Constructing a Social Context

Constructing a Social Context an exploration in Sacramento’s temporary housing crisis

Dewberry Architects Inc. | Emma Gracyk | Summer Studio 2018 | Sacramento, CA

1

i

Constructing a Social Context an exploration in Sacramento’s temporary housing crisis

Emma Gracyk Dewberry Intern Summer 2018

ii

iii

FROM THE AUTHOR Sacramento, the state capital once known as the “city of trees” that is now “America’s Farm-toFork Capital,” is one of the fastest growing cities in California. It has a healthy job supply and a growing food and culture scene. And while housing still seems affordable compared to the Bay Area, Sacramento’s home prices are increasing to keep up with the demand and growing population.

As Sacramento’s population and popularity grows, so does its homeless population. Homelessness in Sacramento has risen by 30 percent, from 2,822 people to 3,655, according to a PIT count done in 2017. With this alarmingly high increase, the city of Sacramento has recently placed a large focus in reducing this number. Sacramento has looked towards cities such as Seattle and San Diego to find new strategies to fight against homelessness. Strategies include more affordable housing, better mental health services, and transitional shelters to help with that in-between step of going from on the streets to a permanent home.

I chose to focus on the temporary housing crisis not only because it is an apparent issue through statistics and recent reports, but also because it is something I have personally noticed driving to work and walking around downtown. Right outside my favorite rock climbing gym Pipeworks are homeless encampments. The gym is located in the Dos Rios Triangle where a majority of homeless services are. I know other people where it affects them on a daily basis, saying homeless people will steal their trashcans and mail, or they will come home to a homeless person sleeping on their front porch. This is clearly a pressing issue, and I wanted to investigate further.

With my initial research, I learned that Sacramento plans to build three Sprung structures as lowbarrier transitional shelters based on what has been done in San Diego after the Hepatitis A outbreak.

To me, these structures looked like giant circus tents plopped into the city. Another concerning factor was the city planned to place these three structures all in District 2 without considering other locations. It seems like there is a design opportunity in how the city integrates these structures into the community. Also, it seems there are plenty of vacant lots throughout the city could consider, so I didn’t understand how or why they automatically decide on putting them near warehouses in district 2.

Through a series of maps and initial research on what these shelters could become, I located feasible sites to further explore the potential of these Sprung structures. Rather than coming up with “solutions” to the homeless “problem,” I gathered enough information to make a worth-while design charrette possible. The charrette is a messy and creative way for people to get their thoughts and ideas out there. By having this event, we are able to create an excess of possibilities and start a much-needed conversation. I have synthesized the information that comes from the charrette and have presented it in a way that provides possibilities rather than solutions.

Emma Gracyk

iv

v

TABLE OF CONTENTS Intro Precedents Sprung

Winter Triage Shelter

Hostile Architecture

Various Precedents Program Demographics

1-2 3-16

Maps Water/Land

Roads and Public Transit

Spatial Distribution Resources

Vacant Parcels

Neighborhood and Income

17-26

Sites

3023 39th St

1340 Del Paso Bl

68 Goldenland Ct

27-40

Charrette Hyper-Collaboration

Design Charrette Interpretations

41-58

Conclusion

Sources Sited Acknowledgments

59-62

vi

How can we better integrate and understand the role of homeless in the community?

How can these tent-like structures become part of the urban fabric?

What are the ideal site conditions for these shelters, and how do we accommodate these conditions for putting together a comprehensive, city-wide plan for these real locations?

What are additional resources needed for the homeless and how can we resolve these issues through means of design?

1

Constructing a Social Context focuses in on the temporary housing crisis in Sacramento, California.

With the current homeless population at 3,365 and rising, according to a 2017 PIT count, homelessness is not and will not go away on its own. Mayor Darrel Steinberg has made it his goal to reduce the homeless population with a target goal of getting 2,000 people off the streets by 2020.

One step in reaching this goal is the focus on building three transitional shelters using Sprung structures that will house a total of 600 people. Sacramento has looked towards cities such as San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle in what they have done to alleviate homeless in the streets. San Diego and now San Francisco have used Sprung structures as a way to provide an immediate, low-barrier shelter to help homeless get the support the need to transition from life on the streets to successfully living in permanent housing.

Sacramento has seen the positive impact and immediate effects the temporary Winter Triage Shelter on Railroad Drive has had on the surrounding community and residents of the shelter. Sacramento would like to continue these efforts with these transitional shelters.

