Breaking Ground on Hope Village

(From L-R) Jake Medcalf, CoFounder, Firm Foundation, Community Housing, Crisand Giles - Executive Director, HomeAid Northern CA, Jeff Scofield - Vice President of Procurement, Pulte Homes, Taryn Sandulyak - CoFounder, Firm Foundation, Community Housing, Jasmine Tarkoff - Consultant, Strategic Initiatives, Hope Solutions, Mark Burnham - Lead Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church, Candace Andersen, County Supervisor Contra Costa County District 2, Deanne Pearn - CEO, Hope Solutions, Cindy Silva, Mayor of Walnut Creek , Nancy Keenan - President, Dahlin Group

On October 11, 2023, over 75 people attended the groundbreaking for Hope Village at Grace Presbyterian Church in Walnut Creek. Hope Village is a partnership between Hope Solutions and Grace Presbyterian Church, Firm Foundation Community Housing, HomeAid Northern California, Multi-Faith ACTION Coalition, and the Walnut Creek Homeless Task Force.

This innovative cottage community of six homes represents a bold step forward in addressing the pressing issue of affordable and accessible housing in our community. These innovative, smaller, footprint homes are constructed to the same high-quality standards as traditional housing, complete with a kitchenette, bathroom and shower, bed, and dining area. Strategically located on church property, Hope Village maximizes underutilized land to provide individuals who are unsheltered with a dignified place to call home.

Architectural rendering of Hope Village @ Grace Presbyterian

We were honored to have key members from our partner organizations, local officials, and community leaders at the event. “What sets Hope Village apart is the sense of community it fosters. Residents will not only have access to secure housing but also to a supportive network of services,” said Mark Burnham, Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church. “This groundbreaking event is a celebration of the collaborative spirit that has brought this vision to life.” 

Hope Village will include shared amenities such as an outdoor patio space, a fully-equipped laundry facility, and an office where on-site social services will be coordinated and delivered by Hope Solutions. Residents will have access to counseling, health care referrals, and life skills development, all aimed at helping them thrive. A Hope Solutions property manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of the community. Hope Village is not just about providing housing; it’s about offering hope, dignity, and a path toward a better future.

The press coverage of our housing development efforts has been overwhelmingly positive.