On October 9th, the Parsons Housing Justice Lab, in collaboration with Karen Kubey from the University of Toronto’s Architecture and Housing Justice Lab, hosted a public lecture exploring how design and policy can advance local efforts to confront the housing crisis. The event brought together architects, planners, and housing justice advocates to imagine a more equitable and inclusive city.

Two powerful sessions anchored the evening. Architect Deborah Gans highlighted how Community Land Trusts (CLTs) can reshape ownership models, promote equity, and build resilient, inclusive communities. Geographer and urban planner Samuel Stein unpacked the challenges of declaring housing a human right amid deep structural inequities and ongoing crisis.

Moderated by Karen Kubey, Gabriela Rendón, and Miguel Robles-Durán, the discussion called for collective control, universal housing guarantees, and the expansion of social housing—with determination to pursue housing justice, even when that goal feels out of reach. It was inspiring to see faculty, students, alumni, and housing advocates come together for such an urgent conversation.