A new housing program in response to the affordable housing crisis that disproportionately impacts young men and women of color.

More than 30% of those who attend SJCC+CS lack stable housing, impacting their ability to focus on their education and learn marketable job skills.

A stable home would give them a sense of security and improve their overall well-being.

The Approach

• Build our own affordable housing i.e., portable dwelling units (PDUs)

• Pay students to learn how to build PDUs

• Place PDUs in host families’ backyard

• Match students and families

• Students pay below market rents, they can afford

• Host families receive passive rental income

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On May 21, 2020, SJCC+CS gave a virtual presentation about Youth Housing Promise as part of Affordable Housing Month 2020.

PDUs are:

• Dwelling units on top of a trailer

• The trailer allows them to be towed (they are not self-propelled)

• The trailer is registered with DMV

• The dwelling is built to ANSI or NFPA code

• Utilities (water, electricity and sewer) connect to primary home

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• They are NOT RVs or travel trailers

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• They are NOT sleeping cabins

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• In the Bay Area, PDUs are only permitted in backyards of single-family homes in unincorporated Santa Clara County and soon the city of San Jose

 PDUs are independent living facilities consisting of

160 sq. ft. (18'L x 8'6"W plus a 2'x4' niche) of living space and:

accommodations for 1-2 people with fold out futon and murphy bed; fold out bar table and stools

Full bathroom: sink, medicine cabinet, toilet and shower

Appliance package: HVAC mini-split, washer/dryer, Amazon’s Echo Show and keypad and Ring entry system

Kitchen: Counter space, sink, refrigerator, stove top and microwave/hood

Earn $500/mo in Rental Income

Process for homeowners interested in hosting a PDU for students:

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• Sign up on the interest list

• Complete a host family profile

• Schedule a FREE site assessment

• Complete a backyard lease agreement

• Schedule installation

• Property management matches students and families based on profile

• Student move in!

• Host families receive rental income