The HomeMore Project have developed the ‘Makeshift Traveler ‘, a sustainably designed backpack designed to meet the real, everyday needs of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Intended to be “the last backpack someone will need until permanent housing,” the design was informed by direct conversations and first-hand observations gathered in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, a neighbourhood faced rising homelessness.
Launched in October 2022 and already distributed across 25 California cities, the backpack is made with a weather-proof shell made from recycled plastic bottles, topped with a 4-watt solar panel and internal 10,000 mAh power bank to charge phones (a vital lifeline for maintaining contact, accessing services, and safeguarding autonomy).
In addition to energy access, the pack includes a built-in pillow, rain-coat pocket, lockable double-zip system, hydration bottle, hygiene kit, sleeping bag, and a resource brochure linking to local outreach services.
The HomeMore Project has now developed the 4th version of the ‘Makeshift traveler’ and plans to distribute 2,000 more packs in 2025.
