While many affordable housing initiatives help provide shelter for homeless individuals, some of these projects are also targeted at consumers who simply can't afford conventional housing. With a greater number of people moving to cities each year, urban housing often comes at a premium. For those who have little or no income, affordable housing initiatives help provide a comfortable living space.
For many homeless and low-income individuals, a stable living situation is a primary concern. Many of these social housing initiatives seek to provide not only shelter, but also supportive services that may help these individuals overcome homelessness. Some of the most innovative homeless housing solutions include micro housing communities, pre-fabricated abodes and even converted shipping container homes.
Other affordable housing initiatives are targeted at those who may not be homeless, but are unable to avoid the sky-high costs of urban living. For those on a tight budget, there are a number of innovative housing options that utilize eco-friendly building materials and unorthodox architecture. Some of these affordable housing options include sustainable bamboo homes, seamless green skyscrapers and even boat residences.
53 Affordable Housing Initiatives
From Repurposed Shipping Shelters to Seamless Green Skyscrapers:
Katherine Pendrill — Jul 14, 2015 — Eco

53
Portable Prefabricated Rooms
Expand Your Home Space with Inoutside's Prefabricated Buildings

52
Compact Sustainable Houses
The Smart Student Unit is an Inexpensive Option
51
Revolutionary Micro-Home Initiatives
The Miniature Housing Project of Portland is Making Waves
50
Cardboard Homeless Shelters
Urbankit is a Low-Cost Refuge to Remedy Immediate Needs of the Needy
49
Homeless Microhouse Communities
This Project Provides Sustainable Tiny Housing for the Homeless
48
Transportable Homeless Shelters
The Urban Rough Sleeper Backpack Helps Support the Homeless
47
Eco-Friendly Portuguese Homes
Miramar House is Located in a Picturesque Portuguese Town
46
Affordable Tiny Homes
This Well-Designed Tiny Home is Located In Vancouver
45
Affordable Prefabricated Homes
The S-House Could Represent Suitable Housing For Vietnam's Poor
44
Brutalist Sci-Fi Houses
The Star Wars Home by Moon Hoon is Inspired by a Childhood Dream
43
Inexpensive Bamboo Homes
The Framework House is Targeted Towards Low-Income Cambodians
42
Low-Budget Housing Projects
This Vietnamese Housing Project Addresses an Urgent Issue
41
Boxed Timber Architecture
The Casa GG Takes Minimalism to a Whole New Level
40
Solar-Powered Tiny Homes
This Tiny Home Was Designed By Californian High School Students
39
Inexpensive Disaster-Proof Homes
Sustainable.TO's Hurricane-Proof Design is a Competition Winner
38
Affordable Shipping Container Abodes
The Alexander Street Project Gives People in Need Nice Homes
37
Stripped-Down Houses
The Maison D is a Utilitarian and Affordable Family Home
36
Inexpensive Customizable Cabins
This A-Frame Cabin Enables Consumers to Build It as They Please
35
Upcycled Construction Trailer Dwellings
This Construction Trailer Got Made into a Small Residence
34
Charitable Housing Designs
Casa Uno by Hans Mayr Helps Homeless Mexican Families Find Shelter
33
Mass Produced Retreats (UPDATE)
The 'Lou' is the Latest Addition to the Hermit Houses
32
Recycled Mobile Homeless Shelters
The Homelessness Project Uses Discarded Items to Provide Housing
31
Carbon Positive Houses
This Prefab Home Only Uses a Tiny Fraction of the Energy It Generates
30
Socially-Conscious Mexican Residences
The Casa Caja House by S-AR Empowers Local Labourers
29
House-Converted Billboards
DesignDevelop Turns Ads into Shelters for the Homeless
28
Affordable Timber Residences
This Low-Cost Home is the First of Its Kind in Copenhagen
27
Stacked Cube Skyscrapers
