Gospel Center Rescue Mission (GCRM) recently received a $1,350,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco’s 2018 Affordable Housing Program (AHP), sponsored by BAC Community Bank. The grant will fund Hope Housing at GCRM, a project that will provide housing to formerly homeless women and their children. When completed, this will be one of the largest Christian-based, long-term, resident regeneration programs in North America.
Hope Housing will be located in the former Alustiza hotel and restaurant that has been vacant for over 30 years, on the northeast corner of the GCRM campus in downtown Stockton. It will provide 96 new beds, in addition to the 64 current beds for women and children. The project will pair housing with supportive services, including case management, drug and alcohol counseling, life skills training, job coaching, GED completion, support groups and work therapy to help residents maintain long-term, sustained independence. Residents will also benefit from facility amenities such as a children’s daycare, computer learning center, kitchen, dining center, exercise room and play areas.
“This amazing grant is part of a 14-month $2.8 million fundraising effort; but more importantly, it keeps us on track for a grand opening in early 2020 for what we believe will be one of the largest Christian, long-term, resident regeneration programs for homeless women and women with children in North America!” said GCRM CEO Wayne Richardson.
The first three phases of work on the Hope Housing project have been completed, and the building currently stands with only structural beams, floors and exterior walls in place. The fourth phase will begin this week, which will include 100 percent design by WMB Architects and seismic reinforcement of the building.
The fifth and final phase, funded by this Federal Home Loan Bank grant, will begin January 2019. This will include the construction of three studio apartments, two 1-bedroom apartments and a 20-woman dorm space on the ground floor; 18 rooms on the second and third floors; new exterior street sidewalks; underground utility replacement; and exterior signage.
“We’re glad to partner with the Gospel Center Rescue Mission on this worthy cause. It’s an honor to award these funds knowing that they are being used for the betterment of our community,” said BAC Community Bank CEO William Trezza.
“BAC Community Bank and Gospel Center Rescue Mission are creating the basic pillars for building a healthy community by converting an existing vacant property into safe housing for those who need it most – women and children who are at risk of homelessness,” said Marietta Núñez, Vice President and Community Investment Officer at Federal Home Loan Bank San Francisco. “The Bank is proud that AHP funding will support this very fundamental effort.”