The concept of the Truss House is simple, economic, replicable and quality design that is environmentally sensitive. It is built of prefabricated slabs attached to four steel trusses. Two sides and the roof are galvanized corrugated tin, one side and the floor are fiberglass reinforced concrete, one side is screen with an exterior pulley operated green shading system (POGSS). At the base of this side is a gray water trough; this can be used to water the POGSS. Given the economic distress in California and the immediate need for relief we have focused our design on the Riverside Tent Cities in Sacramento. The above qualities of the Truss House apply to this community, most poignantly the POGSS. This system offers a potential food source and an opportunity for cultivating healthy eating habits by growing healthy food. Self esteem is gained by caring for a living entity. Self sufficiency results from planting success and financial independence which can begin through communal efforts. Community efforts to coordinate planting and markets are an economic incentive. People can collaborate with the community to grow and sell produce; each gaining connection to others and feeling competence within oneself.

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