In partnership with Bolinas Community Land Trust, we have welcomed two more first-time homeowners to Bolinas!
This partnership with Bolinas Community Land Trust (BCLT) is unique, Habitat Greater San Francisco is the only affiliate in the state currently undertaking such a partnership. It is one way in which we are seeking out innovative approaches to bringing more affordable homeownership to our region, in ways that fit each community.
On Saturday, September 14, together with BCLT, we welcomed the two new families into their new homes and onto their journey of homeownership! The families were joined by more than 40 guests, including friends, community members, well-wishers and their soon-to-be neighbors as they celebrated the beginning of a new, bright chapter as homeowners in the town they know and love. One special aspect these events is hearing directly from the homeowners about the difference having a home of their own has made, both the immediate impacts and their dreams and hopes for the future.
“To be standing here now is just incredible. My daughter slept in her own room last night in the house that we own. The economics of living in the Bay Area over the last 20 years meant we never thought we would be able to build our own home right here in a place that we love. Because there are organizations and community members like the ones here today that are absolutely committed to supporting families and affordable housing options, we finally get to call a place home.”
Our construction phase started on the two prefabricated homes, built by Villa Homes, when they were delivered to site in November 2023. Since then, work has been completed on interior finishes, exterior stairs and entranceways, solar panels installation by our partners GRID, fencing and finally landscaping. We are so excited to welcome two new homeowner families to their homes!
When building homeownership opportunities there are several key factors to consider. Among them, of course, affordability, the needs of the families who will live in the homes, sustainability and building to suit the community in which the homes will sit. Utilizing prefab construction, in collaboration with our partners, we are able to streamline the entire homebuilding process to deliver affordable, secure and beautiful homes. This has the added benefit of creating minimal disruption to nearby families, since the homes are built offsite and the onsite installation is relatively fast and neighbor friendly. We are able to overlay our tried and true “sweat equity” homeowner and volunteer model doing all landscapes and hardscapes and adding beautiful fences and decks. The result, beautiful homes in a beautiful coast side community.
In Bolinas, housing expenses exceed the national average by 201%. In recent years, more than 50 homes have been removed from the long-term rental market, instead being marketed as short-term Airbnb rentals and vacation homes. This shift has created a challenging situation for Bolinas residents who can no longer afford to live in their existing school districts or stay within a reasonable distance of their jobs. To combat this displacement, Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco, Villa, and Bolinas Community Land Trust have completed construction on a series of detached housing units using prefabricated construction methods. (Two of those homes shown at right.)
“I am thrilled to welcome these incredible families into their new homes. Every day we see the positive impact affordable homeownership makes in the lives of Habitat families, from greater stability and peace of mind to improved health and education outcomes. Everyone deserves to have a sense of place, a sense of safety and a sense of community.”