This Sustainable Skyscraper Houses a Flexible Mixed-Use Interior
26
3D-Printed Houses
This 3D Printer Can Build Ten Houses in a Day Using Recycled Materials
25
Bamboo Homeless Shelters
These Bamboo Structures Could Provide Housing for Asia's Homeless
24
Homeless-Helping Micro-Homes (UPDATE)
These Miniature Homes Provide Housing for the Homeless
23
Homeless Housing Solutions
Utah's Housing Works Program is Set to End Homelessness This Year
22
Irregular Cubic Homes
This Prefabricated House is Low on Cost and High on Space
21
Inflatable Heat-Sharing Shelters
The paraSITE Shelter Turns Excess Heat into Comfortable Living
20
Mobile Homeless Shelters
The State of Hawaii is Turning Retired City Buses into Working Shelters
19
Compact Glazed Abodes
The Family House Features a Gable Wall
18
Vertical Tent Pods
A-KAMP47 by Malka Architecture Provides Shelter for the Homeless
17
Multipurpose Container Buildings
Tomokazu Hayakawa Architects Expands on a Shipping Container
16
Housing Revolution Enterprises
Seruna Future is a Community Interest Company Based in London
15
Portable Winter Shelters
This Sleeping Bag Converts into a Tent on the Go
14
Geometric Igloo Abodes
Marcello’s House by Ctrl+Z and NoSoloPaja Displays a Whimsical Design
13
Affordable Capsule Hotels
The EauBerge Paris Capsule Hotel Will Be Located On The Seine River Bank
12
Repurposed Shipping Shelters
This Homeless Housing Solution Recycles Used Shipping Containers
11
Paper Log Abodes
Shigeru Ban Constructs Temporary Shelters to Help the Philippines
10
Crowded Shelter Solutions
James Christian's Disruptive Designs Address London's Housing Crisis
9
Innovation-Focused Districts
The Miami Innovation District Will Foster Creative Tech Ideas
8
Elderly Homesharing Services
This Service Enables Homesharing for Seniors Currently Living Alone
7
Understated Plywood Residences
The Brick House by Leth and Gori Embraces Modernist Design Details
6
Plastic Crate Shelters
These Shelters are Made with Easily Accessible Materials
5
Undulating Semicircle Architecture
La Tour Tower by 3XN Has a Flowing Design
4
Reimagined Boat Residences
The Guest Harbor Project Envisions Boats as Side Houses
3
Sociable Apartment Complexes
This Affordable Apartment Building Incorporates Color and Playfulness
2
Seamless Green Skyscrapers
SCDA Architecture Creates the 'Skyterrace@Dawson'
1
Trailblazing Swedish Skyscrapers
'Pole Star' Will Be the Tallest Building in Scandinavia
Related Ideas
Trauma-Informed Interior Designs
IKEA Introduces Trauma-Informed Tiny House for Seniors
Ethereal Feminine Tiny Homes
The Plume Botanical Hut Tiny House Prioritizes Stylish Versatility
Nest-Inspired Urban Houses
This Vietnamese Dwelling Offers Respite From the Concrete Jungle
Nostalgic 70s-Inspired Apartments
The House Special Studio Designs a Compact Apartment
Nature-Connecting Warm Apartments
Baranowitz + Kronenberg Designs the Urban Refuge Apartment
Transformed Seattle Mid-Century Homes
Gordon Walker Designed a Home by SHED Architecture & Design
Rooftop Terrace Tiny Homes
This Luxury Tiny House from Modern Shed Focuses on Outdoor Space
Textured Modern House Extensions
Nimtim Architects Leads the Hemp House Extension Project
Senior-Friendly Tiny Homes
This Home from Dragon Tiny Homes is Great for Downsizing
Origami-Inspired Sleek Cabins
A.L.P.S. Designs the Infinity Mobile Architecture System
Low Footprint Compact Houses
The Nano Micro House is an Affordable Living Solution
High-Quality Electric Micro Homes
The Cosmic ONE Gets New Upgrades with Premium Components
Urban Bottle Sustainable Initiatives
Heineken Presents Fields Green With Grass, Not Glass
Compact Humble Economical Homes
Häuslein Tiny House Co. Designs the Chipper Tiny Home
Portable Wheel-Based Green Homes
Dwellii Designs the Tiny House of Wheels on a Double-Axle Trailer
Efficient Off-Grid Tiny Houses
