One third of San Jose Conservation Corps students lack secure housing, so to meet this challenge, we have developed an innovative, cost efficient program to house students, provide job training and help low income families.
The program is called: Housing Solutions: Youth Housing Promise and here’s how it works:
Under the guidance of master instructors, students learn to build Portable Dwelling Units or PDUs. PDUs are basically tiny homes on wheels with each unit having a fully functional living space containing a kitchen, bathroom and flexible living area for eating, studying and sleeping.
Students receive paid job training to learn valuable construction trade skills.
Students that are housing unstable, can qualify to live in one of the units at significantly reduced rents, they can afford.
Having a safe place to live means students won’t have to worry about where they will sleep at night and can focus on school, work and their well being.
PDUs will be placed in backyards of host families at NO COST to the homeowner.
Rents will be restricted to about $1,000 per month so that each student pays only $500.
Host families will receive $500 a month in rent, which for seniors and low income homeowners will serve as a vital barrier to displacement because of the high cost of living.
Students and host families will be carefully matched and our staff will provide support services to ensure both the host family and students have a positive experience.
Housing Solutions: Youth Housing Promise is a win win for all!
Students obtain stability, pride and marketable skills.
Homeowners gain a much needed passive rental income.
Stemming homelessness and developing self-sufficient young men and women with a positive outlook on life will be a huge benefit to our entire community.