The city plans to open three “Sprung structures” and is currently looking for potential sites to locate them. The city has proposed a permanent location at Evergreen and Arden, located near the temporary Winter Triage Shelter, but the proposed site has received frustration from the community.

Councilmen Allen Warren of district 2 opposes a shelter near Woodlake, stating that he feels “District 2 is continually looked upon for solving the city’s toughest issues,” and the “burdens” are always placed upon them. He would like to see Sacramento come up with a city-wide plan with real possible locations before immediately proposing a location in District 2 once again.

Since June, I have been investigating possible locations for these sites through a series of maps.

Once three potential sites were located, I analyzed each site to determine how these structures can best fit in with the site and the surrounding community based on each one’s unique characteristics.

While these are not the exact sites the city will choose for the shelters, the three sites for this charrette were chosen based on size of the available lot, its immediate surrounding context, proximity to public transit and resources, and a differentiating uniqueness in each site.

Once the sites are located and analyzed, the next challenge is deciding how these shelters can best integrate into the urban landscape and community. Rather than being a giant tent plopped into a neighborhood, the charrette explores how the shelter can become part of the urban fabric and find ways to possibly benefit and engage with the surrounding community.

Through a collaborative process, charrette participants discussed and engaged in Sacramento’s housing crisis. We analyzed what the city is current doing, community reactions, three unique sites, homeless needs, and much more. Through creative brainstorming, sketching, collaging, and story-telling, participants had the chance to be part of the conversation in this city-wide issue while adressing four main guiding questions.

2

PRECEDENTS Looking at what has been done before is a way to get insight into what works and what doesn’t.

It lets us see what is possible, but does not necessarily bound us to what has already been done before. By looking at precedents, we are able to build off of other’s work and come up with an even great solution.

The idea for this project originally came from reading Sacramento Bee articles that all pointed towards two main precedents: the San Diego Sprung Structures and the Railroad Drive Triage Shelter. I researched these two precedents in depth to see why Sacramento considered these two examples successes. I also looked into what else has been done to “solve the homeless problem.”

These precedents range from hostile to idealistic architecture.

10

“It’s a slow process. You can’t expect immediate results, which is what people want to see. You can’t transform a homeless person into this clean sober person, that doesn’t work. It takes time. Homeless people don’t trust people. It takes a long time for homeless people to start to trust people.”

- former street dweller

11

SPRUNG STRUCTURE Sacramento is looking to build three Sprung structures, a flexible tension structure made by Sprung Inc. The structures feature aluminum arches with a composite, fabric membrane that is flame-retardant and can be insulated. They can be made to be as permanent or temporary as needed, with a 25-year guaranteed membrane and 50-year guaranteed aluminum structure. There are many color options with the option to mix and match colors. The sprung structure is pre-fabricated, allowing for easy expansion or reduction. Features such as daylight panels, a variety of windows and doors, and glazing walls are an option. Sprung structures are available in sizes of 30-200 feet wide x any length.

The Pai’olu Kai’aulu Hawaii homeless shelter in Honolulu, Hawaii, provides housing for 275 people.

Flexible design that can be easily expanded or relocated.

San Diego, San Francisco, and Hawaii currently use Sprung structures to shelter and transition their homeless.

Rapid construction that takes weeks. An insulated structure can be built as quickly as 1,000 sq ft per day.

Flat End Structure

Example of a 60’-0” long flat-end structure. Sprung structures are available in sizes of 30-200 feet wide x any length. Options include either a radius end or a flat end.

5

Portland, Oregon is planning on constructing a Navigation Center to help with their growing homeless population.

The center is scheduled to open Fall 2018.

San Diego built a 325-bed shelter as a response to a Hepatitis A outbreak. The shelter helps people find permanent housing.

6

WINTER TRIAGE SHELTER The City of Sacramento opened a Winter Triage Shelter in a partnership with Volunteers of America (VOA) to bring services and housing to those most in need. While the 2017 Winter Triage Shelter was supposed to only be open from December to March, the shelter has been extended to stay open until August 2018 thanks to private donations. It is a low-barrier shelter, meaning no one will be turned away because of pets or possessions, have been dismissed from other programs, or due to mental health or substance abuse. It offers a variety of services all focused on helping people transition into permanent housing.

Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

Gina Kathari, James Donaldson, and Gregory Metcalf listen to the radio outside at the triage shelter.

on the streets

90 days triage shelter

permanent housing

A triage shelter is part of the city’s strategy to permanently get people off the streets.

313

enrollments to date

118

enrolled in the Pathways to Health + Home and will receive on-going housing support.

