Housing the Homeless
Individuals and families who live in poverty struggle daily with covering the basic necessities of life. Although there are government supported income programs that provide a safety net to our most vulnerable citizens, the rates of income provided within these programs fall significantly short of the true escalating costs of rent, utilities and food costs. An average of 1,250 individuals or families visit our local food bank monthly and over 4,200 meals per month are served at meal programs throughout our community. These realities are indicators of the urgent need in our community.
The Housing Services Act and the Ontario Housing policy Statement direct Service Managers to use a Housing First approach that centers on quickly providing homeless people with housing then providing additional services as needed to ensure a supported resident experience and contribute to a successful permanent tenancy. A Housing First model for our community is being developed, which will require greater service coordination and collaboration of community partners and service providers, as well as operational funding from the provincial and federal governments.
The Housing Services Act and the Ontario Housing policy Statement direct Service Managers to use a Housing First approach that centers on quickly providing homeless people with housing then providing additional services as needed to ensure a supported resident experience and contribute to a successful permanent tenancy. A Housing First model for our community is being developed, which will require greater service coordination and collaboration of community partners and service providers, as well as operational funding from the provincial and federal governments.
Vacant Land Available
In this assignment, you have been "given" a rectangular piece of vacant property (as shown in the photo above) in Brantford ... this land is to be used to develop a housing community for the city's homeless... the land you have been given was once used for a Canadian store that has since been demolished and the remaining property is covered in asphalt ... the area has access to the city's sewage, water and hydro services.
Architectural Models
Four Proposals for Housing the Homeless in Lego City
Proposal #1: Tiny "Boxes"
Communal Washroom and Showers
In the first model, the students are asked to begin by creating a model of our tiny "box" community ...
Proposal #2 Tiny Homes
Proposal # 3 Container Structures
In the third model, the students are asked to begin by creating a blueprint/layout for their development of container homes and or a housing complex ...
Proposal # 4 Pipe Housing
In the fourth model, the students are asked to begin by creating a blueprint/layout for their development of pipe homes or a pipe complex...