Going For The Gold-Building on Faith

September 28, 2006 at the Silver Dragon, Chinatown, Downtown Oakland.

Contra Costa Interfaith Housing (CCIH) is an emerging non-profit agency that is making a difference in homeless families’ lives in Contra Costa County. Although the vision began many years ago, CCIH’s first project became a reality in December of 2004, with the opening of the Garden Park Apartments in Pleasant Hill. The Garden Park Apartments was the first permanent supportive housing program for homeless families in Contra Costa County.

Families living at the Garden Park Apartments have complex challenges including poverty (the average annual income is $8,800); mental illness; substance addiction; chronic and debilitating illness such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes; and many have been victims of domestic violence or are adult survivors of child abuse and neglect themselves, have had involvement with Children and Family Services or the criminal justice system. To date, 89% of these families have remained in permanent housing as a result of CCIH and are experiencing stability, new friendships, a sense of community, and a safe and healthy environment.

Families pay 30 percent of their incomes for rent and have on-site professional support to help them stabilize, develop greater self-sufficiency, take better care of their children, and remain permanently housed. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is on-site full-time with an open-door policy to the tenants. He helps families develop individual goals, access needed services, provides conflict resolution, life-skills coaching, sobriety support, crisis intervention, and mental health counseling. Additionally, a ¾ time Volunteer Coordinator coordinates volunteer-supported activities on site that promote a sense of community and augment the services that are available through other agencies. The socioeconomic environment of the Garden Park Apartments has proved beneficial. It is in a safe, middle class neighborhood that is close to transit, services, and stores. It provides a new model of community for many of the tenants, especially the children.

Volunteers from CCIH’s member faith communities log in well over 2,000 hours of volunteer time per year at the Garden Park Apartments, staffing a four day per week after-school homework club, an emerging reader program for pre-schoolers, monthly educational forums for adults with free babysitting, the development of a community garden, one-on-one tutoring for adult learners, and a myriad of seasonal and community activities and events. Volunteers also maintain the landscaping (saving thousands of dollars in operating expenses), repair furnishings, and continue to outfit units as new families move to the Garden Park Apartments. Tenants enjoy a computer lab with high speed internet access, giving them a greater chance at independence, employment, and education. CCIH’s property management partner is Mercy Services. Mercy Services provides property management including a Resident Manager and 24-hour desk clerks to ensure safety and supervision. The property management component of the Garden Park Apartments is paid for through tenant rents and a government subsidy.

CCIH raises 100% of funding for support services through private resources; it receives no government funding for any of its programs. CCIH is recognized as an outstanding support service provider, has established partnerships with over 20 local community-based and mainstream agencies, and has a vibrant and cost-effective volunteer program. The Board of Directors is a diverse, talented, and committed group representing thousands of congregants from 23 local interdenominational faith communities whose collective support and assets continue to move the agency forward in its quest to find permanent solutions to local homelessness. CCIH is an example of how faith communities are truly making a difference – Going for the Gold, Building on Faith.

"Everyday I feel new things since I moved to GPAC"

"Garden Park Apartments Is a cool place to live! There are awesome people who live in the complex. The staff are great, and even the houses are fantastic!" Written by an 11 yr.old tenant

"I now live with my kids in a safe, clean home"

"I have friends and community like I have never had before. Everyone here has been through the same things I have and they want to improve. This housing gives me this extra boost of self esteem and makes me feel I can do it. I now have an address and I can control my life."