52%

connected with a shelter for the first time

data from the mid-season report dating Feb 26, 2018

7

Care Coordination Manager Anna Darzins counsels

Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

shelter guest Paula Richardson about some overwhelming stresses in Richardson’s life, and the pair set a coffee date for the next day.

9 out of 10 Live with a disability

48%

Reduction in overall crime

Sacramento City Express

50%

Of guests are over the age of 50

Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

The shelter, located in a warehouse on Railroad drive, offers 200 beds. Triage shelter guest Tina Krisanda walks her dogs The shelter is open 24 hours a day and access is by referral only.

Phatgirl and Speckle. The shelter allows for pets to accompany people sleeping inside.

8

HOSTILE ARCHITECTURE ARE WE DESIGNING PEOPLE OUT OF CITIES?

These spikes aren’t just for pigeons.

Armrests are being placed in the middle of benches to make it impossible for sleeping or skating.

9

If we are using design to exclude people from sleeping on benches or sidewalks, then we need to include them somewhere else.

An unnecessary amount of bike racks were placed underneath Highway 99 in Seattle to deter street camping.

Bars are installed on vents to prevent people sitting or sleeping near a heating vent.

10

VARIOUS PRECEDENTS

The following are examples of what has been done in response to the homeless challenge.

Lava Mae is a nonprofit organization that repurposes retired transportation buses into showers and toilets on wheels to deliver hygiene and restore dignity among homeless in San Francisco.

Project Gregory is a design project that intends for small roadside accommodations built into an advertising billboard, in which the rental space would be paid by the billboard itself. The project never made it past the conceptual phase.

11

Michael Maltzan Architecture builds affordable housing for formerly homeless individuals. They combine quality living with medical and social services to give their residents the support they need.

Many U.S. cities are building tiny home villages for the low-income or homeless, embracing the “Housing First� strategy to tackle homelessness.

12

PROGRAMMATIC NEEDS programmatic results based on analyzing precedents and what was typically provided in previous Sprung shelters....

Laundry

Lockers

Front Desk

Offices

Bathroom/ Showers

Learning

Common Living Space

Laundry

Front Desk

Bathroom/ Showers

Offices

300 Beds

Lockers

Learning

Common Living Space

Sleeping Space

Library Living Room

Computer Stations

Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs” Psychologist Abraham Maslow developed a five-tier model of human needs. Needs lower down in the pyramid must be satisfied before attending needs higher up.

There is often a stigma associated with being homeless. People often will view the homeless as “outsiders” and exclude them socially. Many services for the homeless focus on only sustaining their most basic needs, while most often they are not able to provide the adequate support needed for them to find a stable job and home.

Source: simplyPsycohology, Belcher and Deforge

self-actualization realizing personal potential

self-esteem respect, self-esteem, confidence, achievement

love/belonging friendship, intimacy, family, sense of connection

safety security, safety, employment, health, property

physiological food, water, warmth, shelter, sleep

13

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM

How can additional program connect with the community?

recreational

Freetown Christiania Copenhagen, Denmark

Mahiga Rainwater Court Nyeri, Kenya

The Homeless Garden Project Santa Cruz, CA

BeeLoved Tulsa, OK

“Cleaning up myths about Homelessness” San Rafael, CA

Church volunteers hand out food at tent city Sacramento, CA RNS-LUPFER-COLUMN

new skills

service

14

Demographics of Sacramento County Population

Total Population 1,530,615

1,530,615

Median Income $57,509

96.4% of apartments are occupied

Growth Rate 1.15% Median Age 34 Years Old Sex 51.1% Female / 48.9% Male

55.2% of housing occupied

Housing Units 569,705

Average Rent $1,289

Average Rent $1,289 16.3% are below the poverty line

Average Income $57,509

0.24% of the population are homeless

Poverty rate 16.3%

Weather Average High Temperature 73.6° F

Average Temperature 60.95° F

Average low Temperature

Average Annual Rainfall 19.6 in

49° F overcast

clear

precipitation Avg High: 74F Avg Low: 49F Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

15

Homelessness in Sacramento Homeless Population 3,655

Total Population 3,665

Increase from 2015 30%

Total Population 3,665

Median Age 42 Years Old Sex 32% Female /66% Male

2,052 unsheltered

# of Tents Reported 363 Chronically Homeless 1,126 Veterans 1,613 sheltered

469

1,126 Chronically Homeless

Transitional Age Youth (age 18- 25) or TAY

186 Families, 572 individuals

242

469 Veterans 242 TAY

2017 PIT Demographic Characteristics unsheltered trans/other: 47 (1.3%)

sheltered trans/other: 14 (0.4%)

pacific islander: 41 (1.1%) native american: 179 (4.9%)

sheltered female: 681 (18.6%) unsheltered male: 1,517 (41.4%) unsheltered female: 488 (13.3%)

