I am a social service worker who has seen first hand the amazing work that Community Working Group has done for Palo Alto and the greater Bay Area community. CWG was the guiding force for the construction and implementation of a low income housing complex in Palo Alto which includes 88 units for familes and single adults. For some of these families and adults, this housing was the first they have experienced in years.
CWG's advocacy continues as they work with the property managers, social service staff and the greater community to advocate for low income and homeless families and adults. Thanks to their hard work and generosity many of the individuals have become self sufficent and remain housed.
In my profession, it is so great to have non-for profit organizations help advocate and provide services for those who go without, especially now with the economy and other govermental cuts in services. CWG does this in the utmost professional manner and are great to collaborate with for needed local services.
CWG has created a unique facility that has alleviated homelessness on a major level. If CWG had the resources to do what they have done in Palo Alto, the solution to homelessness would be within reach.
I have been associated with the Community Working Group for over 12 years. I have witnessed the commitment of the volunteer Board of Directors to achieve amazing results. They raised funds to buiild the Opportunity Center, a development that has 88 apartments for formerly homeless individuals and families and those at risck of becoming homeless. The building also has a drop-in center for those who are still unhoused, offering food, showers, lockers, email accounts, case management, employment assistance, medical services, laundry, computer access, and assistance in securing public assistance. It is a unique model of housing and services that has been visited by people from all over the country. CWG also purchased a small 10 unit apartment complex that is available to tenants with very low incomes. Their latest project is the construction of a 50 unit apartment building for working families with very low incomes. It will be built in Palo Alto in the next two years. CWG's Board is responsive to community needs and continues to search for opportunities to collaborate with other organizations in meeting the housing needs of the poorest members of their community.