First Presbyterian Church of Hayward (First Pres) wants to build and install six mobile housing units, or “tiny homes,” in its parking lot to help homeless individuals transition from homeless to housed.

At last week’s Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) meeting, Lead Pastor Jake Medcalf and Community Development Director Chizu Buckalew told the council that many homeless individuals have been coming to the church for assistance. Currently the church offers use of their parking lot to individuals live in their cars, even though they are employed.

“There are so many barriers to finding adequate housing in the Bay Area,” Chizu said. The exorbitant rent prices, housing shortage, lack of financial resources and social support systems are all things First Pres is trying to address by providing tiny homes to the homeless in Castro Valley, she said.

First Pres has partnered with Alameda County staff and Supervisor Nate Miley in order to extradite the process of finding housing for the homeless. “Because the need is so great, we’re trying to set the model for other organizations and neighborhoods throughout the county,” Miley said to the MAC. “Our staff is working hard to make these people contributing members of society.”

The proposal would allow the construction of six 8’-6” by 20’ structures that are fully plumbed, wired, and enclosed by fencing. Each unit would serve as temporary, transitional housing for one to two individuals who are residents in the unincorporated Alameda County. Each eligible resident would need to be identified, screened, and recruited by First Pres with the help of existing local community partners who have worked with homeless individuals and families. The three-year temporary project is being funded by a $199,000 Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Residents would be eligible for 18 months of residency, paying $200 in rent for the first four months, $400 for the next four months, and $800 for the last six months. The cost of utilities and program costs would come from rent paid during the initial quarter of their residence.

Any monthly rent over the amount of $200 would be deposited into a savings account for the resident, helping the resident to transition out of the program with $6000 in savings. These funds would help residents to afford a deposit on new and stable housing equal to the first and last month’s rent. One Resident Advisor will be chosen to provide support and services for residents, while Chizu will manage the units and hire a social worker. First Pres plans to deliver classes and support on budgeting, job training, and life skills in order to help residents transition into long-term housing.

A walkthrough of the tiny home prototype was open to the public on March 25. Tom Flemming, a previous Castro Valley resident who now lives in Hayward, has partnered with First Pres to help build the tiny homes. He greeted each person and potential resident with a big smile and warm greeting. “I’ve been blessed with a lot of opportunities that have been sent my way,” Flemming said. “Instead of spending my time and money on bigger and nicer stuff that I don’t really need, I feel compelled to help those folks that have very little.”

The MAC expressed cautious support for the proposal of the Tiny Home project, stating that First Pres first needs to garner public awareness before moving through the zoning process. First Pres is inviting the public to hear and discuss more about the Tiny Homes project at a Community Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, April 18 at 7 p.m. in the church’s multipurpose room at 2490 Grove Way, Castro Valley.