October ATX Design Jam: Unleashing Housing Justice

This month’s jam is all about Unleashing Housing Justice – and unleashing overlooked adoptables into loving homes. We’ll explore the social barriers (pet rent, weight limits, breed stigma) that too often keep families apart from their beloved companions.

Join us at the Jam for a hands-on design sprint co-facitated by the Long Stay Love Club as we explore how Austin might make housing more inclusive for pets and their people. We’ll center the real stories of adoptable dogs and prototype ideas to best connect them with their future families. Less than 10% of properties allow pets without restrictions, despite claims of being “pet-friendly”. Renters often face hard choices due to restrictive policies – reducing these hurdles is crucial for equitable housing access.

Together, we’ll jam on creative ways to unleash housing justice – whether that’s breaking down harmful stereotypes, designing outreach campaigns, or prototyping new tools to raise awareness of breed restrictions, pet rent, and the simple joys of adopting a blocky-headed best friend.

Whether you’re a seasoned designer or brand new to design, this jam is for you. You’ll gain hands-on skills while collaborating with animal advocates, students, and local changemakers. Expect free pizza, fast-paced creativity, and the chance to help rewrite the love stories of overlooked adoptables...and yes, THERE WILL BE A PUPPY TO CUDDLE, thanks to the great people at our spotlight nonprofit, Love-A-Bull!

Bring your ideas, your curiosity, and your heart for pets and people – and help us co-create a more inclusive Austin.

We'll be at 1218 WEST AVE., BUILDING 3000, across the street from the ACC Rio Grande main building and just a block from free ACC garage parking. Street parking also available. Look for our signs!