News Story

City awarded $12.3 million to build Dignity Village, interim supportive housing for unsheltered residents

The City of Alameda was recently awarded a highly competitive $12.3 million grant from California Housing and Community Development Department’s HomeKey Program. The City, partnering with developer DignityMoves, will use this funding to build Dignity Village, 47 modular units of interim supportive housing for homeless individuals and couples, among them, individuals with disabilities and young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. Supportive services include access to physical and mental health services, employment assistance, and help transitioning to permanent housing.

The City submitted its successful application at the end of 2021, joined by co-applicants, DignityMoves and Five Keys Schools and Programs, the social service provider. The City has also secured $2.35 million from Alameda County to cover five years of operating expenses.  

Construction of Dignity Village will start this spring and is expected to take approximately eight months to complete. The project is located at 2350 5th Street on a City-owned site known as the “bottle parcel” because of its unusual shape. All 47 units will have a private bathroom, bed, and desk. Onsite amenities include a community room/dining area, shared kitchen, parking area, and dog run because residents are allowed to have pets.

“I’m thrilled that the State of California has recognized the significance of this project,” said Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft. “As the City works to end homelessness in Alameda, Dignity Village will provide life-changing, and lifesaving, opportunities for its residents.”