On May 21, Goodness Village in Livermore had its ribbon-cutting ceremony. The staff of this new nonprofit describe it as a sustainable tiny home community that provides affordable and permanent housing options in a supportive environment for people experiencing chronic homelessness. The Village is located on land at the CrossWinds Church grounds and consists of 28 single-occupancy permanent tiny homes. Each 160-square-foot dwelling includes a restroom with shower, a kitchenette, central air and heat, and a porch. The homes are built conforming to all factory built and certified building and design codes.

The concept behind Goodness Village includes not only housing but also community building and meaningful employment. That is why the Village includes a Resource Center to offer residents access and training to engage in gardening, building, art, and other community activities and wrap around services. The nonprofit is currently fundraising to build a planned Open Air Community Center, which will offer a place for program participants and staff to gather, eat, attend classes, and participate in group events.

“At Goodness Village, we seek to provide a safe and affordable living space with meaningful life activity, access to necessary services and support, and an opportunity to earn a dignified income so that residents can become a contributing member to the greater community,” says Executive Director Kim Curtis. “We desire to create an ecosystem which encompasses vocational training and mentorships to provide meaningful employment or development of a craft.”

Goodness Village is a permanent and supportive solution to chronic homelessness, according to Curtis, thanks in part to its vocational training, mentorship, and development of micro-enterprises; substance use services and support; 24-hour support staff; and a volunteer nurse. “We seek to create a supportive healthy community amongst our residents.”

The Village staff consists of people from throughout Alameda county who bring a range of educational backgrounds, lived experiences, and cultures to their work. While located  on church property, Goodness Village is an independent organization that has no religious affiliation nor religious requirements for its staff, volunteers, or program participants. The Village welcomes volunteers as it works to build a network of helpers  to mentor residents or share their unique skills with program participants by teaching a class.

Applications are required for residency in Goodness Village. Each applicant is considered according to Village resident entrance requirements, according to Curtis, which are able to accommodate the population needing the homes most while also accommodating American Disability Act standards in a portion of the homes.

The new community is the result of a partnership with CrossWinds Church, the City of Livermore, and Alameda County, specifically former District 1 Supervisor Scott Haggerty, according to Curtis. The design of Goodness Village is consistent with the Livermore area, she says. One important goal is that both residents and neighbors see the Village as a complement to the neighborhood.

For more information about Goodness Village, please visit www.gvlivermore.org.