Building a Community of Belonging
As I drive up to the HACC Housing campus, I’m struck by the vibrant energy buzzing through the air. People of all ages and backgrounds are mingling in the shared outdoor spaces – children laughing as they play on the colorful playground, teens gathered in lively conversation, and elders strolling leisurely, taking in the sights. It’s a mosaic of diversity, woven together by a palpable sense of community.
This wasn’t always the case, though. When HACC first opened its doors a decade ago, the affordable housing complex struggled to foster a cohesive, inclusive environment. Residents from vastly different cultural backgrounds often kept to themselves, uncertain of how to bridge the divides. But the dedicated team at HACC knew they couldn’t settle for anything less than a thriving, integrated community.
So they embarked on a journey of transformation, drawing inspiration from the principles of culturally responsive design. By deeply understanding the unique needs and perspectives of their diverse residents, they began reimagining the physical spaces and programmatic offerings to cultivate a true sense of belonging. It wasn’t always easy – there were missteps and challenges along the way. But through perseverance, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to equity, HACC has blossomed into a shining example of what’s possible when we embrace the power of diversity.
Designing for Cultural Responsiveness
The key, the HACC team discovered, was to approach affordable housing design with a dual lens – one that combined the science of learning and development with the principles of culturally responsive practice. As Education Northwest explains, culturally responsive teaching “recognizes, respects, and uses students’ identities and backgrounds as meaningful sources for creating optimal learning environments.”
Applying this philosophy to the built environment, the HACC team set out to create spaces that not only met the practical needs of residents, but also reflected and celebrated their diverse cultural identities. This meant carefully considering factors like:
Flexible Communal Spaces
Gone were the rigid, one-size-fits-all community rooms. Instead, the team designed flexible, multi-purpose spaces that could be easily transformed to accommodate a wide range of activities – from large community gatherings to intimate cultural celebrations, from lively youth programs to quiet meditation sessions.
Sensory-Rich Design
Sight, sound, smell – the team integrated sensory elements that evoked the unique cultural heritages of residents. Vibrant murals depicting scenes from around the world adorn the walls. Speakers discreetly installed in common areas fill the air with the soothing melodies of different musical traditions. And the aroma of spices and herbs from communal gardens wafts through the courtyards, reminding everyone of the rich culinary diversity that calls this place home.
Adaptable Residential Units
The residential units themselves were designed with flexibility in mind, allowing residents to personalize their living spaces in ways that felt authentic to their cultural backgrounds. Adjustable room dividers, for example, enabled families to create more private living quarters when needed, reflecting the value placed on personal space in certain cultural contexts.
Inclusive Programming
But the team knew that physical design was only one piece of the puzzle. They also crafted a robust calendar of educational, recreational, and cultural programs – all infused with a deep respect for the diverse identities and perspectives of residents. From language classes and cooking demonstrations to art workshops and holiday celebrations, there was something for everyone to engage with and celebrate.
The transformation didn’t happen overnight, of course. It required a sustained, collaborative effort – one that involved ongoing dialogue with residents, community partners, and subject matter experts. But as the HACC team will tell you, the payoff has been immeasurable. Today, the campus hums with a palpable energy, a testament to the power of design that truly embraces diversity.
Nurturing a Sense of Belonging
Of course, the true measure of success isn’t just in the physical spaces or the programmatic offerings – it’s in the lived experiences of the residents themselves. And for many at HACC, the impact has been nothing short of transformative.
Take the story of the Torres family, for example. When they first moved in, the parents, Maria and Juan, were hesitant about integrating into the community. As immigrants from a small rural town in Mexico, they were unsure of how their customs and traditions would be received. But all that changed when they attended one of HACC’s monthly cultural potlucks.
“At first, we just kind of kept to ourselves,” Maria recalls. “But then we saw the event advertised, and we figured, ‘Why not? Let’s give it a try.'” What they found was a warm, welcoming environment where their unique culinary contributions were celebrated with enthusiasm. “People were so interested in learning about our food and our heritage,” Maria beams. “It made us feel so seen and valued.”
