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Tri-Valley REACH celebrated another milestone last month in its ongoing mission to provide affordable housing options for local adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live independently: the opening of its new “Hansen Hive”.
The nonprofit’s first-ever accessory dwelling unit (ADU) added housing for two new residents at one of its existing rental properties in Pleasanton. A second ADU in the works at another REACH site in Pleasanton is on track to begin construction in the spring.
“REACH is dedicated to creating and expanding upon housing options for adults with I/DD, and the Hansen Hive ADU is a shining example of how collaborative efforts can work to address the region’s urgent need for affordable living,” Pat O’Brien, board treasurer for the nonprofit, said in a press release after the Nov. 6 ribbon-cutting event. “We are thankful for the support of the City of Pleasanton, Alameda County and our many partners who made this vision a reality.”
ADUs, also colloquially known as in-law or granny units, can be a creative way to add to the residential stock in existing neighborhoods – and are certainly an option touted by state leaders amid California’s housing crunch.
While I have misgivings about proclaiming ADUs as a banner solution to the affordability crisis, there is no doubt in Tri-Valley REACH’s case the Hansen Hive and its next ADU in the pipeline create actual, attainable homes for individual community members in need of this opportunity. And that’s what really matters.
“Building affordable housing is complex and expensive, so finding creative and more cost-effective strategies to build affordable housing is critical. New California laws … have made ADUs an effective way to increase the housing supply for REACH’s clients,” Steve Hernandez, the city’s housing manager, said in the press release.
“REACH properties have land where ADUs can be built — adding these small-scale units allows more residents’ needs to be met, and for them to continue to be an integral part of the neighborhoods where existing REACH homes are located,” he added.
For the Hansen Hive, which has space for two tenants, the new ADU is giving one resident their first chance to live independently outside of their family home — in the same sort of safe, inclusive environment fostering personal growth that REACH is recognized for.
Built from the ground up and detached from the main house, the 743-square-foot ADU includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms with a shared kitchen, family room and laundry closet.
It’s an accessible design, with a ramp outside, grab bars in the bathrooms and showers, and kitchen cabinets and other features at a lower height. There’s also outdoor space with a patio space shared by the existing house, where other REACH tenants live.
Like all REACH properties, the residence is made available to I/DD individuals at an affordable rental price in the very-low-income category. Some of the nonprofit’s income-based rents are offered as low as $350 per month.
It’s a remarkable community accomplishment. To supplement its own $150,000 in funding raised through donors, sponsors and community groups, REACH received a $300,000 affordable housing grant from the city government, plus roughly another $40,000 from the city in lower income housing funds to help with final costs of the work.
Now the final price-tag of nearly $500,000 is eye-popping to me, as is the 11-month construction period, in the context of the people who try to promote ADUs as a quick or economical option for new housing. But that’s a big-picture conversation for another time.
Kay King, chair of the Tri-Valley REACH Board of Directors, had nothing but positive takeaways from the Hansen Hive experience.
“There were no delays and all parties worked seamlessly together,” she told me. “I would say another remarkable part of this process was there were no concerns or negative comments from any of the neighbors during or after completion. In fact, many people mentioned driving by during the project and enjoying seeing the progress.”
The ADU increases the nonprofit’s service count to 13 homes and 44 residents among Pleasanton and Livermore. Since 2019, REACH has added four new properties and remodeled two existing homes, giving independent living opportunities to 15 new tenants.
No wonder why 2024 has been a year of awards for REACH, winning the Impact Maker Award from the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance on Nov. 13 and the MLK Legacy Award from the Pleasanton Community of Character Collaborative in January, presented by yours truly.
Tri-Valley REACH is one of 10 impactful nonprofits that are benefiting from our 2024-25 Holiday Fund, which is running now through mid-January.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we are incredibly grateful to have been selected as a Pleasanton Weekly Holiday Fund beneficiary and the unwavering support of our community during this season of giving,” King told me.
“Your generosity is the key to making the dream of independence a reality for our community members with I/DD,” she added. “The compassion and care shown by our supporters ensures we can continue fulfilling our mission and creating impact for years to come — thank you!”
To donate to the Holiday Fund, go to pleasantonweekly.com/holiday_fund. For more information about REACH, visit trivalleyreach.org.
Editor’s note: Jeremy Walsh is the editorial director for the Embarcadero Media Foundation’s East Bay Division. His “What a Week” column is a recurring feature in the Pleasanton Weekly, Livermore Vine and DanvilleSanRamon.com.
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