Off 2160 Sacramento Street lies a “Unity Garden,” a space that, for years, has offered transitional housing and the chance for tenants to collectively tend to its flowers and vegetables, producing sustainably grown food.
Only now, it is in the process of new management. Following recent renovations under the nonprofit Vallejo Project, the space now offers a new take on transitional housing — one that hopes to house single individuals seeking both shelter and purpose.
In collaboration with local employment resources and social services, the Vallejo Project has renovated the space formerly operated by the Reynaissance Family Center, to house up to 16 people in eight shared rooms. The goal is to create a tiny community of its own.
“(We’re) trying to find ways to connect to other people who are interested in community development and make sure that we’re strengthening each other, our mind, body, and soul,” said Vallejo Project founder Adjoa McDonald.
Through their mission to “empower young adults with resources, mentorship, and leadership development,” they have created a system in which — in exchange for affordable rent and a few hours of weekly gardening — tenants receive safe housing, group therapy, employment training, groceries, and much more.
“The idea is that we work together to improve ourselves and our community,” she said.
The building hosts tenants in a shared living environment, with access to a kitchen, restrooms, showers, and of course–the garden. The goal is to bridge economic gaps between hardworking and community-oriented individuals ages 16 to 35, who continue to find themselves struggling financially.
The Reynaissance Family Center, a nonprofit that has been providing transitional housing in Vallejo since 2007, is in the process of handing over ownership to the Vallejo Project with the help of city officials. The collaboration of the two organizations, “has ensured that there is no gap [or] lapses in providing the needed transitional shelter housing,” explained Pastor Rey Bernardes.
As far as fellow supportive services joining forces, or in this case, ensuring critical resources are in the right hands, Bernanrdes feels that collaboration is essential in addressing the city’s housing issue.
“That’s the key,” he said. “Making sure that both organizations are in cooperation. That’s critical if we are going to all work together here in the city of Vallejo.”
As the Unity Garden differs from other local shelters and transitional housing facilities, included with rent is access to the many Vallejo Project programs that assist residents with career development and self-help. With skill-building, from crochet, digital arts, and sewing, to more complex trades like construction and development, the Vallejo Project is determined to spark passion and unlock talent amongst tenants.
Their goal in doing so? To stretch beyond housing and potentially kickstart career momentum by connecting tenants with suitable employers. For three-month tenant Phoenix Dunn, meeting with potential employers has been a game-changer.
“(It) gives me hope and direction for what’s next,” said Dunn. “It’s given me a chance to build community, reengage with my goals, and feel supported.” Not only has the garden proved to be “a quiet space to regroup,” he explained, it has also given him a chance to start planning his next steps.
The Vallejo Project founder’s work in taking over the Unity Garden is also about building on the dream of late community advocate and Vallejo Together founder Maria Guevara.
Throughout her career, close friends and fellow community advocates would often voice concern over similarities between the two and their shared mission to impart change within the unhoused community. McDonald feels that it is her duty to pick up right where Guevara left off.
And with the improved Unity Garden on the brink of being completed, “we’re continuing on the work that was started there for single individuals,” said McDonald — a task that has long since existed on her radar.
Her goal in starting the Vallejo Project and now, handling operations with the Unity Garden is to ensure that “a sense of dignity” is closer within reach for struggling Vallejo residents.
“You can have a simple life with dignity — one that’s full of love and community but it takes you giving back to the community or having the mindset of being a servant leader,” she said. “That will allow you to find a peaceful and compassionate existence in this world no matter how difficult things get.”
For more information on available rooms, or volunteer opportunities, visit vallejoproject.org.