On August 5, I joined officials from Nevada City, Nevada County, the Regional Housing Authority, and the Affordable Housing Development Corporation to officially break ground on the Cashin’s Field Affordable Housing Development. Located at 170 Ridge Road in Nevada City, Cashin’s Field will consist of 51 units of affordable workforce housing and will include a community center, two playgrounds, picnic areas, and a central courtyard. The development is estimated to be complete in December 2022. The Cashin’s Field Development is the result of a strong collaboration across jurisdictions to increase affordable housing for Nevada County. From the very first meeting with the City and developer to assess interest in working towards financing of the project, I have supported this essential work-force housing for our residents.
Nevada County has recently joined forces with “Built for Zero”, a national initiative of more than 80 communities working to measurably end homelessness, one population at a time. Joining this initiative means that we are close to measurably ending veteran homelessness, a milestone known as “functional zero.” Functional zero for veteran homelessness is achieved when a community has fewer veterans experiencing homelessness than can be routinely housed. The Nevada County Continuum of Care, which is composed of agencies such as Hospitality House, AMI housing, Volunteers of America, Federal Veteran Administration Partners and Connecting Point 2-1-1, and the County, joined Built for Zero last year and have been working with their nationally recognized team to increase collaboration and services coordination as well as improving data on vulnerable county residents experiencing homelessness.
One of the main tools this program is relying on is a landlord liaison program, which other counties have used with success. This program provides support and financial incentives to property managers and owners who accept referrals from local housing agencies. Working together with our homelessness coordinator, we were able to bring this program to Nevada County.