The Serenity Homes project in Baldwin Park, CA is the first family bridge housing site built in California. Serenity Homes will house up to 50 residents in family units. The project was built by San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity volunteers along with students from the Brothers’ Keeper pre-apprenticeship program. The project held a grand opening for the public and the press where Southwest Mountain States Carpenters was honored.
Each unit is 144 square feet, and will provide AC/ heat, lighting, electrical outlets, twin bunk beds and a full size bed. Onsite restroom, shower, and laundry trailers will meet clients’ hygiene needs. An onsite computer room will facilitate homework and job training. Clients will receive 3 meals per day. The supportive services provider, City Net, will provide 24/7 security, case management, and connections to additional services. The anticipated length of stay is 6 months.
The partnership between San Gabriel Habitat for Humanity and the Brothers’ Keeper program offers students the opportunity to learn on a “real life” construction site. Students are being supervised on the job site by the instructors of Brothers’ Keeper.
“We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity and offer our students some real-world experience,” said Kenneth Price, Outreach/Instructor for the Brothers’ Keeper program.