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There is a Solution for Homelessness and Undignified Living
My experience with a Brazilian social movement that occupies unused buildings
The on-going COVID-19 pandemic is uncovering a problem that for so long has been neglected by the state: homelessness. The number of people living on the streets has been soaring during this global health crisis. This rise is especially worrisome in countries under far-right governments since most of them insist on downplaying the effects of the virus and failing to provide the support its population needs.
The United States, for instance, could have 23 million citizens facing eviction notice in the coming months - according to CBS News - yet the government is doing what it can to reduce unemployment payments.
But outside this context of poor handling of the social consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, homelessness, and living below the poverty line is a global reality that has always existed to a greater or lesser extent, depending on where you live.
As an architect and urban planner, I am very interested in different approaches to social housing and how to solve this unremitting problem that is homelessness and undignified living. Also, I am very intrigued by the paradox that looms over us that there are more empty houses than people…
