Application for emergency Vale sleeping pods is 'humane'

The application proposes the temporary siting of two sleeper pods to the rear of the Vale Douzaine Room car park, as a direct and immediate response to the growing need for emergency sleeping accommodation on the Island.

The initiative has been coordinated in conjunction with homeless charity Caritas, which launched its Modular Community Project in September last year. Since its inception, and throughout the winter period, the charity has been contacted by an increasing number of individuals sleeping rough or in vehicles.

Such requests for help typically come when individuals reach a point of acute crisis. The proposed initiative will provide basic but secure emergency shelter which, in the absence of permanent emergency accommodation, will offer a simple  intervention to support vulnerable individuals this coming winter, according to the application.

Humane
"This application for two emergency sleeper pods is submitted as a humane and effective response to a recognised
gap in community infrastructure. It has been carefully designed to be reversible, discreet, and minimal in impact," the application letter states.

The emergency sleeping pods are intended to provide short term accommodation for up to a week. They are not considered suitable for use as temporary housing and the intention is to find a better housing solution.

Those needing the pods can apply to Caritas directly or be referred by social services or other charities and subject to initial assessment and ongoing monitoring. 

More details can be found here under the heading – FULL/2025/1219