HomeAid Sacramento is beacon of hope for young adults

This March marks the first anniversary of HomeAid Sacramento’s (HAS) Adopt a Cabin Campaign at The Grove and its impact continues to date. The successful transformation demonstrates how collaborative dedication can create lasting, positive change for those who need it most.

Since 2020, The Grove has been a beacon of hope for young adults ages 18 to 24 who find themselves unhoused. The 50-unit tiny cabin community offers a comprehensive program for this transitional age group.

HomeAid Sacramento first partnered with The Grove in 2021 to provide vinyl flooring for the cabins. Again in 2022 to replace the community’s common room flooring and paint the annex. These simple upgrades quickly grew into a broader vision developed by HAS Executive Director Amber Celmer. By beautifying the cabins’ interiors and exteriors, HAS could enhance the community experience. “When young adults who have experienced homelessness are welcomed into personalized, dignified housing, it empowers them to rediscover their self-worth,” said Celmer. “Creating spaces that reflect their individuality fosters a sense of belonging and inspires hope to pursue brighter futures.” 

The first phase of the process was completed in winter 2024 with the installation of hardscape paths throughout the community. These paths not only physically connected the two housing sites, they also addressed a persistent problem, seasonal rains that turned the grounds into a muddy mess and were tracked into cabins and common areas. Thanks to nearly 100% donated materials and labor, the $78,000 project was finished.

The second phase focused on a more personal transformation, the “adoption”and beautification of all 50 cabins. HAS invited community members and organizations to adopt a cabin, with each adopter given a $2,500 spending limit. This budget covered the installation of gutters and durable mattresses and adopters added storage for clothing and personal items. 

Support for the project was overwhelming. Thirty-three adopters stepped up, most of them members of the North State Building Industry Association, including builders, developers, subcontractors, suppliers, financial service providers and even a California district assemblymember’s office. 

The result was nothing short of extraordinary, a community that reflects the caring, creativity and can-do attitude of the residential construction industry. 

The impact of these improvements continues to be felt daily. Staff at The Grove note that, “This investment in the youth is felt and giving them these spaces is truly asking them to invest in themselves.” Residents are experiencing a renewed sense of pride and hope, empowered to take ownership of their cabin’s upkeep and their own futures.

This February, the community celebrated another milestone, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated laundry room. Previously, residents depended on sending out a small, 5-pound bag of laundry each week for service. The idea for the laundry room came about when Celmer noticed laundry service bags outside the cabins and saw an opportunity for improvement. Today, residents can wash their own clothes and gain independence and confidence as they master this essential skill.

HomeAid Sacramento’s engagement with The Grove stands as a testament to the power of vision, compassion and collaboration. The Grove’s success offers a blueprint for how targeted support and thoughtful beautification can create lasting, positive change.

Amber Celmer is the Executive Director of HomeAid Sacramento. To learn more or get involved visit www.homeaidsac.org. 

This column is featured in our March issue of Builder and Developer, read the print version here.