Imagine Walmart or Large Retailers Addressing Homelessness

By: James Allen Homyak
June 17, 2025

Part 1 in the series

This complex proposal and suggestion must first determine the sum of homeless people in the USA and proposing Walmart and all large retail corporations to liquidate and repurpose an equal number of typical obsoleting Walmart Superstores averaging 178,000 square feet in size with 25' tall interior open spaces as well as all other indoor large retail sales floor spaces. This topic includes large corporations which are becoming obsolete such as Walmart, Target Stores, Amazon.com, Home Depot, Lowes, Menards and many others with large sized retail spaces and distributions centers which are going to be phased out over time as supply chains revise to direct delivery of needed supplies. Large indoor malls can be included instead of tearing them all down as we have seen in thousands of locations across this country. 

The buildings would be repurposed as homeless shelter space with an average of 100 sq. ft. sleeping room size and designed with low-cost 10' x 4' SIPs panels in constructing rooms, common areas and a second floor system and low-voltage direct current power and lighting systems.

How many homeless people could be housed in all of these newly prepared shelter buildings? At what cost including the provisions of food, clothing, healthcare, wellness and social services?

A proposed plan such as this offers the collaboration a societal advantage to facilitate reducing the homelessness concern while phasing out unneeded retail space as industry evolves the supply chain toward reducing the use of excessive warehousing for goods that will likely not be needed by such a populous.

Realizing the outcomes to these questions may indeed include some oversimplification. Yet such an effort could result in public/private partnerships by Goodwill Industries, Walmart, Public Agencies and others.

Homeless Population in the USA

As of today, June 17, 2025, addressing the complex question of homelessness in the USA, the potential repurposing of Walmart stores, and the associated costs and societal advantages requires a multi-faceted approach.

Repurposing 300+ unneeded Walmart Supercenter stores for Homeless Shelters (6.5% of its total U.S.A. Stores)

The most recent comprehensive data on homelessness in the United States comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As of January 2023, approximately 653,104 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night in the United States. This figure represents a 12% increase from 2022, marking the highest number recorded since data collection began in 2007. It's important to note that these numbers are point-in-time counts and may not capture the full scope of episodic or hidden homelessness.

The proposal to repurpose Walmart stores as homeless shelters is an innovative concept that leverages existing large-scale infrastructure. A typical Walmart Supercenter averages around 178,000 square feet. With 25-foot tall interior open spaces, these buildings offer significant vertical and horizontal capacity.

To calculate the number of homeless people that could be housed, we need to determine how many Walmart stores would be needed and then the capacity per store.

Calculation of Shelter Capacity

Next, let's calculate the potential capacity of a single repurposed Walmart store.

• Average store size: 178,000 square feet.
• Average sleeping room size: 100 square feet.

First, let's determine the number of Walmart stores required to match the homeless population.

• Total homeless population: 653,104 people.

The proposal includes designing with SIPs panels for rooms, common areas, and a second floor system. Assuming a conservative estimate for common areas, hallways, and structural elements, let's allocate 60% of the total floor space for sleeping rooms on the ground floor and an additional 60% on a newly constructed second floor.

• Usable space per floor for sleeping rooms: 178,000 sq. ft. * 0.60 = 106,800 square feet.
• Number of sleeping rooms per floor: 106,800 sq. ft. / 100 sq. ft./room = 1,068 rooms.
• Total rooms with a second floor: 1,068 rooms (ground) + 1,068 rooms (second floor) = 2,136 rooms.
• Assuming one person per room for privacy and safety, one repurposed Walmart store could house approximately 2,136 people.

Total Housing Capacity

Therefore, approximately 306 typical Walmart stores would need to be repurposed to house the entire homeless population of 653,104 people.

Now, to determine how many Walmart stores would be needed:

• Number of stores = Total homeless population / Capacity per store
• Number of stores = 653,104 / 2,136 ≈ 305.76

Given that 306 stores would be repurposed, and each could house 2,136 people, the total number of homeless people that could be housed in all of these newly prepared shelter buildings would be:

• Total housed = 306 stores * 2,136 people/store = 653,296 people. This figure slightly exceeds the current homeless population, ensuring sufficient capacity.

Renovation Costs

Estimating the cost of such a massive undertaking involves several components: acquisition/lease, renovation, and ongoing operational costs.

Cost Estimation

The renovation would involve significant structural changes, including the installation of a second floor, construction of individual rooms using SIPs panels, plumbing for bathrooms and kitchens, electrical systems, HVAC, fire suppression, and common area development.

