April 21, 2023
Hope of the Valley Tiny Homes in Ventura, CA.
Let’s talk about villages for the unhoused.
In response to unprecedented levels of homelessness in the United States, and the notoriously lengthy process to get affordable or transitional housing built, small-scale quick-build villages for unhoused people are popping up across the United States.
This hopeful new way forward would allow those living in shelters or on the streets to have access to a roof over their heads immediately, and give them the opportunity to transition into more permanent housing.
A few examples include SafeRest Villages in Portland, designed by Stanley Tiny Homes; Village of Hope elsewhere in Oregon, where half of residents moved on to better housing after just one year; Hope of the Valley [video] in Los Angeles; and Community First! Village in Austin. Many others are blossoming.
Have you seen examples of this creative solution in your neighborhood? Feel free to hit respond — would love to hear what you think!
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MUST-READS
Proptech Steps Into the Affordable Housing Void // Commercial Observer
Architects should design their businesses just like they design their buildings // Architect’s Newspaper
When is density good, and when is it harmful to cities? // Congress of New Urbanism
Don’t Call It a ‘Mood Board’ — It’s a ‘World’ // NY Times
The Mayor of LA just announced a new housing plan to curb homelessness // LA Times
The Problem With Building a New City From Scratch // Bloomberg CityLab
Deborah Berke Partners rebrands as TenBerke // Architectural Record
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IDEA SPOTLIGHT
The Parking Reform Network
The Parking Reform Network is on a mission to do…exactly what it sounds like. They advocate for less parking in cities in the name of climate action, housing affordability, and safer streets. This week, they published a series of more than 50 maps that lets you find out just how much how much space in your city is dedicated to parking. Take it for a spin and check out your own turf.
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