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The Phoenix Commotion is committed to reducing the landfill waste-stream by diverting usable building materials into the construction of low-income housing, with an unskilled, minimum-wage labor force. Building the "after-market" house with this mission in mind addresses three major social problems with one activity.
Reduction of Landfill Burden
While an exact percentage is difficult to define, a reasonable estimate would be that 10% of the average landfill waste-stream consists of usable building material. Reclamation is practically impossible once these materials reach the landfill, because of the immense liability involved. Municipal lawsuits tend to be large, and last for years. Most municipalities have simply forbidden salvage activity, to avoid possible lawsuits. There are, however, strategies for reclamation of materials before reaching such finality.
Low-Income Housing
Everyone must live somewhere. However, when a family owns its home, there is a conspicuous increase in overall self-esteem of its members, and general family well-being, which ultimately leads to positive results. The venues available to low-income families are rental property and public housing or sheer luck. Purchase of a home is often out of reach to a low-income family because of the down-payment barrier. Further, low-income families typically have very little positive credit history. Many organizations, both public and private, are working hard in this area. The Phoenix Commotion is simply one more model in the private sector for solving such a complicated social problem.
Training Unskilled Labor
All workers on after-market houses are hired as unskilled laborers, at minimum wage. Since one minimum-wage crew does all aspects of the construction, workers accumulate many marketable skills after a year on such a crew. They are then able to compete for higher-paying jobs. An unskilled crew does not mean "ineffective," however. New skills come quickly with very little tutelage.
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Programs
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| Contemporary Magdalene Community |
| The Magdalene Community, composed of both men and women, is a connective community seeking dialogue with people representing the many varieties of spirituality and religious traditions in our city. The Community is dedicated to a celebration of all life and peace through study, meditation, and action and seeks to engage in the spiritual practice of dialogue and conversation. Evening visits to temples and synagogues in addition to Sunday gatherings are proposed for the spring. |
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| Details: |
| Sundays |
| 10:00 am |
| Rothko Chapel |
| Free of charge |
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Contact Us
Programs