18-24 years old: 208 (7.3%) multi-racial: 490 (13.3%) 55-64 years old: 648 (22.7%)

native american: 24 (0.7%)

white: 1,817 (49.4%) african american: 1,124 (30.6%)

45-54 years old: 624 (21.8%) 35-44 years old: 653 (22.9%)

sheltered male: 918 (25%)

Gender

25-34 years old: 722 (25.3%)

Race

Age

16

MAPS The technique of mapping has been around for many years. Rather than strictly reecting reality, mapping has the power to see new possibilities and re-shape the world through analyzing and overlaying information. While mapping has conventionally been seen as quantitative and analytical surveys of existing conditions, maps also have the potential to reveal new information. Maps are manmade, artificial representations of how one may see the world at that time. They serve as diagrams emphasizing a particular aspect of an area.

One feature of mapping is layering. By creating different layers of information of a particular site, certain information can be isolated and analyzed. When these separate layers are overlaid on one another, relationships start to appear. Connections not noticed before may become more apparent when multiple layers of information are combined.

In order to narrow down and identify potential sites for the transitional shelters, I isolated and analyzed the following information of Sacramento: water/land features, transportation routes, spatial distribution of the homeless population, homeless resources, city-owned vacant lots, income distribution, and the six districts. By overlaying and analyzing the different information, I was able to identify possible sites for this project. To narrow it down further, I used Google-Earth to see images of the site and its surrounding area. With this information, I identified three different yet feasible sites to build these transitional shelters. While the sites are not necessarily the three sites Sacramento will use in the future, they are possibilities chosen with three very different contexts to provide an interesting and diverse outcome and to show the city is not limited to putting all the shelters in one area.

24

25

land and water features Homeless will often camp and spend time in parks and water features.

19

80

80

BUSINESS

5

80

50

99

Bus route Light Rail Route

roads and transit

Public transportation is important for most homeless to get around the city.

20

0-10 10-20 30-40 30-40 40+

spatial distribution of homeless population

based on PIT 2017 count The PIT count found that there were large concentrations of homeless in downtown Sacramento. Due to recent ooding, many homeless were pushed away from the rivers.

21

Volunteers of America

Sacramento Cottage Housing Inc & Children’s Home Family

Family Promise

Loaves & Fishes

Salvation Army

Francis House

Legal Services of Northern California

WellSpace Health

Human Assistance Department

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

Lutheran Social Services of Northern California

Next Move

WEAVE Inc.

Wind Youth Center

resources and Resources refer to shelters, food sources, volunteer organizations, legal services, health services, and other various services. Schools, highlighted schools

in yellow, are a necessary resource for homeless families with children, but placing a shelter near a school also may pose an interesting challenge.

22

Natomas Bl 1.93 acres Zoning A-OS 2600 New Market Dr 1.93 acres Zoning A-OS 68 Goldenland Ct 0.59 acres Zoning R-1

Harris Av 1.06 acres Zoning R-1

South Av 1.8 acres Zoning R-2A

Marysville Bl 1.8 acres Zoning C-2

2225 Colfax St 2.18 acres Zoning C-2-SPD 1410 Del Paso Bl 0.52 acres Zoning C-2-SPD 1340 Del Paso Bl 0.35 acres Zoning C-2-SPD

3023 39th St 0.65 acres Zoning C-1-SPD

The PIT count found that there were large concentrations of homeless in city-owned vacant parcels downtown Sacramento. It also became clear that due to ooding, many homeless were pushed away from the rivers. I estimated 0.3 acres to be 23 according to Sac Bee article the minimum plot of land and 1 acre to be the maximum needed.

$101,000

$75,000

$45,000

0-10 10-20 30-40 30-40

$25,000

40+

$10,000

income based on neighborhood

Income affects how the shelter may be received in particular neighborhoods. 24

25

#3

-0.35 acres of vacant land -near Winter Triage Shelter -light rail and public bus transit -located near a large homeless population -in the middle of neighborhoods with various income-level

-0.59 acres of vacant land -adjacent to other vacant land with water features -distant from other shelters -public bus transit -located near homeless -income falls below approx $45,000

#2

Volunteers of America

-0.65 acres of vacant land -in a neighborhood with a large number of churches -public bus transit -located near homeless population -across from a church and continuation school -near existing resources

#1 Potential sites decided through a synthesis of information.

