New affordable housing complex built on church-owned land in Walnut Creek
Contra Costa County debuted a faith-based, affordable housing project in a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at providing stability for homeless people.
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 that special component is often missing from California housing initiatives, at least, until now.
"You might see affordable housing built, or people who are bought into affordable housing that isn't clean or decent or safe, but that isn't what affordable housing is," Goodwin said in an interview. "This is affordable housing done right."
Goodwin is talking about Hope Village, a small community of six units built atop a church parking lot in Walnut Creek. It's affordable housing headed by Hope Solutions, meant to help ease homeless people back into a stable living situation. It's 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, like Hope Solutions, can build affordable housing units on their property. Hope Village is just a pilot community in a series of projects aimed at building housing like this on church properties throughout the county.
In a small ceremony Tuesday afternoon, donors and church members, filed in slowly to view the small community of studio-like houses meant to give someone a second chance. Bill Yarborough one of the donors said the project is an unbelievable feat in the fight against homelessness.
"We know that there's a lot of empty parking lot space and a lot of places like this, so put it to use," Yarborough said while touring the units.
Each unit comes with a kitchen, sizable bathroom and a living area that doubles as a bedroom. For Deanne Pearn, the CEO of Hope Solutions, the village is a gift she hopes to pass on to at least six other locations. Currently, the organization is eyeing potential properties in Pittsburg.
"We are hoping that our next project will come online in 2025, that's our project in Pittsburg for homeless youth. So stay tuned," Pearn said.
