crisis has intensified and many have been left without a home. As a result, designers and brands are deploying various flexible solutions—whether it is a hotel lending its empty rooms to people at-risk or a portable device that would at least protect individuals from the elements. ## The consumer insight behind the Shelter Option trend The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to become financially insecure and their access to basic life necessities—like health, food, and shelter—has been threatened or altogether removed. As a result, people are creating a stronger demand for assistance in this area. This is highlighted further by the many consumers who are fortunate enough to have remained relatively stable during the pandemic and who are now calling attention to this as a human rights issue, advocating for solutions that will help alleviate the stress for those at risk. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 20 to Jun 3, 2020 - Published: Sep 17, 2020 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Shelter Option trend ### Flexible Homeless Shelters Designers and brands are creating flexible solutions for homeless individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. ### Demand for Shelter Assistance The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for more assistance with basic life necessities like shelter. ### Charitable Donations Businesses are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic through the donation of resources like hotel rooms. ## What the Shelter Option trend means for industry ### For Homeless Assistance Industries that provide services and resources to support homeless individuals can explore the potential of flexible and supportive shelter solutions. ### For Disaster Relief Industries that work in disaster relief can leverage designs and materials used for pandemic shelters and apply them to their own shelter solutions for victims. ### For Hospitality Innovators in hospitality are stepping up by offering resources like hotel rooms and pre-fabricated shelter kits, and can explore expanding their contributions in this area. ## Workshop question How might you assist consumers at-risk during the COVID-19 pandemic? ## Trend signals for Shelter Option Trend score 3.5 out of 10, from popularity 46%, activity 48%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 46% - Activity: 48% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Shelter Option trend 4 featured examples from Mar 20 to Jun 3, 2020. - [Pre-Fabricated Pandemic Shelter Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandemic-shelter): ThePerfectSpace Unveils a DIY Disaster Relief Pop-Up Shelter (Category: Eco) Implication: Development of solutions and products for disaster relief organizations and emergency situations. - [Insulated Portable Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-iglou): The Iglou is Fireproof, Waterproof and Built in Seconds (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The homeless shelter industry can leverage insulated portable shelters to address the need for safer and more efficient housing solutions, revolutionizing the way homelessness is… - [City-Responsive Recovery Sites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recovery-site): Toronto Prepares to Open up A Second Site to Help Those in Need (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunities for innovation include development of more specialized recovery centers, use of technology in monitoring COVID-19 patients, and incorporating telehealth in homeless… - [Charitable Hotel Room Donations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jupiter-hotel): Jupiter Hotel Donated 81 Rooms to Help Those in Need Amid COVID-19 (Category: Social Good) Implication: Hotels can embrace charitable initiatives by donating rooms to vulnerable populations or those in quarantine. ## Recent trend clusters - [Oven Aesthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/decorative-casserole-dishes) (Art & Design) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Handmade Craft Tradeshow Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ny-now-handmade-division) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)