Labath Landing was funded by a grant from the State of California’s Project Homekey program. Homekey was designed to buy the hotels that had been used for shelter-in-place during the pandemic, and thus has extremely rigorous timelines. All projects must be completed in 12 months from the date the award is announced, even though the funds don’t usually arrive for at least 3 more months. The application is incredibly onerous, and the awards are first-come-first-served. DignityMoves took the lead on coordinating the application with our partners the City of Rohnert Park and HomeFirst. In line with DignityMoves’ values of nimbleness and efficiency, we submitted one of the very first applications received by HCD and were one of the very first award grantees. Our team kicked into high gear—construction started on July 8th and less than 4 1⁄2 months later on October 24th the community was completed with full occupancy, earning an “early occupancy bonus” from HCD.
Opened in October 2022, Labath Landing is Rohnert Park’s first-ever interim supportive housing community—filling a critical gap in the city’s homelessness response. With 60 private rooms, the community is designed to serve more than 100 people each year, representing nearly one-third of the city’s unsheltered population.
Each room includes a bed, desk, chair, heating and air conditioning, a window, and, most importantly, a door that locks. Designed by Gensler, the site fosters dignity and connection, featuring inviting community spaces, a dining area, case management offices, a computer lab, pet area, community gardens, and secure storage for residents’ belongings.
With over 40 years of experience, HomeFirst practices Housing First and harm reduction models of service. They provide meals, case management and other support services to the residents. One important contribution we made was introducing HomeFirst Services to Rohnert Park. There was not a local supportive services agency with the capacity to partner on this project, so we helped find others to fill that gap. This was another addition to the DignityMoves value proposition; we can help cities bring additional agencies to their region. Now HomeFirst is operating other programs for the city and expanding more broadly in Sonoma County.
The site is located on a small road lined with several hotels, understandably raising neighborhood concerns. The city hosted weekly meetings with the neighbors to answer questions and get feedback on site plans, landscaping, and the supportive services program. At the Grand Opening ceremony, Mayor Jackie Elward broke down in tears. Between sobs she exclaimed that this was the proudest moment of her life. Many of the residents had been sleeping in an encampment at nearby Roberts Lake. The day before move-in day, a few came to preview their rooms. The looks on their faces were incredulous; that night they would sleep in 30-degree weather and the next morning move into their own warm room with a door that locks.
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing homelessness in Rohnert Park and would like to be put on the waitlist for Labath Landing, please contact HomeFirst at (669)308-6657.
Complaints and questions about Labath Landing should be sent to labathlandingconcern@homefirstscc.org.