DignityMoves in Rohnert Park

We're Ending Homelessness in Rohnert Park and You Can Help

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.


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A Closer Look at Labath Landing

Site

Until now, there have been no interim housing or shelter options available in the City of Rohnert Park. In the first year alone, the 60 rooms at Labath Landing will have the capacity to serve over 100 people experiencing homelessness in the City. That’s nearly ⅓ of the people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the City! Each room has a bed, a desk and chair, heating and air conditioning, a window, and most importantly a door that locks. The site has been thoughtfully designed by Gensler to create a welcoming community and foster a sense of belonging. The community also includes case manager offices, extensive dining and community spaces, a computer lab, pet area, community gardens, and ample storage for residents’ belongings.

Services

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.

Community

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.

Rohnert Park’s Timeline

Sep 2021

Homekey application submitted

Mar 2022

$11.4m in Homekey funds awarded

Jul 2022

Construction begins

Oct 2022

Residents start to move in

Feb 2023

Completed

Need Help?

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.

Ending unsheltered homelessness can be done.

A fast, cost-effective way to build housing at SCALE that is dignified and private so that people are willing to come, where they can then get the intensive supportive services they need.