Habitat Greater San Francisco in partnership with Bolinas Community Land Trust has brought affordable homeownership to Overlook Drive in Bolinas
Nestled at the bottom of the Point Reyes cape, the town of Bolinas is as famous for its beauty as it is for its close-knit community and characterful neighborhoods. This picturesque area in our region has historically been lacking affordable housing options. With partnership from Bolinas Community Land Trust, we are bringing a total of four affordable homes for ownership to this community. This partnership with the land trust 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.
The first two of the homes are now finished and homeowners moved in! With huge volunteer support from the local community who donated their time as well as materials, plus sweat equity from the brand-new homeowners over the last year, construction was completed, fences were built and gardens landscaped – these houses were made into homes.
Uniquely for Habitat Greater San Francisco, these homes are largely prefabricated and then installed on sites which have had the foundations carefully prepared. In some instances, this type of building can offer cost benefits which can turn an otherwise unaffordable homebuilding project into a viable economic proposition.
On October 14, 2023, alongside our partner, Bolinas Community Land Trust (BCLT), we hosted a home dedication for these two families who now get to call this beautiful part of our region home. Both families have deep roots in Bolinas but have struggled to remain in their hometown due to sharply rising housing costs and a limited supply of affordable homes.
A community of supporters came out to celebrate these local families becoming homeowners. We heard from Maureen Sedonaen, CEO of Habitat GSF, Annie O’Connor, Executive Director of BCLT, and Fernando Barreto, Aide to Supervisor Dennis Rodoni. And our most anticipated speakers at home dedications are always our partner families, and this event was no different. We were honored to hear from new homeowner, Eleanor, about her hopes for the future, her family’s connection to the community, and their excitement at becoming homeowners in the town they love and have such deep roots.
“To be a homeowner is a great sense of pride, especially in a community so dear to us. To be able to be near friends and family is possibly one of the greatest gifts in life. My sister I grew up here and our parents before us. Our grandparents were also longtime community members and business owners here in bolinas, it’s a true homecoming.”