Acquisition/Lease Costs

• SIPs Panels: Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are known for their energy efficiency and speed of construction. The cost of SIPs can range from $7 to $12 per square foot for the panels themselves, not including installation. For a 178,000 sq. ft. building with a second floor, this would be 356,000 sq. ft. of floor/ceiling area. If we consider wall construction for 2,136 rooms, each room being 100 sq. ft. (e.g., 10x10 ft), the perimeter would be 40 ft. Assuming 8 ft tall walls, that's 320 sq. ft. of wall per room. Total wall area: 2,136 rooms * 320 sq. ft./room = 683,520 sq. ft..
  • Total SIPs material cost (walls and floor/ceiling): (356,000 sq. ft. + 683,520 sq. ft.) * $9.50/sq. ft. (mid-range) = $9,876,440 per store. This is a rough estimate for materials only.
• General Renovation: Comprehensive renovation costs for commercial buildings can vary widely but often fall between $50 to $200 per square foot, depending on the extent of the work. Given the need for extensive interior build-out, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC for residential use, a higher end of this range is more appropriate. Let's estimate $150 per square foot for the total renovated area (178,000 sq. ft. * 2 floors = 356,000 sq. ft.).
  • Renovation cost per store: 356,000 sq. ft. * $150/sq. ft. = $53,400,000.
• Total Renovation Cost for 306 Stores: 306 stores * $53,400,000/store = $16,334,400,000.

Operational Costs

The cost of acquiring or leasing 306 Walmart properties would be substantial. While some stores might be "unneeded" due to evolving retail trends, their underlying real estate value remains high.

• The average value of a Walmart Supercenter property can range from $10 million to $30 million or more, depending on location.
• Assuming an average acquisition cost of $20 million per store: 306 stores * $20,000,000/store = $6,120,000,000.
• Leasing would incur ongoing costs rather than a one-time purchase.

Total Initial Cost

Ongoing operational costs would include utilities, maintenance, staffing (social workers, security, medical personnel, administrative staff), food services, and program support. These costs are significant and perpetual.

• Estimates for operating homeless shelters vary widely, but a comprehensive shelter providing individual rooms and support services could cost $50-$100 per person per night.
• Annual operational cost for 653,104 people: 653,104 people * $75/person/night * 365 days/year = $17,896,809,000 per year.

The total initial cost (acquisition + renovation) would be approximately:

• $6,120,000,000 (acquisition) + $16,334,400,000 (renovation) = $22,454,400,000.

Societal Advantages

A plan such as this could indeed offer significant societal advantages and facilitate public/private partnerships.

Societal Advantage and Public/Private Partnerships

This figure does not include the ongoing annual operational costs.

This initiative is ripe for public/private partnerships:

Public/Private Partnerships

• Directly Addressing Homelessness: Providing stable, safe, and private housing for a large portion of the homeless population would dramatically improve their quality of life, health outcomes, and opportunities for reintegration into society.
• Economic Benefits: Reducing homelessness can lead to decreased costs associated with emergency services, healthcare, and incarceration, which are often higher for unsheltered individuals. Furthermore, stable housing can enable individuals to seek employment, contributing to the local economy.
• Community Revitalization: Repurposing large, often vacant or underutilized retail spaces could prevent blight and instead create community assets.
• Phasing Out Unneeded Retail Space: As e-commerce continues to grow and supply chains evolve, the need for vast physical retail footprints may diminish. This plan offers a proactive way to transition these spaces, aligning with future retail trends that might reduce the need for excessive warehousing.

Oversimplification Acknowledged

• Walmart/Retailers: Walmart, as the property owner, could contribute by selling or leasing properties at reduced rates, or by donating land. Their logistics and supply chain expertise could also be invaluable in setting up and managing the shelters efficiently. Other retailers facing similar challenges with excess space could join.
• Goodwill Industries: Organizations like Goodwill, with their extensive experience in workforce development, job training, and social services, could play a crucial role in providing support services within these shelters, helping residents people gain skills and find employment.
• Government (Federal, State, Local): Government entities would be essential for funding (through grants, tax incentives, or direct appropriations), policy development, regulatory oversight, and coordinating social services. HUD, HHS, and state housing authorities would be key players.
• Non-Profits and Philanthropic Organizations: Homeless service providers, foundations, and other non-profits could contribute expertise, volunteers, and additional funding.
• Construction and Development Firms: Companies specializing in large-scale construction and modular building (like SIPs) could partner to efficiently execute the renovations.

Despite these complexities, the concept presents a bold vision for leveraging existing infrastructure to address a pressing societal issue, fostering collaboration between sectors that traditionally operate independently.

