As I’ve been discussing over the past couple of weeks, some builders are responded to the housing crises with some pretty creative ideas. One builder has literally been thinking out of the box by converting shipping containers to single and multifamily homes.

The company PFNCfounded by Brian McCarthy, is a for profit business dedicated to raising the standard of living for families who currently reside in dangerous or substandard conditions.  PFNC stands for "Por Fin Nuestra Casa." Translated in English this simply means "Finally, a home of our own." These words are the foundation of PFNC, whose goal is to provide housing to those who most desperately need it around the globe. You can visit their website at >>>http://www.pfnc.net/index.htm

PFNC utilizes surplus shipping containers resulting from the United States' consistent trade deficit.  These containers serve as the building block of PFNC housing, but go through an extensive conversion process to make them a home.  PFNC offers an affordable housing solution that is scalable and fully portable. Each PFNC unit includes 1st world amenities for a price of less than $10,000 (US)*

PFNC, has made a prototype out of a standard shipping container that hauls goods worldwide -- a 320-square-foot home with a kitchen, bath with toilet, sleeping areas, windows and a bright blue door.

The house may be sparse by U.S. standards, but Nava said it's a huge improvement in safety, security and health over where many now live.

When drawings and color pictures of the prototype were shown around a poor Juarez neighborhood, people said, "You know, it'd be like a dream to live in one of these," Nava said. "You know, just the thought of having nice fresh air ventilating through the house, a large bed ... a normal kitchen and a safe home that locks and closes each night was more than appealing."