PROPOSED SITES

26

SITES Through a series of map analyses, three sites in different districts were chosen as hypothetical sites as part of this study on what these transitional shelters can be. Each of the three sites have their own unique characteristics that could inuence the role these shelters play in the community. The challenge is how these shelters can adapt to fit in and play an active role in the community so they are received positively.

When the current winter triage shelter on Railroad Drive was built, the community at first was hesitant.

However, after seeing the positive impact it has made on the people living in the shelter as well as a reduction in crime in the surrounding neighborhoods, the community began to support the temporary triage shelter and have declared it a “success.�

For the new, more permanent triage shelter, the city of Sacramento has proposed a site on Evergreen/ Arden, which is located near Railroad Drive. However, this proposal has received negative feedback from members of District 2. The community is frustrated the city continues to look to District 2 to house these shelters without considering other areas of Sacramento.

While the following three sites are not necessarily what the city is proposing, they represent three very different areas with resources that could help the guests of the transitional shelters integrate back into society. I have visited and analyzed each of the three sites while keeping in mind how the sprung structures can fit into the surrounding communities.

34

“What is the citywide response to the homeless crisis? Are the city’s poor areas destined to burden the responsibility for the entire city?

We all need to play a part.”

- Larry Glover-Meade, president of the Woodlake Neighborhood Association

35

SITE #1

3023 39th St

Lot size:0.65 acres Zoning C-1-SPD

District 5 Central Oak Park

Avg income: $30,586/yr North Oak Park, once a working class, mostly black Sacramento neighborhood, has been slowly changing and becoming more and more gentrified over the years. Along Broadway street appears cozy coffee shops and a craft brewery. The community is split into a more auent north Oak Park and the poorer, crime-filled south Oak Park. The community is also unique because it appears to be highly religious, with 15 churches in a proximity of a one mile radius of one another.

The city-owned vacant lot is on the border of what is considered Central Oak Park. To the left of the vacant lot is The Arbors at Oak Park, affordable apartments for low-income seniors. Directly across the street and surrounding the empty lot are residential neighborhoods. The All Nations Church of God is seen diagonally from the site. Additionally, the site is very near American Legion High school, the only continuation high school in Sacramento City Unified School District.

Challenges to address: local school surrounding neighborhoods religious organizations low-income apartments class-division

29

30

continuation high school

affordable housing for seniors

arket

appliance store

convenience store

Residential Commercial Institutional Vacant

31

32

SITE #2

1340 Del Paso Bl

Zoning C-2 Lot size:0.35 acres

District 2 Woodlake Avg income: $52,423/yr Woodlake is a low crime, high income neighborhood in Sacramento with historic homes and large lots. The neighborhood features all sorts of transportation, including the train, light-rail, freeway, bike path, and the bus. The neighborhood motto is “where neighbors are friends.� The neighborhood has a swim club and an ice skating rink and is near many charter schools, making it good for families.

The site is in line with commercial buildings facing a busy street with a quiet neighborhood behind it.

There are a lot of empty lots and slow businesses around the site, providing the potential for new projects.

Challenges to address: storefronts surrounding neighborhoods public transportation

33

34

Entoria Events

Iceland Ice Skating Rink

W Sw

Residential Commercial Institutional Vacant

35

Train Lightrail Freeway Bus route Bike path

36

SITE #3

68 Goldenland Ct

Lot size:0.59 acres Zoning R-1

District 1 Village 5

Avg income: $47,018/yr Village 5, north-west of downtown Sacramento, has an urban feel with a lot of open land. The neighborhood is on the edge of Sacramento’s border and is near many industrial buildings in addition to open land. The area is considered diverse ethnically and economically. About 97% of residents rent rather than own their home.

The site itself is in an interesting location with a lot of water features. The East Drainage Canal runs along the site, while the site itself has a small body of water. The site is surrounded on three sides by apartment complexes. East of the site is the Goldenland Business Park with a variety of businesses, restaurants, churches, and storage.

Challenges to address: Water features Surrounding apartments Bossiness Park

37

38

Granite Point Apartment Homes

Terracina Gold Apartments

Goldenland Business Park

Life Storage

Tuscaro Apartment Homes

Residential Commercial Institutional Vacant

39

40

definition: A design charrette is a short, collaborative meeting during which members of a team quickly collaborate and sketch designs to explore and share a broad diversity of design ideas.

