Committee on Homelessness

The Committee on Homelessness (COHO) mobilizes architects to help our unsheltered neighbors through the areas of advocacy, education, and service. We are architects, professionals, and concerned citizens who believe that the Seattle region’s homelessness crisis demands immediate action. We aim to use our knowledge of design, construction, and the urban environment to help those who are unsheltered or lack housing security.

** For the foreseeable future, we are meeting through Zoom to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please subscribe to our email list to receive the Zoom invitations for meetings.

HOW WE ARE STRUCTURED

COHO’s mission is three-fold:
– To advocate for local policies that support those experiencing homelessness.
Our advocacy efforts involve understanding and advocating for policy issues in the City of Seattle, King County, and the State of Washington. Past activities include testifying at city council meetings to support MHA policy, writing letters to the Seattle mayor, and supporting state-wide bills related to affordable housing and issues related to housing security.

– To educate ourselves, our colleagues, and our communities about homelessness.
Our educational efforts focus on educating the public and professionals within the design community on issues regarding insecure housing & homelessness. Past activities have included providing assistance with the BLOCK Project exhibition at the Pacific Science Center, collaborating with other organizations to host political forums, documentary movie screenings, and organizing lectures with experts and leaders in the housing and services community.

– To serve those experiencing homelessness, directly and in partnership with other organizations.
Our service efforts are formal and informal volunteer opportunities ranging from physical volunteer opportunities to providing pro-bono design work for non-profit organizations. Past activities of our members include designing and constructing the Justice Bus for Benefits Law Center (BLC), impromptu trash pickups at encampments, and joining a team to pass out needed items and food to the community.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

COHO meetings and events are open to everyone! 

COHO meets on the second Tuesday of the month at noon at the Center for Architecture & Design. Due to current COVID restrictions, we are now meeting on Zoom calls until further notice.

To receive upcoming meeting and event details, subscribe to our email list. AIA Seattle members and interested people in the design community are encouraged to join.

For other questions, please reach out to co-chairs Emily Darling or Jacqui Aiello

Follow us on Facebook to stay connected!

The Committee on Homelessness (COHO) serves AIA Seattle’s Society vision.

Past Events:
Understanding Homelessness (Lecture 1) with Tim Harris of Real Change

Understanding Homelessness (Lecture 2) with Rex Holbein of Facing Homelessness 

Understanding Homelessness (Lecture 3) with Marty Hartment & Liz McDaniel of Mary’s Place 

Seattle City Council Candidates Forum On Housing + Homelessness 

Seattle Design Festival Exhibit with Real Change

Benefits Law Center Justice Bus

BLOCK Project exhibition at the Pacific Science Center