The Real Cost of Ignoring Sustainable Housing Solutions

 

Photo by LinkedIn

As homelessness becomes increasingly visible in cities across the world, the need for affordable and safe housing solutions has never been more pressing. However, many cities are opting for quick fixes like temporary shelters and hostile architecture rather than addressing the root of the problem. This blog post explores why sustainable building materials offer a better solution for creating long-term, affordable housing and why this approach matters more than ever.

The Problem with Temporary Solutions

Many cities have turned to temporary measures like shelters or defensive architecture to manage the visibility of homelessness. While these measures may temporarily reduce the presence of homeless individuals in certain areas, they fail to address the underlying issue of homelessness. For example, in Portland, Oregon, millions of dollars have been spent on installing boulders and benches designed to keep homeless individuals from setting up camps in public spaces (Wandalowski, 2021). While this may make some public spaces appear more orderly, it does nothing to help those who need a permanent place to live.

These temporary solutions are not only ineffective but also costly in the long run. Shelters, for instance, require constant funding and upkeep, yet they don’t provide the stability and security that permanent housing offers. Moreover, these short-term fixes often come with environmental costs. Temporary shelters and hostile architecture are usually constructed from non-sustainable materials, contributing to environmental degradation and waste.

Why Sustainable Building Materials Matter

Sustainable building materials offer a more viable solution to the housing crisis. Materials like recycled steel, bamboo, and hempcrete are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective. For instance, recycled steel can be sourced from old appliances or vehicles, reducing the need for new raw materials. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that can be harvested sustainably, while hempcrete is a natural, carbon-negative material that provides excellent insulation.

In addition to their environmental benefits, these materials can significantly reduce construction costs. The National Institute of Building Sciences found that using sustainable materials can cut costs by up to 30% compared to traditional building methods (National Institute of Building Sciences, 2018). This means that cities could potentially build more housing units for the same amount of money, helping to alleviate the housing crisis more effectively.

The Long-Term Benefits of Sustainable Housing

Building with sustainable materials not only addresses the immediate need for affordable housing but also offers long-term benefits. Sustainable homes are often more energy-efficient, which reduces utility costs for residents—an important consideration for individuals who are already struggling financially. By lowering energy costs, sustainable homes help make housing more affordable over time.

Moreover, sustainable housing contributes to environmental preservation. As climate change continues to threaten our planet, reducing our carbon footprint is crucial. By using materials that are renewable, recyclable, or carbon-negative, we can build homes that are not only affordable but also environmentally responsible.

Conclusion

Ignoring sustainable building solutions in the fight against homelessness is a costly mistake. Sustainable housing offers a practical, cost-effective solution that can help address both the immediate and long-term needs of homeless individuals while also protecting our environment. By investing in sustainable materials, we can build a future where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing, and where our planet’s resources are used responsibly.

Why should you care? Because the choices we make today will shape the world for future generations. Supporting sustainable housing initiatives helps create a future that is both equitable and environmentally sustainable.

Click one of the links below to learn more or contribute to the cause.

References

National Institute of Building Sciences. (2018). Whole Building Design Guide. Retrieved from NIBS

Wandalowski, Z. (2021). Hiding homelessness through hostile architecture only hurts the community. The Diamondback. Retrieved from The Diamondback

            

Building a Better Future: The Case for Sustainable Housing Materials

 

Photo by Autodesk

The affordable housing crisis is one of the most pressing issues facing communities worldwide. The problem is particularly acute in efforts to provide safe and cost-effective housing for homeless populations. Traditional construction methods are becoming increasingly unsustainable due to rising material costs, making it harder to build affordable homes. This has prompted a growing interest in alternative, sustainable building materials that offer a practical and economical solution.

One of the most promising approaches involves using low-cost, environmentally friendly materials that can still provide durable and comfortable living spaces. The term project we’ve been working on focuses on identifying the cheapest building materials for minimal safe housing units equipped with power and HVAC systems. This goes beyond simply finding the least expensive option; it’s about finding materials that are affordable without compromising on safety or practicality. The significance of this topic is evident, especially when we consider its potential to impact not just the environment, but also the lives of those most in need.

