Over the last few years, a man named Peter Samuelson became increasingly concerned by the number of homeless people he saw on his bike rides to the beach in LA. Samuelson is a movie producer (the fantastic Revenge of the Nerds is one of his claims to fame) and a philanthropist.

Samuelson was not just concerned about the homeless population the way most people are -- he was extremely concerned for their welfare. With these people in mind, he developed an innovative shelter/cart called the EDAR, which stands for Everyone Deserves a Roof.

As the Los Angeles Times reports, "[The EDAR is] a mobile shopping cart-like apparatus. The cart features bins to hold cans, bottles and other recyclables collected by day. It folds out to create a sleeping platform, topped by a canvas cover with zippers and windows."

Samuelson put much thought and care into the design of the EDAR. To assess the needs of the homeless, he interviewed staff at homeless shelters and homeless people themselves. He also solicited designs for the structure from Art Center College of Design students and enlisted the help of shopping cart manufacturers.

With a donation from former eBay President Jeff Skoll, Samuelson took the design to Precision Wire Products, a manufacturer of shopping carts in Commerce. Precision produced nearly a dozen prototypes to address critiques of the device: too big, too small, too flimsy, not readily collapsible. The units have been thrown down flights of stairs (they are proven sturdy) and left in the rain (they don't leak).

The EDAR seems like it could make a major difference in those living on the street - especially in bad weather conditions. Check it out at EDAR.org, where you can also find opportunities to volunteer and donate .

You can get involved and help give hope to the nearly 1 million homeless kids in the U.S. by choosing RE*Generation as your Cause on SocialVibe. Their current goal is to raise $1,500 in 60 days. The money raised will provide homeless youth with shelter, counseling, health care, nourishment, and future they deserve.

via GOOD Magazine