Greetings!  Here is some resources being considered by HEAPA.org for a local project.  We posed to Homeless Action and SAVS that we would help unhoused maintain charge cell phones more easily.  Our thought was to place a solar-powered battery-based charger, similar to those used to provide auxiliary power to houses during power outages, at  the Arline Francis Center in a pull wagon supervised by Nina Butterfly and her friends.  Then, Chessey Etheridge provided us with other options (with links below).  We’re trying to decide how much funding we can absorb, and which works best.

Finding effective outdoor charging solutions is a major focus for many cities, as a dead phone can be a total barrier to accessing housing services, employment, and emergency help.

There are a few different models that have seen success across the U.S., ranging from “street furniture” to secure locker systems.

1. Solar Charging Pedestals (“Street Furniture”)

These are stand-up stations designed for high-traffic public areas like parks and transit hubs.

• Sunbolt & Legrand: Companies like these produce “Solar Stand-up” stations. They are often ADA-accessible and include USB/USB-C ports and Qi wireless pads.+1
• Why they work: They are rugged, weather-resistant, and don’t require trenching for electrical lines if they are solar-powered.
• The Challenge: They don’t provide security. Users have to stay with their devices while they charge, which can be difficult for people who need to be elsewhere for appointments.

2. Secure Charging Lockers

This is often considered the “gold standard” because it allows someone to leave their phone safely while it charges.

• HonestWaves & Blessings and Beyond: These organizations provide lockers specifically designed for unhoused populations. Some versions use fingerprint scanners or unique PINs for access.
• Stevens Point, WI: Recently implemented a set of 24 outdoor lockers (approx. 42″ tall) specifically for unhoused residents to store and charge items. They placed them in well-lit, camera-monitored areas with 24/7 access.
• The “SHWASHLOCK” Program (Santa Monica): While tied to a service center (The People Concern), this model combines showers, laundry, and lockers. It’s been successful for nearly 30 years because it builds a “continuum of care” where charging is the first point of contact.

3. Portable Solar Distribution

Rather than a fixed station, some cities distribute individual ruggedized solar power banks.

• Santa Barbara (New Beginnings Counseling Center): They partnered to hand out solar-powered chargers with built-in lights to people living in their vehicles.
• Community Seva (San Jose): This group raises funds to distribute waterproof, shock-proof solar chargers.
• Why they work: They offer mobility and privacy. The user doesn’t have to congregate at a single (sometimes stigmatized) location.

Summary of Best Practices

Feature	Benefit for Unhoused Users
Security	Lockers or fingerprints prevent theft while charging.
Durability	Must be “marine-grade” or powder-coated to handle 24/7 exposure.
Lighting	Stations should be illuminated to increase safety for users at night.
Visibility	Placing them near existing service hubs (shelters/libraries) increases trust and usage.