This isn't just another article on sharing statistics. Nor is this a wacky idea with a construction method that doesn't exist. This article came to fruition because of a blogging challenge on a platform I participate, ActiveRain. We blog members were challenged to use our "points" to accomplish or create something. My idea - work to solve homelessness and the affordable housing crisis.
Developing new homes requires some diligence. Land is the first hurdle in developing new homes. In order to reduce the cost, I'd seek partnerships with each city to donate city land not in use that is in decent areas, which can be challenging. Permits would be fast-tracked, and language added into building codes per city to allow for an earthen type of construction. Not every city building code includes this type of construction, even in Arizona. Homes would be built by volunteers and those that would live in the homes. Sound familiar? Yup - Habitat for Homes. But these homes would be using a different construction method.
These homes would use the least expensive sustainable construction materials, be energy efficient, provide better indoor air quality, and homeowners would be required to attend classes on how to keep and maintain a home. Classes could also include gardening, rain water harvesting, home maintenance, or you name it! Homeowners could thrive in these communities!
Habitat for Humanity is well known for providing those homes and all of the above aspects of helping people achieve homeownership. But what if these homes could be even cheaper, energy efficient and using local materials versus lumber from Canada? It can be done and the program exists right here in Arizona!
Brick by Brick is a Scottsdale program using dirt, concrete sand and portland cement to make bricks that are already cost efficient at .25 -.50 cents per brick! These bricks are stronger than adobe, have a fraction of the carbon footprint, and are 50+% more energy efficient that traditional construction methods! Check out the video below that explains more about the history of using dirt, aka mud to build buildings! And if you're in a different climate zone, add local materials that work in your city.
These can be tiny homes or larger homes. They cost less and have so many health benefits with no volatile organic compounds. In fact, it's been shown that earthen homes absorb toxins we bring into those homes!
This is a way forward to effect positive change to help the homeless and create affordable housing for those priced out of housing.
