New nonprofit formed to install temporary shelter pods still looking for land

LACONIA — A new nonprofit group forming to support the installation of temporary shelter pods in the city is still looking for land to do so, and could be waiting even longer, as the council's upcoming leadership transition could delay the process.

The Human Relations Committee, along with Mayor Andrew Hosmer, heard a presentation about the so-called God Pods, 5-by-8-foot temporary sleeping quarters intended to be used as transitional units for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Each God Pod will include a wood stove and proper ventilation, lockable doors for safety, and is made from insulated garage doors.

The presentation was led by Tricia Patten and Rebekah McCarthy, vice president and secretary respectively, of the nonprofit organization Hope Thru Helping Hands, forming to support the project. Their filing is awaiting state approval.

During the presentation, Hope Thru Helping Hands President Kenzo Morris told the committee about Wayne Miller, 67, a veteran who used a wheelchair and was experiencing homelessness who died in a tent fire in March 2024. The story made an impact on Human Relations Committee member Matt Soza.

“Think of what Kenzo’s story was. A man who was not a violent or difficult person, who was not a victim of addiction, died because he was homeless and, in a wheelchair,” Soza said. “I think that is a shocking disgrace that that happened.”

Patten and McCarthy told the group a program director or site manager will oversee daily operations of an eventual site, to ensure safety and give residents support and ensure program compliance. Residents must sign a code of conduct, which includes rules on curfews, cleanliness of pods and shared spaces, and zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol or illegal activity. There will also be weekly membership dues.

There are plans for security measures, including cameras, lighting, fencing and controlled access points.

Organizers will also require an intake and screening process, with basic background checks and interviews. A medical team will be provided by members of the nonprofit for immediate care.

Residents will also be assigned a case manager to assist in the next steps out of the pod, goal setting, budgeting and assisting with basic needs. Patten acknowledged this won’t take all unsheltered people off the streets, but believes it will make an impact.

“If we can take 70% of that population out of the homeless, then that's a significant impact,” she said.

The onboarding process will take 24-72 hours for placement, and no city funding is required.

The God Pod prototype was created last December, and has gone through changes after review by Fire Chief Tim Joubert to follow fire safety codes. A new design will have straight walls to increase structure and roof support, will be bolted to the ground, have both a front and back door, include smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher, and fire-retardant foam will be used to seal cracks.

Members of the nonprofit are trying to get the pods installed as soon as possible, but may face roadblocks, especially as new city leadership will be voted in at the Tuesday, Nov. 4 Municipal Election.

Hosmer said he'll resign as mayor at the Monday, Aug. 25 city council meeting, and is taking the city manager position in Lebanon. He is empathetic to the cause, but cautioned nonprofit organizers not to take shortcuts. The approval of the God Pods would have to go before city council. And while the nonprofit board has not selected land for the pods, approving the use of that land will be tricky too.

“I've been into those camps, as well. I know people have died, as well. It's horrible,” Hosmer said. “But we, as a city, have certain obligations that need to be fulfilled, and that needs to be respected.”

The city charter in section 201-10, camping on public land, states camping is not permitted on public land unless it is in a dwelling or other permanent structure and has been authorized by the licensing board. This does not apply to camping areas which meet state standards for campgrounds.

Mayoral candidate Bruce Cheney, current Ward 1 city councilor, attended the meeting. He said the presentation was well done, but worries the pods could make Laconia a magnet for unhoused people. He asked presenters if that was possible.

“The reality is, yes, it is potential,” Patten said. “Our first priority, really the heart of God Pods, is that it stays local. So, our intention in prioritizing is that we want to be in this community, for county residents, for Belknap County.”

Patten is hoping other municipalities follow suit in creating similar programs, which would mitigate any draw.

Cheney also questioned the impact on city character, depending on where the pods are placed. This could differ if adjacent to commercial or residential properties. He thinks there are still questions to be answered before the council would approve such a project.

“On its surface, it looks like a reasonable solution,” Cheney said. “But like a lot of things in this world, reasonable solutions need reasonable questions asked and answered.”

In separate interviews, mayoral candidates Rep. Mike Bordes (R-Laconia) and Joseph Hart both suggested the pods be placed on private land, to avoid liability issues for the city.

“I'm all for private charity and that sort. When it comes to public funds, I do not agree. I don't want anyone to be taxed for these things,” Hart said.

Another option offered would be to deed property to the nonprofit so the city avoids liability.

With the changing leadership and need for approvals, it's unlikely the pods will be ready before the winter. But Human Relations Committee Member Scott Ringer applauded the nonprofit for their expediency.

“To me, what they’ve said is really commendable that we have hit the ground running.”