Celebrating New Communities
Construction MilestonesÂ
RCD completed construction on A link to: Maudelle Miller Shirek Community in Berkeley, A link to: Rick Judd Commons in Concord, and A link to: Bell Street Gardens in Fremont. Together these new communities will provide 277 new affordable homes for approximately 530 residents.Â
Construction began on the A link to: Longfellow Corner in Oakland, which will provide 77 affordable homes including 32 dedicated to formerly unhoused households as well as a community-service commercial space in a new, mixed-use, transit-oriented development located just three blocks away from the MacArthur BART station.
Predevelopment Progress
RCD’s Real Estate Development Department advanced development at A link to: Civic Crossing by securing Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) and tax credit funding awards to support affordable housing and improved transportation infrastructure in downtown Walnut Creek. This critical funding will enable RCD to begin construction on 93 new homes in 2025, creating much-needed housing in a high-opportunity area with exceptional access to jobs, education, and services. Our Real Estate Development team is on track to begin construction this year on an additional 227 apartments at A link to: Thornton & Post in Fremont and A link to: Lupina in San Jose.Â
RCD advanced our Parcel Group 8 development in Hayward by securing Alameda County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, a crucial step toward creating 89 new affordable homes for the community.
Preserving Existing Homes
Funding Wins
Our commitment to maintaining high-quality affordable housing remained strong throughout 2024. We obtained crucial rehabilitation funding from Contra Costa County for Aspen Court in Pacheco and Alvarez Court in Pinole, ensuring these communities will remain affordable and well-maintained for years to come.
We also received support from the A link to: Emeryville Accessible Living Initiative for Bay Bridge Apartments, allowing us to enhance accessibility features that improve quality of life for seven residents with mobility challenges.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, RCD will continue and expand our preservation work by applying for funding to rehabilitate 388 homes for families and seniors. We’re actively seeking awards to support these renovations across Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville, and Concord, ensuring these homes remain available and updated for residents who need them most.
Partner Spotlight: Healthy Black Families
A link to: Healthy Black Families, a South Berkeley based nonprofit, moved into the newly complete ground floor commercial space at Maudelle Miller Shirek Community. We are grateful to Healthy Black Families for their partnership and ongoing commitment to empowering communities and we are thrilled to welcome them to their new space.
Eden Power Collective: Building Community Capacity
A major focus of RCD’s Community Development Department in 2024 was scaling up the A link to: Eden Power Collective (EPC) a new organization created and supported by Resources for Community Development and A link to: Eden United Church of Christ. The EPC works alongside urban unincorporated Alameda County residents to increase economic security and reduce health inequities through engagement, services, and programs provided by local community health workers called “promotoras.”
Beyond creating a new strategic plan, the EPC delivered impressive results:
Workforce Development
- Launched new technology classes, English Language Learner (ELL) programs, and other workforce initiatives
- Engaged 187 residents in skills development programs
- Reached 3,070 residents through digital and in-person outreach
- Connected 163 residents with supportive services through referrals
Intensive Support
- Provided 16 families with comprehensive case management and resource navigation
Financial Empowerment
- Hosted 9 listening sessions with community members
- Conducted financial literacy workshops both virtually and in person
- Launched 9 lending circles in Spring 2024 in partnership with Mission Asset Fund
Expanding Procurement Opportunities with RCD
As part of our ongoing efforts to expand opportunities to contract with RCD, our Real Estate Development team awarded over $10M in 2024 to certified business enterprises owned by individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences, directly supporting economic growth and wealth-building in the communities we serve.
Strengthening Community Bonds: National Night Out
Our National Night Out events brought together 174 participants across our communities, featuring special raffles, bounce houses, and food celebrations. These events strengthened our partnerships with local law enforcement, fire departments, and elected officials while building community among residents.
Program Spotlight: Self-Sufficiency Resource Fairs
Our Resident Services staff hosted resource fairs at 16 properties, connecting 337 residents directly with essential community support agencies including:
These partnerships create crucial links between our residents and services that enhance their quality of life and independence.
Creating Pathways to Permanent Housing
We successfully transitioned 159 residents from temporary housing at A link to: Bella Vista Inn to permanent homes, including eight residents who found new beginnings at RCD’s A link to: Sango Court. This achievement represents more than statistics—it represents families and individuals finding stability and security.
Investing in Education: Irwin Mussen Scholarship
We proudly awarded $25,000 in scholarships to six outstanding residents pursuing degrees in biological sciences, film, computer science, social work, and electrical technology. These scholarships help residents pursue their educational goals and build pathways to economic mobility.
Technology Spotlight: Improving Organizational Efficiency
To better serve our residents and communities, RCD implemented key technological improvements by migrating Resident Services data to a custom Salesforce app. This strategic shift reduced annual costs, enhanced data visualization for better impact analysis, and integrated tools for mass communication with residents. The improved system allows our Resident Services team to focus more time on what matters most—serving our residents and communities.
In 2025, we are looking to the Legislature to make bold new investments and take catalyzing actions to facilitate the production of new affordable homes.
đź“š Want to learn more about RCD’s Legislative Priorities for 2025?
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