Contra Costa County debuted a faith-based, affordable housing project in a unique initiative aimed at providing stability to the homeless.
William Goodwin, an affordable housing advocate and resident, said hospitality is the key to a successful housing project. But he told CBS News Bay Area that special component is often missing from California housing initiatives, at least so far.
“You may see affordable housing being built, or people being bought into affordable housing that is not clean, decent or safe, but that is not what affordable housing is,” Goodwin said in an interview. “This is affordable housing done right.”
Goodwin is talking about Hope Village, a small six-unit community built on top of a church parking lot in Walnut Creek. These are affordable homes led by Hope Solutions, intended to help homeless people get back into a stable living situation. It is also the first of its kind in Contra Costa County.
‘It’s hope. I mean, that’s why we called it Hope Village,” Goodwin said.
In accordance with California law, faith-based organizations, such as Hope Solutions, can build affordable housing on their property. Hope Village is just a pilot community in a series of projects aimed at building these types of homes on church properties across the province.
During a small ceremony Tuesday afternoon, donors and church members slowly filed in to view the small community of studio-style homes meant to give someone a second chance. Bill Yarborough, one of the donors, said the project is an incredible achievement in the fight against homelessness.
“We know there are a lot of empty parking lots and there are a lot of spots like this, so take advantage of them,” Yarborough said as he toured the units.
Each unit features a kitchen, a large bathroom and a living area that doubles as a bedroom. For Hope Solutions CEO Deanne Pearn, the village is a gift she hopes to pass on to at least six other locations. The organization is currently eyeing potential properties in Pittsburg.
“We’re hoping to have our next project come online in 2025, which is our project in Pittsburg for homeless youth. So stay tuned,” Pearn said.
