[vc_row padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none” style=”font-size: 1.2em; font-family: ‘Helvetica Neue’, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;”][vc_column width=”1/2″][text_output]Today ARCHIVE Global was in attendance of the Green and Healthy Exposition. The Expo, which took place at Common Ground’s Times Square building, brought together organizations that promote sustainable living, environmental consciousness and advocacy, as well as mental and physical health, HIV/AIDS education, community events and more. The Expo was located at the Times Square building, a former hotel which fell into decay during the 70’s and 80’s. Common Ground purchased the building and renovated it to provide supportive and affordable housing for homeless and vulnerable New Yorkers. The Times Square houses about 650 tenants in single occupancy dwellings. About half are affordable housing studios, whereas the other half are used for providing permanent housing for the formerly homeless, and those living with mental disabilities. The building is unique in that it also provides extensive resources for its tenants: within the building are caseworkers, health services, and an extensive network of community outreach and events. Common Ground’s commitment to social inclusion is exemplary, and we appreciated the opportunity to share the space at today’s Expo.[/text_output][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][slider animation=”slide” slide_time=”5000″ slide_speed=”650″ prev_next_nav=”true”][slide]
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[/slide][/slider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none” style=”font-size: 1.2em;”][vc_column width=”1/1″][text_output]Common Ground is able to use its flagship building as a model for health promotion. Affordable housing that also provides easily accessible health services engages an often underserved population in New York. Having the chance to talk to many of the buildings residents was an eye-opening opportunity. Many have lived in the building for more than 10 years. As a permanent housing establishment, residents benefit from the stability of secure and safe housing. Some things the residents enjoy about the living situation was the sense of community created and easy access to incorporated services. However, a housing model like this is not without its problems. In talking with different residents we heard about ongoing health challenges such as the dust accumulation (which can aggravate allergies) that is to be expected with living in such a congested part of the city. Others express concern about the possible spread of disease in a high occupancy building.[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none” style=”font-size: 1.2em;”][vc_column width=”1/2″][slider animation=”slide” slide_time=”5000″ slide_speed=”650″ prev_next_nav=”true”][slide]
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[/slide][/slider][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][text_output]While ARCHIVE operated on the fringe of organizations present at the expo, we always find ways in which our mission is relevant. The link between housing and health can find itself to be prevalent in virtually all housing situations. One woman explained she was a sufferer of vertigo, and has had a few concussions due to falls in the shower. We were able to discuss with her the nuances of design, and how a bathtub could function as a design solution for her condition. As always, the most seemingly simple solutions can be transformative in someone’s life.
Ultimately, it was an informative day filled with vibrant characters within a niche of the many communities that we find throughout New York. Be sure to check out some of Common Ground’s work, and if you know of an event that may be pertinent to ARCHIVE Global’s mission, be sure to give us a heads up!
Cleo Stern; Communications Officer[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row]