Expanding Housing for Tribal Communities in California

Today’s housing affordability crisis disproportionately impacts communities of color, stemming from decades of systemic racial and economic inequities. But, new statewide efforts such as the Homekey program — which provides safe, stable housing for Californians experiencing homelessness or housing instability — are a step in the right direction.

The Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria was one of the first tribal communities in California to receive a Homekey grant. They’ve partnered with Burbank Housing, an affordable housing nonprofit based in the North Bay, to transition a former motel into supportive housing for local tribal members facing housing instability. Enterprise Community Partners, a nonprofit that delivers strategies and solutions to create and preserve affordable housing, has also played an invaluable role in bringing this project site to life by providing Burbank with technical assistance and other key resources.

Also read: How Accessory Dwelling Units Can Increase Affordable Housing in Oakland Communities

At the heart of this Homekey program are unique, public-private partnerships between numerous organizations that share a commitment to improving housing affordability and access for all Californians. Learn more about the Kashia’s Homemkey site here.

Want To Learn More?

Listen to a special conversation between Dino Franklin Jr., the tribal chairman of the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of Stewarts Points Rancheria, and Efren Carrillo, the vice president of residential development at Burbank Housing, about the housing challenges facing the local tribal community, as well as the unique partnership and trust-building behind the Kashia’s Homekey site in Santa Rosa, California.