The Rising Costs of Traditional Construction

Over the past few years, the cost of traditional construction materials such as wood, steel, and concrete has seen a sharp increase. Factors like supply chain disruptions, inflation, and heightened demand have driven prices to unprecedented levels. For instance, lumber prices have tripled since 2020, significantly raising the cost of new home construction (National Association of Home Builders, 2021). This makes it increasingly difficult for cities and non-profits to build affordable housing, leaving homeless populations with even fewer options for safe shelter.

Exploring Sustainable Alternatives

Given the challenges of rising material costs, it’s essential to explore sustainable alternatives that could offer a more viable solution. Materials like recycled plastic, rammed earth, and straw bales are emerging as promising options due to their affordability, durability, and environmental benefits.

Recycled Plastic: Recycled plastic is one of the most innovative materials currently being explored for affordable housing. Companies like Conceptos Plásticos have developed techniques to convert plastic waste into building blocks that can be used to construct homes. This not only helps reduce the amount of plastic waste but also provides a low-cost, durable material that is lightweight and easy to work with (Conceptos Plásticos, 2021).

Rammed Earth: Rammed earth has been used for centuries in various parts of the world and is now being reconsidered for modern construction. It involves compacting a mixture of earth, sand, and a small amount of cement into a mold to create solid walls. Rammed earth structures are not only thermally efficient but also significantly reduce heating and cooling costs over time.

Straw Bales: Another cost-effective material is straw bales, which are used as building blocks within a wooden frame and covered with plaster. This method offers excellent insulation properties, reducing the need for extensive HVAC systems, and is made from a renewable resource, making it environmentally friendly.

Why This Matters

The exploration of sustainable building materials is crucial not just for the present, but for the future as well. By lowering the cost of construction, we can build more homes for those in need, making a tangible impact on the homelessness crisis. Additionally, using sustainable materials reduces the environmental impact of construction, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. Traditional materials like steel and concrete have high carbon footprints, while alternatives like rammed earth and straw bales offer a much greener solution.

Supporting sustainable construction practices also aligns with broader societal goals of promoting equity and responsible resource management. As awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, the construction industry must adapt by embracing these innovative materials. Doing so will allow us to create not just more affordable housing, but a more sustainable and equitable society.

Conclusion

Addressing the affordable housing crisis requires rethinking how we build homes. The search for cost-effective, sustainable materials for minimal safe housing units is about much more than just economics. It’s about creating a future where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing, and where the environment is protected for generations to come.

Why should you care? The choices we make today in how we build our homes will have lasting effects on our communities and our planet. By supporting sustainable building practices, we can ensure a better future for everyone.

Click one of the links below to learn more or contribute to the cause.

References

Conceptos Plásticos. (2021). Retrieved from Conceptos Plásticos.

National Association of Home Builders. (2021). Lumber Prices Soar to Unprecedented Levels. Retrieved from NAHB

What material is best! Orion & Anna Vlog #2

 Now that Orion and Anna talked to some of the different materials being used now we get to hear what they think! from the previous options which do you think would be the best options for Portland Oregon?

Want to hear what they have to say click here: Orion & Anna Vlog #2

What could be the best building material for Houlessness in Portland Oregon? Vlog#1

 Portland has had an issue recently with Houseless people having a issue with finding a good solution for living. One of the solutions the city of Portland has is constructing small sheltered living spaces to help foster a new living environment for those folks!

Which begs the question what is the best building material for those home?

Learn More with Orion & Anna here: Orion & Anna Volg # 1

The Invisibility of Hostility: How Public Space Architecture Disguises War on the Homeless

Photo by National Coalition for the Homeless

In urban environments around the world, the battle over public space has taken on a new and insidious form. Cities are increasingly turning to hostile architecture—design elements intentionally crafted to make certain behaviors uncomfortable or impossible—to manage, or more accurately, to marginalize the homeless population, and Portland, Oregon is no exception. These design choices are often subtle, blending into the urban landscape under the guise of aesthetics or functionality, but their true purpose is exclusionary.

