Building•Power

Building•Power is the pilot community project co-organized by Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS) and The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA).  The project is sponsored by Pricerite Stores and 3C Digital and subsidized by The Partnership Fund of The Disadvantaged and The Young Architects’ Project Fund of HKIA.

　

Project Summary

The Project asks for the hand-on participation of architects, social workers, corporations and different voluntary groups. It aims to improve the living condition of at least 50 low-income families in the target districts by providing professional advice, direct material assistance and various voluntary services to the served families.

　

Project Objectives

-         To encourage the participants of the project to have a deeper understanding of our society and lead to the establishment of a cross-disciplinary collaboration platform;

-         To promote the alleviating needy campaign is the one which requires the participation of the entire society, for which every profession or individual could contribute with specific knowledge or skill;

-          To establish the social connections and self-confidence of the served families through their participation of the project with the professionals, social workers and voluntary groups.

 

Project Duration

The project duration will be about 7 months. Commencement of the project will be in September 2005 and completion targeted in March, 2006. 

 

Target Serving Districts

According to the 2001 Population Census, our targeted serving districts will be the 4 districts with the lowest median monthly domestic household income in Hong Kong, they are Shamshuipo, Yau Ma Tei, Kwung Tong and Yuen Long.

　

Target Serving Groups

All served families will be referred by social workers, followed with applications and screening process. Series of home visits, community service events and workshops will be held at the early stage and renovation teams will be assigned to each family onward. By understanding the needs of the families, the  teams, which compose of architects, designers, social workers, students and voluntary helpers, will work with the family members, plan the working schedule, and execute the actual on-site renovations.

　

Project Nature

All served families will be referred by social workers, followed with applications and screening process. Series of home visits, community service events and workshops will be held at the early stage and renovation teams will be assigned to each family onward. By understanding the needs of the families, the  teams, which compose of architects, designers, social workers, students and voluntary helpers, will work with the family members, plan the working schedule, and execute the actual on-site renovations.

 

Education and Publicity

Exhibitions and forums will be organized in order to arouse social concern and open discussions. Experience gained by participants and the accomplishment of the project will be shared. Professionals, students and volunteers from the corporations are invited to join. Through the enhanced co-operation, all parties will strengthen their community involvement and achieve a better social cohesion.