We are all reminded daily of the high cost of living in the Bay Area, largely driven by the lack of affordable housing. This situation is especially burdensome for those living in poverty. Within our Episcopal community, several congregations are working hard to address this critical human need.
Trinity Center and St Paul’s Walnut Creek – Contra Costa County
St Paul’s Walnut Creek will dedicate a portion of its site to the creation of 44 units of low-income housing.Financing is in place and construction will begin this year and take about 18 months. The new facility will also house Trinity Center, which serves people experiencing homelessness and the working poor in central Contra Costa County, in affiliation with St Paul’s.
All Soul’s – Berkeley
All Souls in Berkeley has partnered with the non-profit affordable housing developer, Satellite Affordable Housing Associates, to replace its Parish House with 34 units of affordable senior housing. The new building will also provide office and meeting room space and two residential apartments for All Souls’ use. Rev. Phil Brochard, rector of All Souls wrote: “We aspire to build not simply housing but a community, and we hope this building will serve as a visible sign of outreach to those in need in our city.”
St. Monnica’s – Marin County
St. Paul’s San Rafael and St. John’s Ross are determined to bring more affordable housing to Marin. They have established the St. Monnica’s Mutual Housing Community, in partnership with Mutual Housing of California, with the goal of building a low-income housing complex where members of St. Pauls’ and St. John’s will be in neighborly relationship with the residents. The search is underway for an appropriate facility to purchase, even as the infrastructure of this new organization takes shape and funding is found.
As you can see, Episcopal congregations are mobilizing, as we always have, to address the critical issues of our day. Episcopal Impact Fund is proud to support this work. Please let us know if you or your congregation would like to learn more about being part of the solution.