I came across an interesting January 28, 2008 New York Times article on what is believed to be the first ground-up green homeless shelter in the country. Crossroads is located in East Oakland; houses 125 residents; and is the result of the efforts of Wendy Jackson, executive director of the East Oakland Community Project. While Jackson faced resistance from those who insisted her idea of a green shelter went too far, she eventually succeeded in raising $11 million to finance the project.
Many homeless residents that spend time in shelters have a whole host of problems including asthma, HIV, and allergies, and a building that consists of a healthy, green space is a welcomed contrast to the dilapidated warehouses or aging churches in which many shelters are housed. In addition to the solar panels, this shelter employs such green technology as hydronic heating, ceiling fans, nontoxic paints, operable windows, and natural furniture that have health benefits in addition to benefits for the environment.
Crossroads represents a happy “intersection between environmental and social justice issues.” The intersection is one that may well be appealing to Berkeley policymakers as well as residents concerned about the seriousness of the homeless problem in Downtown Berkeley as well as finding ways to protect the environment in an urban setting. Provided that either public or private organizations can successfully raise the appropriate funds, shelters like Crossroads if built in Downtown Berkeley can effectively address safety, health, and environmental issues.
A Shelter Is Built Green, to Heal Inside and Out, New York Times, January 29, 2008 available at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/28/us/28shelter.html.
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