Earlier this year, everything was finally coming together for Destini and her growing family. After months of scouring the Alameda and Contra Costa County housing portals, Destini landed a brand-new apartment at A link to: Rick Judd Commons in Concord. In March 2025, Destini moved in with her four-year-old daughter, just in time to prepare for her second daughter’s arrival in June.  

Then this fall, just as Destini was preparing to return to her job at the IRS at the end of her maternity leave, the federal government shut down. For a single mother supporting two young daughters, the sudden loss of income was devastating and the uncertainty was overwhelming. 

“My maternity leave had ended, and money was drying up. I was late on my bills and my rent, so I reached out to Jessica,” recalls Destini. Jessica is RCD’s Resident Services Coordinator at Rick Judd Commons. Destini’s story reveals why RCD’s on-site support can be a lifeline, and why your support matters so much.

“Most of the time when you get to a certain age, people kind of throw you to the wolves, basically saying ‘figure it out,’” Destini shares.

“But Jessica said, ‘let’s sit down, let’s figure out what we need to do.’ She kept checking in on me, reminding me, ‘We’re here with you. We’re going to work through this together.’” 

Please consider A link to: making a donation today to support both the homes we’re building and the services that help families like Destini’s thrive.  

Together, Destini and Jessica mapped out a path forward. Jessica helped Destini secure emergency assistance through Season of Sharing Fund, keeping her family afloat until the shutdown ended. Now back at work, Destini is celebrating the holiday season with her children. 

“I’m fully enjoying my life now,” Destini says. “We’re coming up on a year in our beautiful apartment that I thank God I was able to get for me and my kids.”  

This is what A link to: your support creates: not just apartments, but communities invested in each other’s futures.  

Right now, RCD is creating more affordable, service-enriched communities across the Bay Area. In Oakland, Walnut Creek, and San Jose, cranes are lifting steel beams and crews are framing walls as 269 new apartments take shape. In early 2026,we’ll break ground on Thornton & Post and Clara Gardens, bringing an additional 248 new affordable homes to Fremont and Santa Clara.

Yet, as Destini’s story reminds us, keys are just the beginning. Looking back, Destini reflects, “What I appreciate the most is the time and support that I was given. Sometimes that’s all people need—a little time and a little help to figure it out and get back into motion.”