Do you offer larger rooms than the Shelter 3?
Yes. The Shelter 2 has larger rooms that can include a kitchenette and be outfitted with bunk beds.
Answers
What we get asked.
Common questions about configurations, approvals, manufacturing, site requirements, and service. Something missing? Request a quote and we'll get back to you within one business day.
Configurations and options
Do you offer ADA-compliant bathrooms?
Yes. The Shelter 2 can be configured with an ADA-compliant bathroom. Shelter 1 Efficiency and Shelter 2 Efficiency include ADA bathrooms as standard.
What does each Shelter come with?
Each room has its own private bathroom (in Shelter 2, 3, and 4) and an independently zoned heating and cooling unit. Upgrades include decks, built-in bed and storage units, or murphy bed and desk combinations.
Do you have a Shelter for administrative use?
Yes. The Shelter 1 can be configured with desk spaces instead of beds and customized for administrative, intake, office, or other program space.
Approvals and certification
What local approvals will I need?
For temporary set-ups, check with your local jurisdiction. Requirements vary by city and county.
Are the Shelters certified by HCD?
All Connect Homes are HCD-certified. Connect Homes is working toward HCD certification for the Shelter line as well.
Manufacturing and delivery
How are the Shelters built?
On an assembly line at our factory. Each module moves through nine stations — floor and ceiling framing, interior and exterior walls, roof, MEP rough, envelope, drywall, paint, interior finish — before final QC.
How are the Shelters installed?
They are delivered on trucks to your site. Depending on site conditions and project size, Shelters are set in place by forklift or crane.
How long does the whole process take?
Production runs at 28 doors per week or faster. Case studies have delivered 88 beds in three months at Homekey Mountain View and 60 rooms with 90% occupancy in 3.5 months at Homekey Rohnert Park.
Site and foundations
What do the Shelters sit on? Do I need a foundation?
For temporary set-ups, no foundation is required. Shelters sit on jacks or blocks provided by Connect Homes. Some jurisdictions may require the jacks to be anchored into the ground. For permanent installations, standard foundations are used.
What kind of ground surface is needed?
Level ground is best. Shelters can be installed on asphalt, concrete, parking lots, or hard surfaces like basketball or tennis courts. Permeable ground may require additional support.
Utilities and service
Do I need to connect to underground utilities?
No. Shelters are designed to operate fully off-grid — they come equipped with holding tanks for grey and black water (like an RV), plus water and propane supply tanks. Each Shelter can be run off a generator or connected to a temp power pole. Photovoltaic systems are available as an upgrade. Utility hookups are available as modifications.
How often do tanks need to be serviced?
Depending on usage, approximately once a week. Service includes pumping grey and black water tanks and topping off propane and water supply tanks.
Who services the units?
You can contract directly with a servicing provider. We recommend United Rentals, which can also supply generators as part of the contract.