Providing clarity to the announcement that an Emergency Housing Shelter will be constructed at Dutchess County Jail - which remains open - the PODS originated in 2015 and were spotlit again in 2020 during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the announcement this week from Dutchess County:

“Temporary housing units (PODS) were installed at the current jail site in May 2015 as a provisional solution to the costly practice of housing out inmates to other counties, due to overcrowding at the jail. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PODS, which were no longer being utilized for inmate housing due to bail reform, were converted temporary emergency housing facility to provide safe haven for the homeless. The PODS have continued to be utilized as the number of homeless individuals has grown significantly since prior to the pandemic. However, the PODS have reached the end of their useful life, and ongoing wear and tear have required increasing maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the PODS must be removed for the completion of the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center (DCJTC), necessitating an interim facility for the shelter.”

Read more about the recently announced 2023 plans here.