48

CONSTRUCTING A SOCIAL CONTEXT:

AN EXPLORATION IN SACRAMENTO’S TEMPORARY HOUSING CRISIS After weeks of researching and narrowing down three potential sites for these transitional shelters, it was important to bring this issue to the community. The temporary housing crisis effects everyone in the community, not only the people who sleep on the streets. In order to get a wide range of feedback, I looked to the community for possibilities in what these structures could become. The event began with an overview of the city’s proposal to the homeless situation, followed by an open collaboration, finishing with a design charrette. The event was open to the general public and drew participants from a wide range of ages and backgrounds.

49

HYPER COLLABORATION

Often with a topic, especially one that is controversial, people have their own preconceived notions. In order to come up with an innovative design, it’s important to get rid of any preconceived notions going into a project to allow for all sorts of possibilities. To do this, people were instructed to write down ten different words or phrases they associate with homelessness on ten different post-its. When finished, people put their post-its up on the board so everyone could see what each other wrote. With the six people who participated, there were only a couple of repeats words/themes.

Financial Problems $$$

Safety Dogs!

Forgotten Trust Issues Lost Hope

Panhandling Mental Health

Shame Broken Families No Support Groups

Inadequate Lack of Resources bathrooms Tent-City

Litter

Duty

People

Not Real People

Animal Resources

Resourceful

Occupy Movement FAGO + His Dog

Downtown Walter Rock Beds in James Brown Jackson Capitalism Aggressive Unused Building from the TL LGBTQ Fleeting Architecture San Francisco’s From Midwest Lack of Sacramento’s Mobile Showers Affordable Urine Garden Housing Repellent Highway Paint Used Occupation in Urban Settings

Mental Illness

Crime

Hazard

Inner cities

Estrangement Disconnection Involuntary

Shelter

Illness

Survival

Addiction

Family

Liability

Ministry

Pest

Government Assistance Welfare

43

As more people began to trickle in, a total of 9 people collaborated on how to integrate and understand the needs of homeless in the community. With a timer set for 20 minutes, the group came up with 65 ideas exploring possible ways to better integrate the homeless and these shelters into the community.

RULES

Go for quantity - don’t be shy

Wild ideas appreciated!

Don’t own your ideas

Defer all judgment

Money is no object, and technology is in our favor 1. Urban Garden 35. Micro-Home 18. Flea Market 51. Coupon Book 2. Coachella 36. Tiny-Homes 19. Talk-Space 52. Motivation Board 3. River Clean-up 37. Clean Air with Micro-Homes 53. Public Kitchen 20. Exercise 4. Restoration 38. Mobile Bathrooms 21. Yoga 54. Free air bnb 5. Help Self by Helping Others 22. Public Education 39. Composting 55. Counseling 6. Training 23. Vocational Training 40. Blanket Banks 56. Ride-Share Stations 7. Universal Income 41. Clean Water 24. Live/Work 57. Odd-Jobs 8. Christiania 25. Community Outreach 42. Portable Fans with Mist 58. Universal Phone 9. Self-Governing Town 43. Recycling Centers 26. Speed Dating 59. Better Public Transit 10. Bike Shop 44. City Maintenance 27. Haircuts 60. Music Venue 11. Public Restrooms 45. Share a Meal 28. Vet-Care 61. Hammocks 12. Showers 46. Communication/Internet 62. Portable Storage 29. Dog Park 13. Bathing Cafes 30. Religious Services 63. Dog Stations 14. Laundry 47. Libraries 31. Theme-Park 64. Animal Services 15. Healthcare 48. Rent Center 32. Bee Keeping 65. Community Engagement 16. Women’s Health 49. Sponsorship 33. Sports Facilities 17. Drug Injection 50. Showcase 34. Bikes (electric)

44

CHARRETTE The nine people split into three teams of three. Each team was assigned one of the three hypothetical sites. They were then asked to propose a concept for each site. Each team was given an enlarged site map, Sprung structure templates, and images of the site. Resources such as magazines, glue, scissors, trace paper, and pens were provided.

45

SITE 1

3023 39TH ST ALIA VERA, MAY LIN CHANG, HAILEY WHITE This collage focuses on community engagement and how the building’s users feel when inside the building.

Inspirational words and images are used to portray what the shelter could be. The team included images of an ice skating rink, a sports game, and a music venue to emphasize the idea of community interaction and engagement. The site itself offers possibilities for community engagement. The shelter guests could go back to school at the continuation high school or get involved with the church across the street. Rather than being isolated, the homeless will have a chance to be a part of the community. The idea is for people to focus less on the idea of being a “winner” and instead be inclusive of everyone.

