Senior homelessness is a growing crisis across California, with many older adults facing the daunting prospect of aging without a safe or stable place to call home. Per Contra Costa County’s most recent Homelessness Point-in-Time Count, 29% of those experiencing homelessness in our County are 55 years or older; 12% of that group experienced homelessness for the first time at age 50 or later. As rental prices in the Bay Area soar, Social Security Benefits and Supplemental Security Income cannot keep up. Amidst a shortage of affordable housing opportunities for seniors, Hope Solutions has stepped up to work to bridge this gap. Our innovative project, Hope Village Walnut Creek, has opened as a pioneering model, transforming faith-based land into a beacon of hope for some of Contra Costa County’s most vulnerable residents.
Located on the grounds of Grace Presbyterian Church, Hope Village is the first affordable, supportive cottage community in the county for seniors experiencing homelessness. This innovative project was made possible through a dynamic partnership between Hope Solutions, HomeAid Northern California, Firm Foundation Community Housing, and Pulte Group, who worked together to transform an unused portion of the parking lot into a vibrant, welcoming environment. Hope Village was completed quickly and smoothly by building units off-site while site work was simultaneously completed.
Each one of the six units is thoughtfully designed with a kitchenette, bathroom, bed, and dining area, providing residents with the dignity and comfort of a true home. A seventh building serves as a community hub, offering on-site social services, counseling, and a fully equipped laundry facility, while a shared outdoor patio fosters connection and community among residents. What truly sets Hope Village apart is its holistic support model: residents have access to case management, health care referrals, community-building activities, and more—all on site, empowering participants to transform their lives.
Hope Village’s rapid development was aided by recent state legislation that streamlined approvals for affordable housing on faith-owned land, as well as generous in-kind donations and public grants. Six seniors—each living with a disability and several accompanied by beloved pets—moved into their new homes in February. Watch a recent KPIX-TV News feature about Hope Village and our work here.
Building upon the success in Walnut Creek, we are excited for the upcoming opening of our second cottage community: Village of Hope – Pittsburg. Our new location, with 15 cottages, will serve homeless youth and young adults (ages 18-25), providing safe, comfortable, and cost-effective housing with onsite comprehensive support services. Construction on the Village of Hope is planned to commence in the fall of 2025.