So, What Is Hostile Architecture? 

Hostile architecture, also known as defensive architecture or exclusionary design, refers to the intentional use of design elements in public spaces that aim to restrict certain behaviors—particularly those associated with homelessness. Examples include: benches with dividers or spikes, spiked ledges and window sills, as well as sloped or uneven horizontal surfaces. Most design choices opt to block access to covered walkways, alcoves, or other areas where homeless individuals might seek shelter from the elements. These measures are often justified as ways to maintain cleanliness, deter vandalism, or enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban spaces. However, the primary function of hostile architecture is to control and exclude vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless. 

As Portland’s homelessness crisis has grown increasingly visible, with a 65% rise in the number of people living on the streets, so too has the investment in defensive architecture across the city’s public spaces. In February, the Portland City Council allocated $500,000 to install benches and other structures specifically designed to prevent individuals from lingering near Laurelhurst Park and other areas. Back in 2019, the Oregon Department of Transportation spent over $800,000 placing boulders at five former campsite locations that had previously housed many of Portland’s homeless residents.

The primary goal of these installations was clear: to displace campers from these areas and prevent them from returning. However, this approach is not only devoid of empathy but also merely a deterrent, not a solution. Hostile architecture exacerbates and perpetuates the stigma and prejudice faced by the homeless, all while their numbers continue to climb.

The use of hostile architecture and urban design has become an increasingly common strategy to push encampments away from busy public areas that could pose safety risks. Yet, this tactic has only deepened the displacement of the homeless community.

Meanwhile, as the housing crisis worsens and calls for action grow louder—from both the homeless community and the neighborhoods where they seek refuge—Portland is struggling to meet the mounting needs. Despite having spent $1.7 billion on humanitarian services and affordable housing, many people in need of aid, temporary shelter, and affordable housing find themselves on waitlists that stretch up to five years.

Public spaces in Portland, as in any city, are meant to be accessible to all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Yet, the rise of hostile architecture challenges this principle, creating environments that are selectively hostile—designed to be unwelcoming to homeless individuals while remaining inviting to others. This form of exclusion reflects deeper societal values, where the comfort and convenience of certain groups are prioritized over the basic needs of those experiencing homelessness.

In Portland, the ethical implications of hostile architecture are profound.

By designing public spaces that make it impossible for homeless individuals to rest, sleep, or seek shelter, Portland effectively criminalizes the basic human behaviors necessary for survival. This approach fails to address the root causes of homelessness, instead punishing those already struggling with extreme poverty. Likewise, the normalization of hostile architecture in Portland erodes the city’s reputation for empathy and social justice as these exclusionary designs become more widespread, they contribute to a growing apathy towards the plight of the homeless, making it easier for residents and policymakers to ignore the crisis. Most notable of all, hostile architecture in Portland is by design meant to be subtle, blending into the urban landscape in ways that make its exclusionary purpose less visible to the general public. This invisibility allows these practices to continue with minimal public scrutiny, despite their harmful effects on the homeless population.

Photo by Alberto Alonso Pujazon Bogani/PSU Vanguard

However, these attempts at camouflage present the city with an uglier truth:

In Portland, hostile architecture not only reflects a deep-seated disregard for the unhoused population but also stands in stark contrast to the city’s commitment to sustainability and vibrant urban life. Portland is renowned for its green spaces and close connection to nature, yet the introduction of such architecture undermines these very values.

While the concrete-secured boulders may displace those seeking refuge, they also suffocate the soil, stifle the growth of grass and plants, and contribute nothing to the preservation or enhancement of urban life. This approach harms the environment while addressing none of the underlying issues.

Join the fight against NIMBYism!