In the top left of the collage are images of people showering and people properly clothed. This demonstrates how the guests feel after having a proper shower after being on the streets for so long. The idea of selfconfidence and self-renewal after being properly clean and clothed is inspired from Lava Mae, portable showers in San Francisco meant to restore dignity among homeless.

The bottom part of the collage shows possibilities to “hide” the Sprung Structure. One idea the team had was rather than build one large mega-structure, the city could build smaller shelters that is scattered across the city. They called this the “water tower” idea. Each tower could provide a specific type of service, whether that be domestic violence, family care, mental health, or addiction. By spreading the shelters among the communities in a less noticeable structure, the homeless shelter itself wouldn’t stick out as much. It would also fairly spread the issue across the city so not one community is especially singled out.

46

SITE 2

1340 DEL PASO BL DINO VAJRACA, LAURA TING, TINN LEE

These collages represent three different ideas.

The top left collage shows the upper-class having an abundance of money and “wasting it” on nice clothes, expensive food, and appearances while the homeless and poor struggle to survive every day.

The top right collage focuses on unity and hope, providing images of cute baby animals, music, weed, electric bikes, and inspirational sayings such as “Life Gets Better Together” and “They say magical moments happen by chance.” The bottom left collage looks at external appearances and skins to make the Sprung Structure visually more appealing.

The perspective collage proposes a concept to blend in with the surrounding storefronts. The front of the structure aligns with the other buildings, keeping the architectural edge. Behind the entrance is the skeleton of the building with a skin that is able to be peeled off and where greenery can grow on the structure.

47

SITE 3

68 GOLDENLAND CT RYAN WALKER, RAISA SORIANA, EMMA GRACYK

This team focused on sustainability and urban farms. Images of food represent bringing people together through urban gardens, a farmers market, or community dinners. The site is located near water, so the team focused on creating a plot of land that could sustain itself while also attracting the surrounding community. The team also mentioned surrounding the shelter with trees to create a sort of “forest.� Play structures and a rock climbing wall on the shelter could be added as a way to invite the neighborhood children into the park but also providing a way for the shelter guests to get exercise.

The team also debated the retention pond on the site and proposed finding a way to clean the water to provide water to swim or fish in. A bridge could be built across the pond to draw the community into the site.

The collage also shows umbrella-like structures to suggest keeping the shelter partially-open. This would provide an option of sleeping outside for the guests who are not used to being inside.

48

50

58

59

60

54

INTERPRETATIONS

The following proposals are inspired by the three collages presented at the charrette.

The perspectives show the potential of what these transitional shelters can become.

55

3023 39th St Team 1 stressed the idea of community. They envisioned an additional programmatic element that brought together the shelter’s guests and the community, whether that be a concert venue or a sports field. This collage shows what the site could be if there was a soccer field in addition to two smaller sprung structures.

INCLUSIVE

SPORTS COMPLEX

COMMUNITY

CONFIDENCE

MUSIC VENUE

SHOWERS & BATHROOMS

56

1340 Del Paso Bl Team 2 stressed the importance of the beauty of the outer skin of the structure. One idea was to make a retractable skin on the structure so it has the ability to possibly be removed for greenery to grow. The peeling skin idea could be utilized in the warmer months, while the skin could be put back on for extra protection during the rainy and cold months. Having a retractable skin could be well-suited to certain shelter guests who aren’t used to sleeping inside.

EXPOSURE

RETRACTABLE SKIN

GROW

RELAX

CLIMBING VINES

PUBLIC SEATING 57

68 Goldenland Ct Team 3 envisioned the site to become self-sustaining, with a focus on food and play bringing the community together.

The above image combines several sustainable and playful elements to transform the half an acre plot of land into a usable park. The community garden can be rented out to the surrounding apartments, but it can also be used to teach the shelter’s guests gardening skills. Playground elements are shown to attract children but also to promote exercise among the shelter’s guests.

SELF-SUSTAINING

INVITING

COMMUNITY GARDEN

PLAY

EXERCISE

ROCK CLIMB

58

59

CONCLUSION where do we go from here?

This document stresses the potential of the three transitional shelters Sacramento is aiming to build. Through a series of map studies, looking at precedents, and finally a charrette involving members of the community, we have tried and tested various ideas of what these transitional shelters could be. They have the potential to transform into a structure that not only benefits the homeless but also benefits the community surrounding it.

