Curious about feral cat shelters

Hello! I currently have a family of 3 cats (mom and 2 kittens) living in my alley. I was looking into inexpensive cat shelters and found plenty of diy options. Im most attracted to the double rubbermaid bin one with straw and Styrofoam. My question is if a shelter like that is good for both summer and winter. In new jersey we have really hot summers and frigid winters. The sites ive seen this option for talk about winter but they dont explain if they have they could also keep them cool during the summer, and not bake!
The ally is next to my apartment the problem is my only way to get back there is to climb out my second floor window or climb a clearly old 6 foot fence. I WILL get back there but because of the complication of getting back there i'd like to limit my expeditions into it.
I made a basket setup to lower fresh food and water down regularly which is working out for me to keep clean water and food possible for them. Winter is coming and i want to further my efforts to keep them safe.

Thank you!

The double Rubbermaid ones are really best for winter.  They would get too hot in summer.  Between the heat and humidity, I don't think the cats would even go in one in summer.

I had a friend who built a platform with four 4"x 4" uprights at the corners.  She added a regular roof.  The uprights were tall enough for her to place the Rubbermaid shelter under the roof and on top of the platform.  In summer, she removed the Rubbermaid shelter and left the platform, so the cats had a "roof over their heads."

It helped make the Rubbermaid shelter last and gave the cats a place to shelter in summer.  You could add lattice to the sides, too, to add a little more protection without sealing the summer shelter up.

However, the way you describe the alley would mean an expedition there would have to be confined to twice a year or so.  The straw in the shelter should be changed at least once a year, no matter what.

It sounds like you are willing to go to great lengths to help these cats.  Kudos to you!

One of the best things you can do for them is to have them all spayed or neutered.  It will make their lives much easier and will ensure you don't end up with more cats in the alley!

Thank you for your response it's helpful [emoji]128512[/emoji]

In the summer they usually find a shady tree to lie under or old building to go into. The shelters are mostly for winter.

Yes, be sure to get them all spayed/neutered soon or you'll be up to your ears in cats! There may be a group in your area that specializes in helping feral cats, or just a low-cost spay/neuter clinic. Try calling all the animal groups in your area to ask what's available.

Thank you I will!