But houses are not the solution to homelessness.
There is another solution. Instead of having lonely people living in small spaces, the kibbutz system allows much more inter mingling and coordination of a farm/ranch/factory. The children could be schooled and looked after by the people not working directly on the farm etc. Maybe communal eating/entertainment/living space too.
There is a major problem in today's towns and cities of lonelyness. Especially of old retired people. But in the kibbutz system they would be gainfully employed rather than just sitting at home on their own.
Societal reactions to some kinds of mental illness certainly predispose toward homelessness. I think homelessness only appears to predispose toward mental illness, but the causation underlying social outcomes is never trivially easy to determine, attribute or understand.
It's not so much the size of those that concerns me as their apparent lack of robustness and stability. (Are they really "easy to heat"?)
For $75 you can purchase the plans to build a pallet house. This idea is being offered as a solution to the refugee problem overseas.
This may be a better option for those who are unable, or just not willing, to take care of the place.
On a positive note, it is a great way to upcycle Americas waste.
http://www.viralnova.com/build-a-pallet-house/
Coming soon: The Drop Out Inn
In general, it’s a good idea. But the majority of homeless people do enjoy their way of life, so they would hardly be able to keep the house in good condition.