I have been interested in affordable housing for many years. In my twenties I started designing floor plans as a hobby and still do. I also worked at an architecture firm for four years in my twenties and discovered that they mostly design facilities and residences that are expensive and that most individuals could not afford. I have read many, many books on housing; ecological, sustainable, etc., and have learned there are many different ways to create "green" housing.
For the past 8 years I have worked with clients who are mentally ill, have substance use issues, and/have experienced trauma in their lives. I have always worked with people in trauma; domestic violence, sexual abuse, combat trauma, etc. and the primary need that all these survivors have in common is the need for stable, secure affordable housing. I have noticed that without that, people do not recover from trauma as quickly or as easily, if at all.
I grew up in California, and I have seen how devastating the rising real estate prices, rental market, and lack of affordable housing has destroyed communities there. I see it happening here in New Mexico too. I believe that we can do a much better job at housing more people for less money. The few affordable housing projects that have been approved here are too few in number and have been too expensive to build. I have studied more affordable ways to build and am inspired to build more streamlined and more efficient housing for a larger group of people.