Coming Together to Solve the Affordable Housing Crisis

On March 9, 2023, more than 60 leaders from faith organizations across Contra Costa County gathered at Hillcrest Congregational Church for the Multi-Faith Action

Coalition Faith Leader Advisory and Hope Solutions' "Bigger Impact Together Summit "

Faith leaders discussed solutions to our County's lack of affordable housing. Clergy of the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths grounded the event in their respective faith teachings about caring for the vulnerable in our community It was a reminder that regardless of religion, we are united in our commitment to helping all of our neighbors

For Hope Solutions, this moment felt full circle Hope Solutions was founded in 1997 by a coalition of local faith communities to provide emergency support to the unhoused Since then, we have grown to support more than 2,200 people in our county, but as we have grown, unfortunately, the need has too.

As part of our Strategic Plan, we are partnering with several faith communities to explore the construction of tiny-home cottage communities to add more affordable housing in the County. Jasmine Tarkoff, Co-convener Multi-Faith Action Coalition and Hope Solutions' Consulting Director of Strategic Initiatives, is leading this work. These developments are planned from six to twenty-five units. They will consist of studio, 1 or 2-bedroom unit cottages, shared common space, and most importantly, on-site services as consistent with our model of providing permanent housing and support services.

Multiple faith leaders shared the creative approaches that their congregations are taking to support this work, whether by providing land or advocating for affordable housing, recruiting volunteers, or stewarding philanthropy. We are grateful and humbled by their support

Critical to this work is centering the voices and needs of the people we are serving Our Resident Empowerment team ensures that as we move forward in our efforts, we provide solutions that are in line with the needs of the community we serve If you want to learn more or get involved in our housing development efforts, please email info@hopesolutions.org.