“There’s only one answer — It’s to put a roof over somebody. As long as they are living in chaos and crisis, you will never be able to help them.”
— Nicole Gardner, Antioch Homeless Advocate
We believe that the work of architects is to design a built environment that serves people and planet. Architecture in practice is not always about originating sleek new designs. It’s also about adapting our existing built environment, and the codes that shape that environment, so that it serves the evolving needs of our society.
We recently had the opportunity to work with the City of Antioch to convert the Executive Inn motel into 45 units of transitional housing for unhoused residents. This project aligns this fast-growing Delta community with an increasing number of cities nationwide that are experimenting with new approaches to ending homelessness.
The “housing first” model posits that housing is a human right and that it is impossible for people to make moves in their lives — such as getting steady work, mental health treatment and addiction treatment, when they are living on the streets. Houston, TX, has seen remarkable results from this approach. It has cut homelessness by 63% since 2011.
As Antioch Homeless Advocate Nicole Gardner puts it, “There’s only one answer — It’s to put a roof over somebody. As long as they are living in chaos and crisis, you will never be able to help them.”
To this end, Indigo advised the City of Antioch in converting an existing motel for use as transitional housing. Indigo prepared preliminary plans and code analysis for the project. Ribbons were cut this past spring so that the motel could start serving community-members.
At Indigo, we’re committed to being part of the evolution of California and the world to a more compassionate, responsible and inclusive future. We believe that design is part of that transition. Whether we are focused on energy efficiency, fire resiliency or how to house more people, we like to roll up our sleeves and get involved.
We’re wishing you a happy Thanksgiving and Indigenous People’s day. We’re grateful for our clients, collaborators, team, friends, families and community.
Photo by Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group
