Is a metal box truly a home, or just a temporary fix with lasting consequences?
In the heart of Milton Keynes, a single mother and her son have spent two years in a shipping container, highlighting the stark challenges of emergency housing solutions.
When Temporary Becomes Permanent
Katie O’Brien and her nine-year-old son were placed in a shipping container by Milton Keynes City Council in 2023 as an emergency measure after becoming homeless. Two years on, they remain in the same unit, facing daily hardships that question the viability of such housing solutions.
The container, located in Pencarrow Mews on the Fishermead estate, was intended as a short-term fix. However, for Katie and many others, it has become a prolonged stay in less-than-ideal conditions.
🔍 The Reality of Container Living
🔥 Summer Heat and Winter Chill
Katie describes the container as “unbearable” during hot weather, with metal walls amplifying the heat to the point where it’s hard to breathe. In winter, despite heating, the insulation is insufficient, leading to cold and damp conditions.
🍽️ Limited Facilities
The unit includes a living area with a kitchen and two bedrooms but lacks essential amenities like an oven, offering only a two-ring hob and a microwave. Storage space is virtually non-existent, making daily living a challenge.
🏘️ A Broader Issue
Milton Keynes City Council utilises 70 such containers for emergency housing. While they acknowledge these are “not ideal” long-term solutions, the high demand for housing has led to extended stays for many residents.
The Rise of Container Housing
The use of shipping containers for housing isn’t unique to Milton Keynes. In London, Meath Court in Acton repurposed containers to provide temporary accommodation. While innovative, residents have reported similar issues: extreme temperatures, limited space, and a lack of permanence.
These projects often start with good intentions but can become long-term solutions due to systemic housing shortages, raising questions about their suitability for extended habitation.
“It’s just not a very suitable place to spend two years in.”
— Katie O’Brien, Milton Keynes resident
Are emergency housing solutions addressing the root of the problem or merely masking it?
It’s time for policymakers and communities to evaluate the effectiveness of such measures and invest in sustainable, long-term housing solutions that prioritise residents’ well-being.
