The City of Alameda is hosting a grand opening celebration at Dignity Village on Wednesday, May 3 at 10 a.m. – and the public is invited. Dignity Village, a two-story, 47-unit Interim Supportive Housing project at 2350 Fifth St., will provide shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness or chronic homelessness. The grand opening celebration will be at the site; please RSVP online.
Dignity Village will be capable of serving up to 61 individuals, with five units specifically set aside for homeless youth aged between 18 to 24. Each unit measures 138 square feet and is equipped with a private, ensuite bathroom. Dignity Village will also contain additional community buildings, including a dining space, meeting rooms, private offices for support services staff, and storage for resident belongings.
People in need of housing will be referred by the Homeless Management Information System, managed by Alameda County Health Care Services Agency’s Office of Homeless Care and Coordination Coordinated Entry Program. During the initial housing placement, Alameda’s unhoused residents will be given priority.
The City led the effort to develop Dignity Village, partnering with nonprofit developer DignityMoves and onsite service provider and property manager Five Keys Schools and Programs. The City was awarded a $12.3 million grant from the State’s Homekey Program to build Dignity Village, and $2.35 million from Alameda County to cover five years of operating services.
Community members may contribute to the Dignity Village Fund-A-Need in three different ways:
- Donate to the GoFundMe campaign to support the purchase of durable furnishings and basic necessities for each unit.
- Purchase new resident welcome basket items from the Amazon Wishlist.
- Volunteer time to help prepare rooms for occupancy.
The City of Alameda has been working to provide interim supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness or chronic homelessness. The creation of Dignity Village is a significant step towards supporting those most in need.
DignityMoves serves as the project development manager, managing the architect, general contractor, and other project consultants to successfully complete the project, while adhering to the strict guidelines of the California Housing and Community Development Homekey 2 grant.
Five Keys will serve as the onsite service provider and property manager for at least the first five years of operation. Their services will include intensive case management, robust housing navigation and readiness services, good neighbor practices and resident education, community event planning, and property management inclusive of routine maintenance of the units, 24/7 security, and janitorial services. Five Keys will operate the project using “Housing First” principles and will coordinate with the City and existing social service providers to meet and maintain California occupancy requirements.