"My life was a mess and spiraled out of control…because of the program I am working now, I am no longera candidate for jails, institutions and death."
– Cornell
Legacy
Cottage Housing Inc. was formed in 1994 by a coalition of civic leaders seeking innovative alternatives to short-term, crisis-oriented response to the homeless dilemma.
In its first decade of operations, nearly 75% of participants graduated with housing secure, income stabilized, and sobriety intact.
This success is made possible by our collaboration with the participants and alumni of our programs and with Mercy Housing California —the project's construction and property manager—as well as numerous community allies.
CHI launches our second decade with plans to double residential capacity from 241 to 500 bedrooms that accommodate over 1,000 homeless parents and children annually.
Success
- Creating Employees: Participants leaving in 2008 increased employment by 273% while lowering welfare dependence by more than half.
- Reuniting Families: Each graduate saves taxpayers up to $100,000 annually by avoiding more expensive/less effective institutional options.
- Finding the American Dream: Two dozen alumni went from homelessness to home owner.
