Oma Village Affordable Housing

Background

The Novato site of a dilapidated former drug and alcohol recovery center was purchased in 2012 by Homeward Bound of Marin. Its intent was to raise funds to build an affordable housing complex that could become home for families transitioning out of homelessness.

Project

The energy-efficient rental homes are part of a long-planned extension of Homeward Bound of Marin’s (HBM) work to help homeless men, women and families get off the streets and onto a track toward finding work and a home. Oma Village includes a spacious community center that will house homework clubs, tutoring, and enrichment activities to provide a positive environment for families to help ensure educational success.

Loan Purpose

The MCF Loan Fund provided $1.2 million in funding for the acquisition of the property and construction of the housing.

Outcome

14 families moved into the new complex in early 2017. These residents were families that had succeeded in other Homeward Bound programs, with parents working or completing job-training programs in the local area. With monthly rents set at a fixed, affordable rate, Oma Village families have the opportunity to work their way out of homelessness through employment while saving money that eventually can allow them to transition to independent housing. Supportive services include on-site tutoring for children along with family enrichment activities.

To watch a recent news story on the first families to move into Oma Village, click here.