Formerly Berkeley Food & Housing Project
A major step forward in supportive housing
By integrating multiple housing types with onsite meals and support services, the Hope Center is designed from the ground up to meet a wide range of needs and elevate housing equity in the community.
This project was built in partnership with BRIDGE Housing, whose adjoining Berkeley Way development expands the continuum of housing options to include 89 affordable apartments which target individuals and families with low income.
The staff here are incredible. You can tell when someone goes to work, and their heart is in it. Everyone will give you the time of day or stop to check if you’re OK. People here really need this place.
Michael Williams, one of the first Hope Center residents
53
Permanent Supportive Housing Units
32
Emergency Shelter Beds
12
Transitional Housing Beds
A Day Behind-the-Scenes at the Hope Center
Why The Hope Center is Unique
By co-locating a wide range of housing types along with the services needed to maintain housing long-term, residents have the greatest possible chance of staying permanently housed. Residents can access fresh, nutritious meals, physical and mental health care, and comprehensive case management in the same place they live. Meals can be delivered to those with mobility issues, individualized care plans can be developed and maintained, and residents can build community with their neighbors through onsite events and meals. There is a 24/7 front desk, private outdoor patio space, laundry on-site and nearby public transit.
Permanent Supportive Housing
Residents in the Permanent Supportive Housing units can live there as long as they wish, and benefit from the onsite support of case managers who help navigate any circumstances that would threaten their housing. There are 53 Studio Units of PSH at the Hope Center.
Learn more about Permanent Supportive Housing
Transitional Housing
The Hope Center’s Transitional Housing units are operated in partnership with the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide a stabilizing environment for Veterans to work toward securing a permanent home, with the help of Insight Housing and VA staff. There are 12 Transitional Housing Beds at the Hope Center.
Learn more about Transitional Housing
Emergency Shelter
In the Emergency Shelter, beds are reserved for single men experiencing homelessness (Insight Housing also operates a 32-bed Women’s Shelter at a separate site). It adheres to many of the best practices advised for interim housing such as offering 24/7 open hours, enrollment in case management and housing navigation, individual lockable storage spaces, semi-private sleeping areas, and allowing pets. There are 32 Shelter Beds at the Hope Center.
Learn More about Emergency Shelter
Community Meal
When the Hope Center opened its doors in September 2022, it became the new home of Community Meal, Insight Housing’s founding program. The commercial kitchen serves over 75,000 meals per year.
Learn More about Our Meals ProgramSustainable from the ground up
The Hope Center broke ground in July 2020 and construction was completed in September 2022. The project received a GreenPoint Platinum rating for its environmental features, including:
- Solar hot water and electricity
- Low-carbon concrete (contains 55% less cement than traditional
- Drought-tolerant landscaping with 100% native plant species
- Near transit hubs and bike routes
- View our full sustainability report here [link to Sustainable Design PDF]
Awards
BDA Design Award | Berkeley Design Advocates
2023 ULI Terwilliger Center Award for Innovation in Attainable Housing Finalist | Urban Land Institute
2023 Award of Excellence Winner | National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies
Ideas that Matter Finalist | Fast Company
2023 Readers’ Choice Award – Best Urban Development Finalist | Affordable Housing Finance