The question acknowledges potential oversimplification, which is true. Real-world implementation would face numerous complexities:

• Location and Distribution: Homeless populations are not evenly distributed, and finding 306 suitable Walmart locations in areas with high homeless concentrations might be challenging.
• Community Acceptance: NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) can be a significant hurdle for new shelter developments.
• Staffing and Services: Attracting and retaining qualified staff for such a large-scale operation, and providing comprehensive services (mental health, substance abuse treatment, job training) would be a continuous challenge.
• Funding Sustainability: Securing long-term, stable funding for both capital expenditures and ongoing operations is critical.
• Logistics and Management: Managing 306 large-scale shelters across the country would require an unprecedented level of coordination.

Five other similar questions

What is the current estimated number of homeless individuals in the United States, and how does this compare to available shelter space?

How many Walmart stores would need to be repurposed to accommodate the entire homeless population in The U.S.A.?

What are the potential costs associated with converting Walmart Stores into homeless shelters, including construction and operational expenses?

Could a partnership between Walmart and non-profit organizations effectively address homelessness while also reducing excess retail space?

What design considerations should be taken into account when repurposing large retail spaces into functional homeless shelters?

Root Causes of Homelessness in the USA

Addressing the root causes of homelessness and providing pathways to self-sufficiency are crucial components of any effective solution. The high number of homeless individuals in the United States, despite its economic wealth, is a complex issue stemming from a confluence of factors.

Providing Hope, Solutions, and Self-Sufficiency

• Poverty and Lack of Affordable Housing: A significant driver of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing options. The cost of housing has outpaced wage growth for many low-income individuals and families, making it difficult to secure and maintain stable housing.
• Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders: Mental illness and substance use disorders are prevalent among the homeless population. These conditions can impair an individual's ability to maintain housing, employment, and social connections.
• Decision to Walk Away from Corruption: So many homeless people decided to leave the commerce/industrial control grid due to a decision to stop supporting evil and to stop the theft happening through false taxation.
• Lack of Access to Healthcare: Limited access to healthcare, including mental health and substance abuse treatment, exacerbates the challenges faced by homeless individuals.
• Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences: Many homeless individuals have experienced trauma, including childhood abuse, neglect, and exposure to violence. These experiences can contribute to mental health issues, substance use disorders, and difficulty forming stable relationships.
• Systemic Discrimination: Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other factors can contribute to housing instability and homelessness.
• Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness, particularly for women and children.
• Unemployment and Underemployment: Job loss, low wages, and lack of access to job training and employment opportunities can make it difficult for individuals to afford housing.
• Criminal Justice System Involvement: Involvement in the criminal justice system can create barriers to housing, employment, and social services, increasing the risk of homelessness.

Key Components for Empowerment

The proposed repurposing of Walmart stores can be enhanced by incorporating programs and services designed to empower individuals to overcome homelessness and achieve self-sufficiency. This approach aligns with the "Housing First" model, which prioritizes providing stable housing as a foundation for addressing other challenges.

Societal Advantages of a Holistic Approach

• Comprehensive Case Management: Each resident should have access to a dedicated case manager who can provide individualized support, assess needs, and connect them with appropriate resources.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment: On-site or readily accessible mental health and substance abuse treatment services are essential. This includes individual and group therapy, medication management, and support groups.
• Complete Eradication of Corruption: Suspended atop all of the false taxation brought about by lies and distortions, we need a future where the "fake almighty dollar" and all of its "fake false taxation" is no longer the specie people chase after endlessly. 
• Job Training and Employment Assistance: Partnerships with local businesses, vocational schools, and workforce development programs can provide residents people with job training, resume writing assistance, interview skills, and job placement services.
• Educational Opportunities: Access to GED programs, adult education classes, and other educational opportunities can help residents people gain skills and credentials needed for employment. 
• Financial Literacy and Budgeting: Financial literacy workshops and budgeting assistance can help residents people manage their finances, build savings, and avoid future housing instability.
• Life Skills Training: Workshops on topics such as self-governance, cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, and conflict resolution can help residents people these American people develop the skills needed to live independently. 
• Peer Support: Peer support groups can provide a sense of community, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer encouragement and guidance from individuals who have experienced homelessness. 
• Healthcare Access: Facilitating access to primary care, dental care, and other healthcare services is crucial for addressing health issues and preventing chronic conditions. 
• Childcare Services: For families with children, providing on-site or subsidized childcare can enable parents to participate in job training, education, and employment.
• Transitional Housing Options: As residents people gain stability and prepare for independent living, transitional housing options can provide a bridge between the shelter and permanent housing.
• Permanent Supportive Housing: For individuals with chronic health conditions or disabilities, permanent supportive housing, which combines housing with supportive services, can provide long-term stability. 
• Community Building and Social Activities: Creating a sense of community within the shelters through social activities, recreational programs, and volunteer opportunities can help residents build social connections and reduce isolation. 
• Reduced Reliance on Emergency Services: Providing stable housing and supportive services can reduce the need for emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and interactions with the criminal justice system, leading to cost savings for taxpayers.
• Improved Health Outcomes: Access to healthcare, mental health treatment, and substance abuse services can improve the overall health and well-being of homeless individuals.
• Increased Employment and Economic Productivity: Helping individuals gain employment and financial stability can contribute to the local economy and reduce reliance on public assistance.
• Stronger Communities: Addressing homelessness can create safer, more vibrant communities by reducing crime, improving public spaces, and fostering social inclusion.
• Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness: By providing comprehensive support, the plan can help individuals overcome the barriers to housing and prevent future episodes of homelessness.