Tiny Solar Homes 'The Shelly' Doesn't Require Utility Access
Separate Dwelling Tiny Houses
The Elba_91 Tiny House Has Two Living Spaces to Maximize Usage
Eco-Friendly Offices
Office@27 by Sanjay Puri Architects is Enhanced by Ancient Indian Principles
Digital Sustainable Food Solutions
Special Projects Debuts Eco Lenses to Help with Decision-Making
Futuristic Imaginative Design Concepts
Toyota Introduces the Unique E-Collection of Products
Versatile Interior Compact Homes
The Elevate Tiny Home Transforms the Interiors with a Button
Extreme Space-Saving Architecture
A 74-Square-Foot Apartment is Redefining Urban Living
Contemporary Sustainable Tiny Homes
The Cosmic ONE is Offered in Three Compact Home Layouts
Climate-Resilient Home Catalogs
Autodesk Streamlines Wildfire Recovery Efforts in Los Angeles
Versatile Compact Modern Residences
Backcountry Containers Presents the Augustine Tiny Home
Minimal Mid-Century Hollywood Homes
Studio Qasabian Designs the Mulholland Home in LA
Flexible Pre-Fabricated Homes
Rabih Hage Introduces His Latest Design — Muudo
Intergenerational Co-Living Spaces
The Singapore Land Authority Announced a Groundbreaking Project
Comprehensive Digital Accessibility Initiatives
IKEA Addresses the Needs of People with Disability
Wooden Ship-Inspired Housing Complexes
Steven Holl Architects Present the Meander Housing
Sustainable Solar-Powered Homes
Tiny Solar Homes Designs the Wanda Compact Home
Senior Living Innovation Hubs
The AGE-WELL Innovation Studio Highlights Age-in-Place Solutions
Disability-Forward Housing Initiatives
The Kelsey Has Introduced a Comprehensive Advocacy Resource
Age-Positive Residential Spaces
The Saishunkan Pharmaceutical House Presents ~Positive Age House~
Eco-Friendly Self-Care Community Centers
Space Available Creates the Self Care Community Center
Compact Affordable Portable Homes
Stanley Tiny Homes Creates the Rogue Tiny House
Everyday Material Colorful Pavilions
Foster + Partners and NEON Create Two Pavilions in London
Sustainable Portable Cat Shelters
The Batsy Cat Shelter by Burcu Nehir Tüm Offers Comfort
Curved Translucent Experimental Apartments
NEUHÄUSL HUNAL Designs the Sculptor's Apartment
Balearic Island Housing Projects
The Life Reusing Posidonia Project has 14 Dwellings on the Island
Sustainable Retailer Packaging Updates
This Co-op Sustainable Packaging Initiative is Expansive
Festival-Focused Toilet-Sharing Initiatives
The HEMA Home Toilet Initiative is Unique
Domestic Awareness Campaigns
IKEA Australia Presents the This is Not a Home Campaign
Up-Cycled Glamping Experiences
ekō Solutions Expands to Poplar Point Lakeside Park
Metaphorical Physical Community Buildings
ShedKM Designs the Lighthouse Church in Marseyside
Bio-Based Compact Housing
Woonpioniers Designs the Sustainable Sprout Ruben & Marjolein House
Prefabricated Exposed Structural Homes
Workshop Architecture Inc Designs the Unfinished House
Senior Living Farmhouse Designs
SRI Management Expands with Pioneer Senior Living at Upland Park
Modernism-Themed Residence Collections
Lindal Homes Presents its Evolve Collection of Homes
Modular Bathroom Solutions
Prefabricated Pods Streamline Construction and Improve Quality
Green Concrete Community Centers
Studios WORKac and Ignacio Urquiza Architects Form a Building
3D-Printed Housing Communities
The Community First! Village Will Have 100 Homes
Sustainably Handcrafted Bag Initiatives
The Tote of Hope Supports the Sheltersuit Foundation
Contemporary Rental Housing Series
EC3 Designs the Canopy Series of Buildings in Detroit
Affordable Social Housing Campuses
Studio Libeskind Creates The Atrium at Sumner Houses
Assistive Mobility Technology Initiatives
Toyota Partners with the MaRS Discovery District
Educational Affordable Housing Initiatives
Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington is Uniting Youth
