A Solution to Homelessness in Your Town: Workshop
What:
This course delves into the complex dynamics of homelessness and goes beyond theory, providing real-life examples of successful solutions. Gain a clear understanding of the strategies that have proven effective in combating homelessness.
By focusing on the critical role of both activist and architectural leadership, we can address homelessness through community-driven solutions. Homelessness is not merely a social issue; it is a systemic failure that affects the dignity, health, and well-being of millions. As we witness the stark contrast in perspectives between countries like Denmark, where homelessness is nearly nonexistent, and the U.S., where too many people regard it as “Darwinian,” it becomes clear that change is not only possible but necessary.
Who:
This course is for: Legislators, non-profit staff, housing developers, municipal employees, architects, planners, designers, grassroots organizers, activists, urban volunteers, and all good citizens interested in taking action on this topic.
1. THE PROBLEM
- The real costs of homelessness to cities, states, and the country
- The Process Overview: From Idea & Motivation to Move-in
2. PROJECT ORGANIZATION
- How to Get a Project Started: The key initial steps to success
- Site Feasibility: Finding the right site that will work for your project
3. THE DESIGN
- The Site Design
- Common Facilities Design and Community Support Services
- Cottage (Unit) Design
- Affordability Ranges
- Alternative Housing Models
4. LOOKING FORWARD
- Long-term sustainability: In-House Management
- Resident Agreements: Resident Co-Management
- Community Organizing
Additional Details
Organizer
Charles R. Durrett is a renowned architect, author, and advocate for affordable, socially responsible, and sustainable design. He has made significant contributions to community-based architecture and cohousing, having designed 55+ cohousing communities across North America and provided consulting services for many more internationally. Additionally, he has designed an equal number of affordable housing projects for a wide variety of incomes and populations. In recognition of his substantial achievements in cohousing and community architecture, Durrett has received hundreds of awards, including the Human Habitat Award from the United Nations, the International Innovations Award, and the Mixed Housing Development Award presented jointly by the American Institute of Architects and the United States Department of Housing. He has delivered over a hundred public presentations, including two before the U.S. Congress, as well as lectures at the Commonwealth Club of California and 50 universities including Princeton, Stanford, U.C. Berkeley, University of Stockholm, and The Royal Danish University, School of Architecture. Continuing his commitment to education, Charles Durrett shares his expertise in architecture and affordable housing developments. He currently serves as the principal architect at The Cohousing Company, based in Nevada City, California.
The Cohousing Company is a consulting firm. Principal Charles Durrett has become well known nationally and internationally for the design of cohousing communities, childcare facilities, pedestrian-friendly town planning, sustainable design and development consulting. Since 1987 the firm has provided complete architectural services for a wide range of clients, but today focuses on the schematics of cohousing.
