Roam Home
A safe space. Anywhere. A path forward.
Mobile shelter · Sanitation · Water · Power · Privacy
Roam Home is a durable, all-in-one mobile shelter that restores dignity and provides essential resources — sleep, sanitation, clean water, power, and privacy — while connecting people to the services and support they need to move forward.
- Weather protected
- Theft resistant
- Built to last
- Service supported
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What it is
Built safe & secure
Welded steel frame, lockable storage, protected components. Built to last and protect.
Sleep comfort
Full-length insulated sleeping platform with privacy curtain, vent fan, LED light, and charging ports.
Clean water system
3-gallon reservoir with faucet for drinking and hand washing, plus an extendable shower head with on/off trigger.
Power & charging
100W solar panel and a 12V battery system runs the fan, lights, and charges devices.
Sanitation system
3-bucket compost toilet with clip-on seat. Exchange the full bucket at a city station.
City program ID
Registered cart with an ID plate and QR code. You are in the system, not invisible.
How it works
The hygiene wall
- 1Stored — curtain and arms stored flat against the cart.
- 2Deploy — pull the arms out and pull the curtain across.
- 3Shower — stand on the ground with privacy on three sides.
Deployed space: approx. 30–36 inches out from the cart.
The 3-bucket system
- 1Use — clip on the seat and use the toilet.
- 2Cover — cover waste with sawdust.
- 3Seal & exchange — seal the lid, swap the full bucket at a city station for a clean bucket and sawdust refill.
Three 5-gallon buckets ride in a locked steel rack: one active, two supply.
Inside the sleeping area
- 1Ventilation fan and dimmable LED light.
- 2USB-C and USB charging ports.
- 3Insulated platform with a low-wattage heated pad.
Privacy curtains close the space off on both sides.
What it costs
Estimated bulk pricing. Every line is public so the city — and the community — can see exactly where the money goes.
Estimated parts cost (per cart)
$1,043
Fully assembled
$1,250–$1,450
Includes assembly, testing, packing, and overhead.
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Welded steel frame & deck | $150 |
| Wheels, tires, bearings (2 rear, 2 front) | $85 |
| Locking storage box (top) | $120 |
| 100W solar panel (low profile) | $80 |
| 12V LiFePO4 battery (100Ah) | $150 |
| Solar charge controller (MPPT) | $25 |
| Electrical system (wiring, fuses, ports) | $40 |
| USB-C / USB charging ports | $15 |
| Fan (12V) | $15 |
| LED light strip | $10 |
| 3-gallon water tank & mount | $25 |
| Water pump (12V, 2.5 GPM) | $20 |
| Faucet (drink / wash / fill spout) | $18 |
| Extendable shower head (on/off) | $20 |
| Privacy curtain system (arms + curtain) | $60 |
| 3 × 5-gallon buckets | $12 |
| Clip-on toilet seat | $15 |
| Bucket rack / retaining system | $50 |
| Sawdust scoop (2) | $6 |
| Locks, hinges, hardware (security) | $40 |
| ID plate & QR code tag | $10 |
| Misc. hardware & fasteners | $25 |
Help fund the first carts
Endorsements move the proposal forward — donations get the first Roam Homes built. Any amount helps: $25 covers supply refills, $1,250 builds a complete cart.
City service stations
The cart is only half the system. Service stations are where people get support — and where the city stays connected to everyone in the program.
- Refill clean water
- Exchange full toilet bucket
- Sawdust / supply refill
- Battery check / charging
- Repairs & maintenance
- Outreach & housing support
More than a cart. It's a path home.
Dignity
Everyone deserves a safe space.
Cleanliness
Water, sanitation, and a fresh start.
Safety
Secure, private, and built to protect.
Power
Stay connected. Stay empowered.
Support
Connected to city resources.
Hope
A step today toward a better tomorrow.
Add your support
Endorsements are presented with this proposal to the City of Santa Monica. Your email stays private — only your first name appears publicly.
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