Sustainable Housing -- the need is great in our community
Section 8 Choice Housing Voucher was authorized by Congress under Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937. Section 8 was established to help lower economic families find safe, affordable housing. The Garland Housing Agency provides assistance to Housing Choice Voucher holders, based on family size and income.
Effective August 9, 2009 at 12:01 a.m., the Garland Housing Agency no longer accepts applications for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program because the need is too great, Many more people need affordable housing than housing is available. Even today over a thousand people are on the existing waiting list. We can do better.
Affordable/sustainable housing is thus a key challenge that members of Loving Garland Green hope to join hands with other organizations and concerned residents in our community to address.
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One project we already have in the works is to raise money to build a small (400 square foot) model home on the Community Garden site or perhaps another site within our community. This home would serve to educate the public on the economics of small. It's amazing how much livable space is available in these homes.
Just as it is time to rethink lawns, herbicide use and many other activities that we currently take for granted as part of the American way, it may be time for us to rethink home and housing as well. There are many innovative solutions available. For example, it could be possible to create as many as five homes for five to ten people for what it would cost to build one standard sized home.
Imagine the creation of a few micro-villages in our community:
Four small homes clustered on a lot where there would normally be one $120,000 home. Perhaps the homes are positioned at each of the four corners of the lot. Perhaps in the middle there would be a community garden shared by the people who live in these four houses. Now imagine that each home costs $29,000. Now imagine they are all built by a local contractor. Now imagine they are financed by a local bank. Now that's thinking local!
Permaculture Design Principles
Sustainable Housing
Rainwater Harvesting
Creating Woodland Gardens
Found Food
Water Conservation with Ollas
Recycled Windows Greenhouse
