New 53-Unit Community Will Provide Independent Living and Restorative Programs for Adults Experiencing Homelessness
GOSHEN, CA – The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has announced the opening of The Neighborhood Village in Goshen, California, which will provide supportive housing for adults experiencing homelessness. The 53-unit community, located in the San Joaquin Valley, received $4.2 million through CDSS’ Community Care Expansion (CCE) program, which is creating and expanding housing options that support independent living for older adults and adults with disabilities who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
“California’s over-60 population continues to grow, and many older adults are at risk of homelessness,” CDSS Director Kim Johnson said. “Through projects like The Neighborhood Village, we are expanding our infrastructure to meet the needs of these vulnerable Californians.”
The Neighborhood Village’s 53 permanent supportive housing units include 19 two-bedroom units and 34 one-bedroom units, for a total of 72 beds. While all beds will serve individuals who are experiencing homelessness, at least 45 beds will be dedicated to serving Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) recipients. The Neighborhood Village will offer programs to residents, such as job training and workforce development, wellness, and financial literacy classes.
Case management services will be provided to residents by Salt + Light, an organization committed to offering dignified housing, essential case management services, purposeful work opportunities, and outreach programs rooted in dignity and radical hospitality. Services include referrals to essential services like public benefits, mental health counseling, substance abuse programs, and transportation assistance. Salt + Light also supported the development of The Neighborhood Village.
“We are thrilled to open the doors to The Neighborhood Village and welcome home individuals experiencing chronic homelessness,” Salt + Light CEO Adrianne Hillman said. “This community is not just a housing project; it’s a place of hope, dignity, and transformation for our neighbors who need it most. We are thrilled to see this vision become a reality.”
The Neighborhood Village will be operated by Self-Help Enterprises (SHE), a community development organization whose mission is to work together with low-income individuals to build and sustain healthy homes and communities.
“The grand opening of The Neighborhood Village represents a pivotal moment in our collective efforts to meet the challenges of our unhoused neighbors,” said President/CEO of Self-Help Enterprises Tom Collishaw. “This project is innovative in design and financing and embodies our commitment to creating sustainable and supportive housing solutions with mission aligned partners like the CDSS and Salt + Light.”
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: Communities like The Neighborhood Village are increasingly important as a growing number of older adults are facing homelessness. Among single adults experiencing homelessness, nearly half (48 percent) were 50 years and older. Among single adults 50 years and older, 41 percent became homeless for the first time at age 50 or older.
MORE ABOUT THE CCE PROGRAM: CCE program grant funds have invested more than $570 million in local communities, supporting 61 projects, and creating more than 3,000 new bed/housing units with care and supportive services. These investments support acquisition, rehabilitation, and construction of adult and senior care facilities as well as other community-based residential care settings, such as permanent supportive housing and recuperative care sites. Some CCE-funded housing projects are nearing completion, while others will soon be breaking ground in communities across the state. To date, five CCE housing projects providing 399 beds/units have completed construction and are in the process of initiating move-in. An additional 14 projects representing 687 beds/units have also broken ground.
These investments support Goal One of California’s Master Plan for Aging, a blueprint to prepare the public and private sectors for demographic changes. Goal One targets delivering new housing options for older adults and people with disabilities by 2030.
If you have any questions, please contact CDSS at (916) 657-2268.