That sense of belonging only deepened as the Torres family began participating in other HACC programs. Their teenage daughters joined the after-school tutoring sessions, where they not only received academic support but also formed meaningful friendships with peers from diverse backgrounds. And Maria and Juan started taking English language classes, finding camaraderie in the shared experience of navigating a new culture.
“It’s more than just a place to live,” Juan reflects. “HACC has become a second home for our family – a community where we can truly be ourselves.”
The Torres family’s story is just one of many at HACC. Across the campus, residents from all walks of life have forged deep connections, breaking down barriers and celebrating each other’s unique identities. It’s a testament to the power of culturally responsive design, and a shining example of what’s possible when we prioritize belonging in affordable housing.
Lessons in Adaptation and Innovation
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As the HACC team will readily admit, designing and implementing culturally responsive affordable housing is no easy feat. It requires a willingness to continually adapt, innovate, and learn from missteps.
Take, for instance, the initial attempt at creating a communal garden space. Driven by the team’s understanding of the cultural significance of gardening in many of their residents’ home countries, they carved out a large plot of land and provided the necessary tools and resources. But to their surprise, the garden largely sat unused for the first few months.
“We thought we were doing the right thing, you know?” recalls HACC’s community engagement coordinator, Amelia. “But we realized we had made some assumptions without really understanding the specific needs and preferences of our residents.”
Through feedback sessions and one-on-one conversations, the team learned that the original garden design didn’t align with the cultural practices of many residents. Some preferred smaller, more private plots, while others were more comfortable tending to potted plants on their balconies. Armed with these insights, the team went back to the drawing board, reorganizing the garden space to offer a variety of options that catered to diverse preferences.
“It was a humbling experience,” Amelia admits. “But it taught us the importance of truly listening to our residents, rather than imposing our own assumptions. That’s become the foundation of our approach – constant dialogue, adaptation, and a genuine commitment to meeting the unique needs of our community.”
This willingness to learn and evolve has been essential as the HACC team navigates the ever-changing landscape of affordable housing. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, posed a significant challenge, forcing the team to rethink their programming and community engagement strategies.
“When the lockdowns hit, we knew we couldn’t just hit pause on our efforts,” says Amelia. “If anything, the pandemic heightened the need for that sense of connection and belonging.” So the team swiftly pivoted, transitioning many of their in-person activities to virtual platforms and finding creative ways to maintain that crucial cultural exchange.
Virtual cooking demos, for instance, allowed residents to share their favorite family recipes and learn from one another, while online language classes and cultural workshops kept traditions alive. And when restrictions began to lift, the team carefully curated safe, socially distanced outdoor events that brought the community together in meaningful ways.
“It wasn’t easy, and there were certainly some missteps along the way,” Amelia acknowledges. “But we were driven by a deep commitment to our residents, and a belief that even in the darkest of times, the power of community could shine through.”
Building a Brighter Future
As I prepare to depart the HACC campus, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe and inspiration. This place is more than just affordable housing – it’s a vibrant, thriving community, where diversity is celebrated, and a deep sense of belonging permeates every corner.
And the team at HACC knows that their work is far from done. They’re constantly exploring new ways to push the boundaries of what culturally responsive affordable housing can be, driven by a vision of a future where every person, regardless of their background, has access to a safe, nurturing, and inclusive place to call home.
“This is just the beginning,” Amelia declares with a determined glint in her eye. “We know there’s still so much more we can do to empower our residents, to amplify their voices, and to create a model that other affordable housing providers can learn from.”
Indeed, the lessons learned at HACC have the potential to ripple far beyond these walls, inspiring a new era of affordable housing design that truly embraces the rich tapestry of human diversity. And as I drive away, I can’t help but feel hopeful – hopeful for a future where every community is a place of belonging, where our differences are celebrated, and where the true power of diversity is unleashed.