In the spirit of acting locally but thinking globally, Empowerhouse will set
a new standard for affordable and sustainable housing that can be replicated
around the world. Central to this goal is a partnership with Habitat for
Humanity, which operates in more than 100 countries and builds more than of
20,000 homes each year. The team’s innovative approach reflects the
commitment of Parsons and The New School to interdisciplinary collaboration,
sustainability, civic engagement, and design innovation.

Groundbreaking Event:
On June 29 at 11 am, the team will officially break ground on the project in
Deanwood. The event includes a speaking program featuring the leadership of
the project partners, including John E. Hall, the interim director of the
DHCD; Kent Adcock, the president of Habitat for Humanity of Washington,
D.C.; Joel Towers, dean of Parsons The New School for Design; Sheila C.
Johnson, Parsons Board Chair; Neil Grabois, dean of Milano The New School
for Management and Urban Policy; and Michael Bruno, dean of Stevens
Institute of Technology. We are also attempting to secure the Mayor for the
event.

A photo opportunity would take place following the speaking program, which
would entail all of the speakers (and a few additional guests) with hard
hats and shovels. In addition, we have proposed having presentation
materials (boards, model) of the house design, as well as demonstrations of
some of the house’s technology on view. The local community will be invited
to the event, and there will be food and entertainment following the formal
program.