The Richardson family has been living with their neighbours for five months since a bushfire destroyed their home on the New South Wales Mid North Coast.

It's been tough — but yesterday they got a small rectangular lifeline in the form of a temporary accommodation "pod".

At around 17 sqm, the self-contained home looks like a mid-sized shipping container and includes a toilet, shower, kitchen and 2,300-litre water tank.

For Louise, husband Keith and son Calum, it's going to be a life-changing addition to their land at Hickey's Creek.

"It's got everything we are going to need, we can actually move home," Ms Richardson said.

"It's just going to make life so much easier. It's making it more like home again."

What remains of the Richardson's home in Hickey's creek after a blaze swept through. ( ABC News )

People whose homes were destroyed in the bushfires will be allowed to live in the pods for up to two years while they rebuild.

Each one costs up to $50,000 — but 100 are being provided free of charge around the state thanks to a partnership between the NSW Government and the Minderoo Foundation.

The first of the pods were installed this week around Kempsey on the Mid North Coast and Eurobodalla on the South Coast, but they're also going to be installed at properties around Tenterfield and Glen Innes in the Northern Tablelands.

Kempsey Shire Mayor Liz Campbell said the pods suited people who lived on rural properties, who needed to care for livestock.

"They can stay there, they can be with their animals, they can be on their farm and they can rebuild," she said.

The housing pods are fitted with amenities including a toilet, kitchen and water tank. ( ABC News )

Bob Broomham described his pod as "a lifesaver".

Mr Broomham and his wife Susan's home at Belowra on the state's South Coast, was destroyed by bushfire, along with about 120 cattle and fencing.

Before the couple received their pod, they were travelling two hours from their daughter's house to the property each day.

"It's allowed us to stay here for more than just for the day," he said.

"It means we're getting things done, we're looking after the stock."

Bob Broomham, with his daughter Brooke, says the pod is "a lifesaver". ( ABC News )

Mr Broomham's daughter Brooke Ladmore said her parents could now start to rebuild.

"There's a direction now, whereas before, I think we all just felt like, what do we do? Where do we start?" she said.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the pods were not a long-term solution but ensured bushfire victims had a roof over their heads.

"What keeps me up at night is I know there are people are falling through the cracks," he said.

"We're getting into winter. This is important to get people into appropriate housing.

"It is not appropriate to get through the winter in tents."

While the pods will be provided for up to two years, Mr Barilaro said that may need to be extended due to the coronavirus, which had been delaying NSW's bushfire recovery.