Submitted by Shelter Solutions
Mike Auderer is most known in this community as a successful entrepreneur and for his involvement in local government. He is not afraid to use his voice to stand up for what he believes – especially when it comes to the local building industry. What many do not know is that Mike has recently shifted gears to battle the on-going issue of homelessness in Thurston County.
As a business owner downtown, Mike found himself growing frustrated with not being able to assist with a response to the issue of homelessness arising around him. So, like any successful entrepreneur, he decided to put his skills to use and create ideas, products, and strategies to offer as solutions. Utilizing his welding and construction skills, he developed three styles of “Shelter Solutions” Units – using 20 foot conex shipping containers.
The first is a 3-person unit for individuals and the second is a couples/ADA unit which provides two shelter spaces. And the third, needed more than ever in the face of COVID-19, is the Hygiene Unit, which is a 3-stall unit. Each Hygiene Unit stall is complete with a shower, toilet and sink, with one stall being ADA compliant. Shelter Solutions Units can be shipped like any other container which makes them very easy to place onsite with a forklift or crane. They can hook to domestic water with a hose, waste can go to an OSSS, city sewer, or an above ground holding tank that can be pumped out.
According to Mike Auderer, “Rather than just get angry, we decided to do something! We have created safe sheltering options for those most in need in our community. A zipper on a tent does not provide security or safety. People deserve more! All of our units are built with metal doors and a lock, along with a bed, window, power, and storage. Our goal is to provide residents the needed stability and safety we all take for granted. We believe we have created a safe, durable, customizable and effective sheltering option for a wide range of settings – giving people the opportunity to find their success.”
Mike is excited to announce that currently they are in production to fill orders for the City of Olympia and Thurston County!
Cheryl Selby, Mayor of Olympia adds, “Shelter Solutions are the type of innovative solutions that cities need to address our homelessness crisis. As a mayor, I understand the limited resources that cities have to address the immediate need of housing-stress-dependent populations. Shelter Solutions provides and affordable interim solution that is safe and secure while we work to build more permanent housing.”
If you would like more information please go to the Shelter Solutions website or email Mike directly at Mike@OlyConstruction.com.