Tackling homelessness in the United States seems like a monumental undertaking, but every journey begins with a single step. For many homeless men and women in the Los Angeles area, a new invention called the EDAR is a step in the right direction. We at InventHelp would like to recognize this ambitious effort to curb one of our nation’s greatest ills.

The EDAR, which stands for Everyone Deserves a Roof, is a four-wheeled, tent-like home that’s designed to be waterproof, sturdy and mobile. Each unit is equipped with a mattress and a sleeping bag for comfort. An integral braking system keeps the unit from rolling away, and a padlock is included to prevent theft.

While the accommodations seem modest, EDAR owners like Brenda Gardenhire told CNN, “it’s like your own home, your own apartment, your own room.” Other EDAR owners jokingly refer to it as the “hobo condo.” Humorous moniker aside, it serves as a stepping stone to get off the streets and back into society.

Movie producer Peter Samuelson, of “Revenge of the Nerds” fame (one of Gadget Girl’s childhood favorites), has long been an advocate for impoverished and homeless children. As he rode his bike from Los Angeles to Santa Monica, he stopped along the way to speak with the homeless about their needs. A roof was the most common request by far.

Initially, Samuelson wanted to build a permanent shelter, but securing funds needed for the $3 billion undertaking in tumultuous economic times proved nearly impossible. The EDAR, on the other hand, costs about $500 per unit and serves as an economical alternative.

He partnered with the Pasadena Art Center College of Design to create the design concept, and the EDAR was born. Currently, the EDAR has a waiting list, and requests for more information on the EDAR have poured in from around the country and around the world.

We at InventHelp love to see inventors use practical innovations to create positive change. For more information on the EDAR and to see how you can help, visit their website at EDAR.org.