Get off our lawn: Portland’s hostile architecture betrays our city’s houseless attitudes

A perspective on hostile architecture

A Band-Aid on a Bullet Wound: Hostile Architecture Is Not the Solution

Empowering the Vulnerable: 3 Social Work Strategies That Make a Difference

Photo by Street Roots PDX

Homelessness is more than a lack of shelter; it's a complex crisis that requires a holistic approach to truly make a difference. Social workers stand on the front lines, not just handing out temporary solutions, but implementing powerful strategies that transform lives. By addressing the root causes of homelessness, building deep, trusting relationships, and advocating for systemic change, social workers empower the most vulnerable among us to reclaim their dignity and secure a future of stability and self-sufficiency. These three strategies form the cornerstone of lasting change in the fight against homelessness: 

1. Addressing Root Causes

Social workers understand that homelessness is often a symptom of deeper issues, such as mental health challenges, substance abuse, and systemic poverty. By addressing these root causes, they help individuals break free from the cycle of homelessness. A social worker's role is to include providing access to mental health services, addiction treatments, and job training. In a way, it mimics a one-stop shop where individuals can get access to all of the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

2. Building Trust Through Relationships 

One of the most powerful tools social workers use is relationship-building. Trust is the foundation upon which all other services are built. Social workers meet people where they are—physically and emotionally—offering consistent support and a non-judgmental ear. This trust opens the door to meaningful interventions, allowing social workers to connect individuals with the resources they need.

3.  Advocating for Policy Change 

Empowerment doesn't stop at the individual level. Social workers can also advocate for systemic changes that address the broader issues contributing to homelessness. This includes pushing for affordable housing, fair wages, and accessible healthcare. By influencing policy, social workers help create an environment where fewer people are at risk of becoming homeless in the first place.

The Ripple Effect of Empowerment

When social workers empower an individual, the impact extends far beyond that one person. Families are reunited, communities are strengthened, and society as a whole benefits from reduced crime rates and lower healthcare costs. This ripple effect underscores the importance of supporting social work initiatives as a key strategy in ending homelessness.

Local Resources to Get Involved

Central City Concern – Provides housing, healthcare, and employment services, with a strong focus on the role of social workers.

• Central City Concern

JOIN PDX - An organization that works closely with social workers to help individuals transition from homelessness to stable housing.

• JOIN PDX

Transition Projects - Provides pathways to housing for individuals experiencing homelessness in Portland, highlighting the critical work of social workers.

• Transition Projects

Street Roots - A nonprofit that supports social workers through advocacy and services for the homeless community, including producing a weekly newspaper sold by homeless vendors.

• Street Roots

It’s not just about providing a roof over someone's head; it's about giving them the tools, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. Social workers play an indispensable role in this process, employing strategies that make a real difference in the lives of those they serve. It's time to recognize and support their efforts as they work to create lasting change in our communities!

Reduced Faires for Low Income Transit Riders

     As Portland has a lower fare for low income riders, Trimet and  Portland State University worked to determine the impact on those communities’ public transportation use and general quality of life. Covid impacted the results of the survey. Surveys were advertised and administered online with a gift card for participating in the first two surveys. For the third random survey respondents were interviewed to gain more insight with a gift card for participating. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the data comparing the two surveys and low income riders and non low income riders. This allows for both change over time to be seen along with differences in response from low income riders and non low income riders. Here are the income thresholds for the reduced fare program:

One finding of the study is that during Covid low income riders became more reliant on carpooling and ridesharing likely due to Trimet service reductions associated with the operator shortage. As such riders suggested improving accessibility, increasing frequency, and increasing hours of operation. Non low income riders saw a decrease in Trimet ridership during the time of the second survey. Whereas low income riders saw no change in Trimet use. This is consistent with other research done on this topic nationwide. Riders use Trimet to get to many different places, from social activities to work to the gym. Low income riders were more likely to report psychological ill-being compared to non low income riders. The reduced fares were reported to help encourage transit use with less worry. As such the program has been useful for those that qualify. Here is a graph of Transit use for commuting between low income riders (LIR) and non low income riders (non-LIR): 

The study can be found here:

Do Travel Costs Matter For Persons With Lower Incomes? (pdx.edu)

More information on the reduced fare program can be found here:

Reduced Fare for Riders Who Qualify Based on Income (trimet.org)