A modular emergency shelter system includes a sleeping and storage module having a rectangular box-like structure with curved interior sidewalls defining a sleeping area, and exterior sidewalls extending to an opposing end defining a separate storage area. The box-like structure is preferably fabricated of molded plastic filled with fire resistant and sound dampening foam, and is watertight to keep out the rain and facilitate hosing out after use. Preferably the module includes electronic locking doors operable from inside or outside the module. The module is specially configured for securing together a number of similar structures including additional shelter modules stacked one atop another, or vertically-oriented modular utility units such as toilets, showers and a dressing rooms. Use of the emergency shelter modules is envisioned as including taking reservations electronically over the telephone or Internet, and providing for a particular sleeping module and storage module to unlock the doors later that day.