Committee of the Whole approves funding to buy 50 modular housing pods for transitional shelter

LANSING, Mich. — The Lansing Committee of the Whole on Aug. 11 approved a budget amendment to let the Human Relations and Community Services (HRCS) department buy 50 modular transitional-housing units, often called "mod pods," as part of a plan to add temporary, individually lockable living spaces for people experiencing homelessness.

The motion, made by Vice President Carter and passed unanimously, authorizes HRCS to draw forward approximately $645,000 in unspent FY25 funding for immediate purchase and logistics to take advantage of a market opportunity, city staff said. The council did not vote on a site or an operating plan; officials said those details will follow separate approvals.

HRCS and city staff told the Committee that the purchase price being pursued is well below an earlier estimate from an RFP that totaled roughly $1.3 million for a comparable number of units. Jake Brower, the city's chief strategy officer, told the council the vendor opportunity would reduce the acquisition cost; Roy Plowman, who discussed logistics, said a one-time relocation and storage fee would be a not-to-exceed $20,000 and is included in the amendment.

Supporters who spoke during the meeting said the pods offer dignity, privacy and shorter-term stability that can help people connect to services and move into permanent housing. Joanne Galloway, a Lansing resident, told the council she supports…