After reading District 2’s resentment on these shelters being built in their district without much consideration for other districts, I felt doing a research project on this topic was necessary. In an article in the Sacramento Bee about the new permanent triage shelter on Evergreen/Arden, district is upset because they do not feel like the city is considering other districts and was always looking to district 2 to house the “burden.” Putting all three Sprung structures in the same district not only makes for an unhappy district, but it also limits the potential these Navigation Centers could have.

These transitional shelters give homeless the resources and temporary shelter needed to become more confident and healthy to take the next step into a more permanent housing situation. Rather than making these shelters isolated, they should be integrated and become one with the community so the guests of the shelter can have an easier time transitioning from living on the streets to a more permanent living situation.

During the Charrette, ten members of the Sacramento community came together and brainstormed ways in which these Sprung Structures can better be integrated into the urban fabric. While some ideas may seem far-fetched or idealized, it’s important to remember that early on in the design stage anything is possible. Often ideas get shot down due to political or financial reasons. Other times, preconceived notions get in the way and we resort back to what is normal or comfortable. However, even the craziest ideas can be molded into something feasible. Maybe these Sprung structures won’t turn into an amusement park over night, and most likely the city does not have the money to decorate the exterior of the Sprung structures into a Frank Ghery building, but the Sprung structures don’t have to be simple or boring either. There are many vacant lots all over Sacramento for the city to choose from. Once those sites are chosen, they should be analyzed and transformed so that these structures easily fit into the community it is being constructed into.

In the end, this document does not offer concrete solutions to the housing crisis in Sacramento.

Instead, this document provides research and analysis that deals with the mayor’s goal of constructing three Sprung structures and getting 2,000 people off the streets by 2020. The charrette provides many ideas from a brainstorm session that shows the potential of what these structures can be. This document is meant to start a conversation and spark engagement within each of the districts of Sacramento. As important as it is to build these three transitional shelters and help those living on the streets, it is equally important to ensure the happiness and approval of the communities they are being built in. The more the shelters are accepted by the communities, the more the communities are wiling to help and support the triage shelters in return.

60

SOURCES CITED Belcher, John, Bruce Deforge. “Social Stigmas and Homelessness: The Limits of Social Change.” University of Maryland, 23 July 2013. Print.

Brideman, Rae. “The Architecture of Homelessness and Utopian Pragmatics.” Penn State University Press, 1998. Print.

Google. “Google Maps.” Google Inc, 2018. Web. Institute for Social Research, Division of Social Work-College of Health & Human Services. “Homelessness in Sacramento County: Results from the 2017 Point-in-Time Count.” California State University, Sacramento, July 2017. Print.

Kolmar, Chris. “ Detailed List of the Richest Neighborhoods in Sacramento for 2018.” HomeSnacks, 25 April 2018. Web. Lillis, Ryan, Cynthia Hubert. “Huge Pop-up Homeless Shelters are Planned for Three Sacramento Neighborhoods.” Sac Bee, 21 May 2018. Web. Meschede, Tatjana. “From Street Life to Housing: Consumer and Provider Perspectives on Service Delivery and Access to Housing.”

Brandeis University. Print.

Moffitt, Bob, Andrew Nixon. “ Lessons Learned at Sacramento’s New Homeless Triage Shelter.” Capital Public Radio, 28 June 2018.

Web. Nichols, Chris. “Dispelling myths about California’s homeless.” Capital Public Radio, 28 June 2018. Web. Okada, Sharon, Nathaniel Levine. “Here’s where Sacramento homeless shelters could open. This map shows vacant city parcels.”

Sac Bee, 22 May 2018. Web. Smith, Erika. “Sacramento’s Oak Park is new ‘it’ neighborhood; some aren’t happy.” Sac Bee, 11 March 2016. Web. “Sprung Advantage.” Sprung Instant Structures Ltd. 2018. Web. U.S. Department of Commerce. “U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Sacramento County, California; California.” U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts.

Yardi Systems Inc. “RENTCafe,” July 2018. Web.

.

61

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS A special thanks to...

Erica Nelles for giving me the opportunity and for all your help and support.

Dino Vajraca and Raisa Soriano for all your support, feedback, and ideas for the project and charrette.

AIA CV for helping advertise and spread the word about the charrette. all who attended and participated in the charrette including Alia Vera, Ryan Walker, Simon Mercado, Tinn Lee, Hailey White, May Lin Chang, Raisa Soriano, Laura Ting, and Dino Vajraca.

62



72