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Framework for a holistic affordable housing community

How do we build holistic affordable housing?

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First we have to meet a household's fundamental needs.

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Then we
can create
a sense of empowerment.

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Finally, the model must be sustainable for the longterm.

Fundamental Needs

Fundamental Needs

Meeting fundamental needs refers to fostering well-being of the whole person and whole family (1); creating the physical space and time for residents to build community, to grow, to change (2); and, ensuring there is equal access to such a model, that barriers aren't created inadvertently (3).


How can well-being be fostered?

1

  • provide clinical + therapeutic supports

  • facilitate healthy living

  • create spaces that heal

  • create safe spaces

  • facilitate social connection

  • be proactive in providing support


How do we make space?

2

  • be guided by empathy

  • enable intergenerational living

  • focus on transitions + change where there is extra vulnerability + risk

  • enable autonomy

  • be flexible

  • support financial wellness

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How do we make this equitable?

3

  • be accessible to all physical, mental and learning abilities

  • strive for diversity through intentionality

  • be democratic in who gets to decide + participate

  • remove systemic barriers

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A sense of empowerment refers to offering choice so that individuals or households make their own decisions about how and where they live (4). It requires ensuring people have the confidence and power to make those decisions (5). This is created in part through fostering a sense of ownership: in place, community and home (6).


How do we offer choice?

4

  • give options

  • provide the tools so that people can avail of the options

5

How do we create a sense of ownership?

  • help people to feel like they belong

  • give people opportunities to invest in the community

  • create a place people can be proud of

  • encourage + facilitate participation

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6

How do we build confidence?

  • make people feel valued

  • support people to build their capacity, skills, capabilities

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Empowerment

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2
3
9
Finally, the the model needs to be sustainable (financially, environmentally, and socially), which requires stability, in housing and impact (7). The community business model must be responsible to all stakeholders (inside the community and out) (8), and be open to innovate, enabling the model to evolve, change, adjust to various dynamic factors (9).
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How do we provide stability?

7

  • provide stable housing

  • have a sustainable financial model

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How can we be responsible?

8

  • make sure we are creating the intended impact

  • be a responsible business

  • constantly evaluate and do better

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How might we innovate?

9

  • look for collaboration + partnerships

  • find the issues + do things differently

Sustainability

Empowerment
5
6
Sustainability
8
7
4
1
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