Guidelines for Constructing Accommodations for at-Risk Populations
Here's a fresh take on the article with integrated insights from the enrichment data:
Hey there! Let's discuss how to house vulnerable groups in our cities for a better, more cohesive community. We've got expert insights from Sierra Atilano of the Skid Row Housing Trust in LA.
The Skid Row Housing Trust: A Beacon of Hope
The Skid Row Housing Trust, established way back in 1989, is a community-driven organization providing permanent supportive housing (PSH) for the homeless and those in need. The Trust originally revamped old hotels into stylish dwellings, focusing on the area known as Skid Row – a 50-block neighborhood in downtown LA, where socially vulnerable groups often gather.
Sierra Atilano, their Chief Real Estate and Investment Officer, lends her 20+ years of experience in the housing sector to create suitable living spaces for our most vulnerable fellow humans.
Cornerstone Tips from Sierra Atilano
1. Put Down Roots
Permanent housing is paramount. Residents should feel at home and secure in their living quarters, breaking cycles of homelessness. Sierra emphasizes, "Living without a home is as inhumane as not having food, water, or air."
2. Offer a Helping Hand
While providing a place to stay, it's crucial to offer support services for residents, as many have endured hardships such as chronic homelessness, mental health issues, and traumatic pasts. The Trust offers a spectrum of on-site services, including support groups, financial guidance, and medical advice, all free of charge and easily accessible to residents.
3. Foster a Strong Community
Create engaging opportunities for residents to come together, building relationships, and forging bonds. The Trust hosts events like holiday parties, group excursions, and hobby clubs, strengthening the community spirit and fostering a sense of belonging.
4. Collaborate to Overcome Obstacles
Achieving PSH for vulnerable groups requires a multifaceted approach. Partnerships from various sources, such as case managers, medical professionals, and volunteers, are essential to deliver comprehensive support.
5. Design with Purpose
Pay attention to the building's aesthetic appeal to encourage healing and foster positive feelings among residents. Incorporating greenery, art, and community spaces boosts the overall living experience and significantly contributes to each resident's well-being.
Furthermore, the area surrounding the building benefits from aesthetically pleasing housing, as it can raise property values and bring attention to the housing trust's mission. Unfortunately, some residents in the city resist housing for vulnerable groups, voicing a "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBY) attitude. By emphasizing the benefits of beautiful, well-designed PSH buildings, we can challenge this sentiment and demonstrate that providing housing for those in need is something we should embrace across our cities.
In the realm of real-estate investing, Sierra Atilano, the Chief Real Estate and Investment Officer of the Skid Row Housing Trust, has devoted her expertise to creating sustainable and supportive housing for the homeless and vulnerable groups. Her approach includes investing in properties with a focus on aesthetically pleasing designs, designed to foster healing and a sense of community, which can additionally contribute to the surrounding area's property values, thereby virtually eliminating the NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) objections.