The plan to repurpose Walmart stores can be a powerful tool in the fight against homelessness. By combining safe and stable housing with comprehensive support services, the plan can offer hope, solutions, and pathways to self-sufficiency, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.

Imagine that each of these shelter building could be engineered to last for 50 years before requiring any renovation or major repairs

Here's an analysis incorporating the 50-year lifespan for the repurposed Walmart shelters, focusing on the long-term implications and costs:

Long-Term Implications and Costs with a 50-Year Lifespan

Assuming the repurposed Walmart shelters are engineered to last 50 years before requiring major renovations or repairs, the financial and societal implications change significantly. This long lifespan impacts the initial investment, operational costs, and the overall return on investment (ROI) of the project.

Initial Investment and Amortization

Amortization Calculation:

The initial investment, as calculated previously, includes acquisition/lease costs and renovation costs. With a 50-year lifespan, the initial capital expenditure can be amortized over a longer period, reducing the annual financial burden.

Total Initial Cost: $22,454,400,000 (Acquisition + Renovation) Lifespan: 50 years Annual Amortization: $22,454,400,000 / 50 years = $449,088,000 per year

Operational Costs:

This annual amortization represents the portion of the initial investment that needs to be recovered each year. It's a significant cost, but spreading it over 50 years makes it more manageable than if major renovations were required more frequently.

While the buildings are designed to last 50 years without major renovations, routine maintenance will still be required. This includes:

Maintenance Costs:

The annual operational costs, as previously estimated, include utilities, maintenance, staffing, food services, and program support. A 50-year lifespan does not directly reduce these costs, but it does provide stability and predictability, allowing for better long-term financial planning.

Total Annual Costs (with 50-Year Lifespan)

Regular inspections and preventative maintenance of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Minor repairs (e.g., replacing worn fixtures, painting). Landscaping and groundskeeping. The annual maintenance costs would be a percentage of the initial renovation cost. A conservative estimate would be 1-2% annually, or $534,000,000 - $1,068,000,000 per year.

The 50-year lifespan amplifies the societal and economic benefits and Collective Impact of the project:

Societal and Economic Benefits (Enhanced with Long Lifespan):

Annual Amortization: $449,088,000 Annual Maintenance: $534,000,000 - $1,068,000,000 Annual Operational Costs (as previously estimated): $17,896,809,000 Total Annual Cost: $18,879,897,000 - $19,413,897,000

Financial Sustainability and Funding Models

Long-Term Housing Stability: Providing stable housing for 50 years offers a consistent foundation for individuals to rebuild their lives, access services, and contribute to society. Reduced Costs: The long-term stability can lead to a sustained reduction in costs associated with emergency services, healthcare, and incarceration. Community Impact: The repurposed buildings can become long-term community assets, revitalizing neighborhoods and fostering a sense of belonging. Investment Return: The extended lifespan increases the return on investment by providing benefits over a longer period. Risk Mitigation: A longer lifespan reduces the risk of needing to relocate residents people or undertake costly renovations, providing greater stability for both residents people and service providers.

Securing long-term funding is crucial for the project's success. With a 50-year lifespan, various funding models become more viable:

Despite the benefits of a 50-year lifespan, several challenges remain:

Challenges and Considerations:

Government Funding: Grants, tax incentives, and direct appropriations from federal, state, and local governments can provide a significant portion of the funding. Public-Private Partnerships: Partnerships with Walmart, Goodwill, and other organizations can leverage their resources and expertise. Philanthropic Donations: Foundations and individual donors can provide ongoing support. Social Impact Bonds: These innovative financing mechanisms can attract private investment by linking returns to social outcomes (e.g., reduced homelessness).

