Portland State Magazine Spring 2017

12 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 and at least one operable window, and meet specifications to make them portable and replicable. The designs also needed to help change the prevailing public perception of homeless populations—ideally shifting the image of a homeless person to that of a valued, competent, human being deserving of the same comforts and dignity that the rest of us expect. Charlie Hales, then mayor of Portland, threw his support and funding behind the project. The city donated $2,000 per pod to cover the cost of materials and other logistics, and agreed to take custody of the pods in order to ensure that they would be put to use when completed. By December 2016, the pods were ready. The result was a full-scale exhibition of all 14 unique tiny dwelling units in the Pacific Northwest College of Art parking lot in Northwest Portland. This gave the public, as well as homeless community members, a chance to view the structures and provide feedback. MEANWHILE , the biggest challenge loomed: Where would the pods be used? Could they form a village for people in need of shelter? Eventually, an empty lot in the Kenton neighborhood was identified as a possibility. Owned by the Portland Development Commission, close to public transportation and near a park, the spot seemed ideal. A focus group of women residents of the Hazelnut Grove community was formed to provide guidance on the design of the village—from the policies (Should overnight guests be allowed? The group said no, due to security concerns) to the layout of the site (a community garden was favored), to how to make the site safe. As part of a graduate architecture studio class led by CPID Director Sergio Palleroni with Ferry’s support, student Alesha Hase attended these meetings so she could absorb the group’s wishes and translate them back to her fellow students, who were working on design proposals for the village site. “One of the main topics we talked about was safety, and how (homeless women) stay safe at night. They had lots of stories about getting attacked, and lots of ideas for policies to try to keep everyone safe,” says Hase. “It was really powerful to hear how important having a house is, not only for safety, but for being able to build social connections with other people.” UNLIKE HAZELNUT Grove and Dignity Village, which formed organically and later entered into agreements with city agencies, this tiny community’s infrastructure, policies and social services will be set up from the start, including a vote of support by the Kenton neighbors. Getting the structures in place has been a true community effort, with critical commitments of expertise, services and funding coming from both public and private entities. CPID students and faculty designed the kitchen, storage and bathing facilities, expertly fitting appliances and fixtures into shipping containers, with adjacent communal dining areas. The city is paying for the installation of electricity on-site to power cooking, bathing and exterior lighting. Catlin Gabel high school students created portable solar-powered electrical outlets (the “JuiceBox”), so each resident can plug in a phone, light or laptop in her pod. Catholic Charities is the village’s on-site service provider, providing a full-time staff person to L I SPRING 2017