Compact Living Bright Apartments
Natasha Kukresh Designs the Apartment Ann in Minsk
Sustainable Eco Towns
Telangana is a Sustainable Eco-Town Inspired by Japan's Kitakyushu City
Post Office-Transformed Apartments
Chatillon Architectes Transforms the Brest Post Office to Flats
Living Condition Awareness Dollhouses
IKEA's UNWELCOME HOME Doll House Brings Awareness
Affordable Housing Complexes
The Reese Apartments in Felton, Delaware are Family-Friendly
Lighthouse-Resembling Urban Buildings
Safdir Architecture Designs the Old Port Square in Portland
Atmospheric Water Solutions
Aquaria Aims to Revolutionize Water Infrastructure
Nature Blending Modern Homes
MODU Designed the Mini Tower One Residence in Brooklyn
Versatile Modern Compact Homes
The Atlas Home by Imagine Tiny Homes Boasts a Sustainable Build
Recycling-Centric Waterfront Homes
Measured Architecture Designs the Shor House Project
Social Connection-Focused Initiatives
Meals on Wheels America Combats Loneliness Among Seniors
Geometric Prefabricated Pavilions
Heams & Michel Architectes Presents the 7 Kiosks Project
Pixelated Illusion Housing
Ben Van Berkel Creates the Van B Housing with Rieder's Help
Environmental Sustainability Business Initiatives
Butterfly Pavilion Organized a Special Coalition
Branded Warm Clothing Donations
UNIQLO Stands Out with Its Heart of LifeWear Initiative
Refreshed Housing Block Pavilions
AMASA Estudio Repaired a Pavilion for INFONAVIT
Space-Saving Tiny Homes
Levi Kelly Designs a Space-Conscious Compact Home on a Single-Axle Trailer
Skylight-Centric Home Renovations
SHED Architecture & Design Leads the Portland House Renovation
Hempcrete-Crafted Sustainable Workspaces
Commonbond Architects Designs the Gardenhide Studio
Affordable Deadstock Apparel
SHEIN Ventures Into Sustainable Production with a 30-Piece Capsule
Underutilized Property Revitalization Projects
Thrive Living Focuses on Underutilized Properties
Philanthropic Housing Initiatives
The RONA Foundation Boasts the 'Build from the Heart' Program
Urban Climate Solutions
Climate Tech Cities Connects Climate Professionals with Resources & Events
Refreshing Micro-Living Compact Homes
Mariano Ravenna Designs the SF-FR House with Concrete
Prison-Converted Affordable Houses
CookFox Architects Showcases Plans to Create New Housing
Openable Wooden Shutter Homes
SJK Architects Completed the Design of the Light House
Urban Skyline-View Apartments
i29 Designs the Apartment with a View in Amsterdam
Lighthouse-Inspired Urban Tall Structures
Safdie Architects Designs the Old Port Square Building
Cost-Effective Housing Exchange Platforms
The House Exchange App Caters to Travelers on a Budget
Innovative Steel Laneway Houses
Weiss Architecture & Urbanism Limited Presents a Striking Project
Raw Concrete Industrial Homes
Studio Cochi Architects Designs the House in Nishizaki
Reading-Focused Compact Houses
Backcountry Tiny Homes Designs the Library Tiny House
Doughnut-Shaped Elevated Houses
Studio Saxe Designs the Sinfornia Verde in Carate, Costa Rica
Sustainably Designed Mumbai Offices
Sanjay Puri Architects Designs the Office@27 Workspace
Ruin-Adaptive Shipping Container Homes
Patrick Bradley Architects Forms the Barneys Ruins Project
Inclusive Social Housing Projects
Peris + Toral Arquitectes Design 85 Social Dwellings in Cornellà
Video-Promoted Urban Transformation Initiatives
Renewing Shanghai is a Video Documentary Series
Urban Greening Platforms
Urban Green Helps You Adopt Plants and Make Your City More Sustainable
At-Risk Youth-Targeted Initiatives
Victoria's Secret Notes Its Work with Pacific Links Foundation
Mental Illness-Focused Clubhouses
Goodwill NYNJ Has Inaugurated Brick House in Newark
Wellness Residential Programs
The International WELL Building Institute Launches WELL Residential
Red-Brick Social Housing Blocks
