Housing solutions:
youth housing promise
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
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Build our own affordable housing i.e., portable dwelling units (PDUs)
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Pay students to learn how to build PDUs
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Place PDUs in host families’ backyard
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Match students and families
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Students pay below market rents, they can afford
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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.
What are portable dwelling units (PDUs)?
PDUs are:
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Dwelling units on top of a trailer
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The trailer allows them to be towed (they are not self-propelled)
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The trailer is registered with DMV
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The dwelling is built to ANSI or NFPA code
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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 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
Host a Portable Living Unit and help a student succeed
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
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Complete a host family profile
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Schedule a FREE site assessment
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Complete a backyard lease agreement
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Schedule installation
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Property management matches students and families based on profile
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Student move in!
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Host families receive rental income
If you are not ready to host a PDU for a student, you can still help by donating to the program. Your contributions are appreciated.