Give Me Shelter ─ Architecture Takes on the Homeless Crisis

Give Me Shelter documents the work of the MADWORKSHOP Homeless Studio at the USC School of Architecture and their solutions for tackling the Los Angeles homeless crisis through design, compassion, and humanity. The book features exclusive content from leaders in the field including Michael Maltzan, Ted Hayes, Betty Chinn, Gregory Kloehn, Skid Row Housing Trust, and many more. Paired with a forward by Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles, Give Me Shelter provides an in-depth look at how design can bridge the gap in services to get people off the streets and into housing sooner. In 2015, Los Angeles declared a state of emergency on homelessness. Since then, homelessness has increased by nearly 30 percent. Our homeless epidemic is more than a humanitarian crisis, it is a call for action. The book tells the story of eleven fourth year architecture students and their two instructors' journey through the world of homelessness as they tackle real world design solutions for emergency stabilization housing. From nomadic and temporary shelters to the city supported and award winning Homes for Hope, Give Me Shelter follows the MADWORKSHOP Homeless Studio and their designs from the encampment all the way to City Hall.