Satish Jassal Architects Designed the Rowan Court in Seven Sisters
Industrial-Inspired Housing Units
Conen Sigl Designs the Westhof Housing Block in Zurich
Eco-Friendly Modular Refugee Shelters
AllSpace has Designed a Special Shelter Prototype
Space-Conscious Compact Residences
Piccola Tiny Homes Designs the Minuet Compact Home
Housing Affordability-Focused Campaigns
The Housing Canada Coalition Runs 'End the Housing Game'
Electric Heritage-Based Apartments
Yana Molodykh Renovates the Landscape Alley Apartment
Inclusivity-Focused Housing Standards
The Daniels Corporation Debuts an Accessibility Resource
Open-Air Perforated Concrete Homes
MM++ Architects Designs the Anchor House in Vietnam
Modern Multi-Generational Family Residences
StudioAC Gives a Historic Toronto Church a New Life
Social Housing Unit Blocks
Joan J Fortuny & Alventosa Morell Arquitectes Forms 54 Social Housing
Shaded Modern Outdoor Furniture
mmcité street furniture Designs the UFO Shelter for Outdoors
Family-Oriented Apartment Renovations
Atelier L'Abri Takes on the Triplex Fabre Renovation Project
Ukraine Apartment Renovation Projects
Mirzoyan Studio Renovates a Historic Flat in Kyiv
Expansive Inclusivity Initiatives
Boathouse Group Implements a Supplier Diversity Program
Unconventional Chinese Housing Estates
Atelier GOM Designs the Longnan Garden Estate
Youth Homelessness-Centered Data Tools
SchoolHouse Connection Partners with the Poverty Solutions
Tree-Lined Striking Modern Residences
Palette Architecture Designs the Shift House in New York
Sustainable Minimal Compact Homes
The Team at Lou Tiny House Creates a New Compact Home
Retail Boosting Citywide Initiatives
Aberdeen is Bringing Back its 'Shop Aberdeen' Initiative
Manhattan-Honoring New York Residences
The McGovern Project Honors Manhattan's Artful Lofts
Purpose-Built Rental High-Rises
Anthem Properties Teams Up with Crestpoint Real Estate Investment
Sleek Contemporary Elevated Retreats
Brown & Brown Architects Designs the Tidal House
Art Deco Affordable Housing
the La Brea Affordable Housing Project Takes Place in LA
Expansive Roofs Concrete Homes
Studio MOB Creates a House in the Farm in Coimbatore
Refugee-Supporting Workplace Initiatives
IKEA is Extending its Refugee Employment Pilot
Collaborative Homelessness Initiatives
AMH Joins HomeAid to Address the Homelessness Crisis
Compact Red Wooden Homes
Studio TEST Presents the Prefab House Changeover Structure
Shanghai Marketing Office Refurbishments
Linehouse Renovates an Office for The Independents
Housing Block Defensive Facades
Bureau des Mésarchitecture Creates Gold Aluminum Shutters
Patient-Aiding Concept Homes
Snøhetta Designed the Karmøy Pilot Homes for Substance-Abuse Patients
Shared Kitchen Initatives
Metro & Food Banks of Quebec Address Food Insecurity
Multifamily Canadian Housing Developments
MODA Unveils the GROW Project with Roof Gardens
Peaceful Compact Vibrant Residences
Dragon Tiny Homes Designs a New Home on a Triple Axle Trailer
Gridded Screen Apartment Blocks
Neri&Hu Design a Grid Facade Residential Building in Taiwan
Archaeological Protection Initiatives
The Remains of the Curtain Playhouse are Uncovered in London
Empowering Home Improvement Initiatives
Resurfacing Solutions Offers Mentorship & Ownership
Compact Bengali Affordable Homes
Marina Tabassum and AKT II Design the Khudi Bari House
Telecom Infrastructure Shelters
Panel Built Inc. Recently Introduced Telecom Shelters to Its Range
Asymmetrical Sculptural Apartment Blocks
LOHA Designs the South E8 Housing Block in Raleigh
Micro-Living Compact Residences
Havenwood Tiny Homes Designs the Joely Compact Residence
Large Passive House Buildings
Handel Architects Builds the Harmony Commons at UofT
Re-Branded Housing Nonprofit Organization
Bridges to Housing Stability Modernizes Its Brand Image