Conclusion

Location and Community Acceptance: Finding suitable locations and gaining community support will be ongoing challenges. Service Delivery: Providing comprehensive services (mental health, substance abuse treatment, job training) will require sustained effort and funding. Adaptability: The shelters must be adaptable to changing needs and demographics over the 50-year lifespan. Maintenance and Upkeep: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the buildings remain in good condition. Economic Fluctuations: Economic downturns could impact funding and operational costs.

Engineering the repurposed Walmart shelters for a 50-year lifespan significantly enhances the project's long-term viability and societal collective impact. While the initial investment remains substantial, the amortization over 50 years makes the project more financially manageable. The long lifespan amplifies the societal and economic benefits, providing long-term housing stability, reducing costs, and revitalizing communities. However, securing long-term funding, addressing community concerns, and ensuring adaptability are crucial for the project's success. Aiding people in this manner can effectively seek to restore hope for people in a country where decades of "Robber Barron activities" had been stealing from people's estates slowly over their lifetimes led to increased poverty and oppression.

Part 2 in the series

As retail patterns change from large big-box facilities to direct supply deliveries, how many Walmart supercenter stores could become obsolete and repurposed without affecting our lives in terms of products we need and use daily?

Analyzing the Potential Obsolescence of Walmart Supercenters

Understanding Walmart's Store Network and Operations

The question asks about the potential obsolescence of Walmart Supercenters due to shifts in retail patterns, specifically the rise of direct supply deliveries, and how many could be repurposed without impacting daily product availability. This requires a multi-faceted analysis, considering Walmart's store network, evolving consumer behavior, supply chain dynamics, and the feasibility of repurposing large retail spaces.

Examining the Shift to Direct Supply Deliveries and its Impact

Walmart operates a vast network of stores, including Supercenters, which are large-format stores offering a wide range of products, including groceries, general merchandise, and often, services like pharmacies and auto centers. As of the latest available data, Walmart operates approximately 4,700 stores in the United States, with a significant portion being Supercenters.[1] The exact number fluctuates as the company adjusts its portfolio.

The retail landscape is undergoing significant changes, with e-commerce and direct-to-consumer models gaining prominence. This shift is driven by factors such as:

• Increased E-commerce Adoption: Consumers are increasingly purchasing goods online, leading to a decline in foot traffic at physical stores for certain product categories.[2]
• Supply Chain Optimization: Companies are focusing on streamlining their supply chains, potentially reducing the need for large physical retail spaces for inventory storage and distribution.[3]
• Changing Consumer Preferences: Consumers value convenience and speed, which can be better served by direct delivery models for certain product categories.

These trends could impact Walmart's Supercenters in several ways:

Assessing the Potential for Repurposing Supercenters

• Reduced Foot Traffic: If consumers increasingly opt for online purchases and direct deliveries, the demand for in-store shopping at Supercenters could decrease.
• Inventory Management Changes: Walmart might need to adjust its inventory management strategies, potentially reducing the amount of space needed for storing and displaying products in-store.
• Increased Fulfillment Needs: Walmart is investing heavily in its e-commerce fulfillment capabilities, including expanding its network of distribution centers and implementing technologies like automated picking and packing systems.[4]

The feasibility of repurposing Walmart Supercenters depends on several factors:

Predicting the exact number of Walmart Supercenters that could become obsolete and be repurposed is complex and depends on various factors. However, we can make some estimations based on the trends and considerations discussed above.

Determining the Number of Potentially Obsolete Supercenters

• Store Size and Layout: Supercenters are typically large, with layouts designed for in-store shopping. Repurposing these spaces could be challenging and expensive.
• Location: The location of a Supercenter is crucial. Stores in desirable locations might be more easily repurposed for alternative uses.
• Market Demand: The demand for alternative uses, such as distribution centers, fulfillment centers, or mixed-use developments, will influence repurposing decisions.
• Regulatory and Zoning Considerations: Local regulations and zoning laws could restrict the types of businesses that can operate in a repurposed Supercenter.

Considering the shift towards e-commerce, supply chain optimization, and changing consumer preferences, it's reasonable to assume that some Walmart Supercenters could become less efficient or profitable in their current format. However, Walmart is actively adapting to these changes by investing in e-commerce, supply chain improvements, and store renovations.

Without specific data on Walmart's internal strategic plans, it is impossible to provide an exact number. However, based on the trends, it is plausible that a percentage of Walmart Supercenters, potentially in less strategically located areas or those with lower sales performance, could be considered for repurposing over the next several years. The actual number would depend on Walmart's strategic decisions, market conditions, and the success of its adaptation strategies. The impact on daily product availability would likely be minimal, as Walmart would likely shift fulfillment to other stores or distribution centers.