Earlier today, the Wiyot Tribe cut the ribbon on its new Jaroujiji Youth Housing project for young people who are homeless, or close to it. 

The main complex, a two-story former office building, was rebuilt into a couple dozen one- and two-bedroom units, but the project also includes a Victorian next door, plus two new accessory dwelling units and the erstwhile Sarah Carter house a couple blocks down the street. (The tribe has renamed it the “Abalone House.”) 

The project has 39 units of housing: 31 units of permanent housing for youths ages 18-24, another seven units of short-term shelter housing for people 16-18 years old, and an apartment for the manager. The kitchens and living rooms are shared. 

The younger teenagers need a referral from a government agency to be eligible. Native youth are prioritized, but anyone who meets the requirements can apply. Space will likely fill up quickly, Tribal Administrator Michelle Vassel told the Outpost; the tribe is already accepting applications.

The rooms are single-occupancy, though residents will be allowed to live with a partner and pets, something young people told the tribe they really wanted, Vassel said. They conducted numerous “talking circles” with youth who were struggling to find housing, and many of them said their chief concerns were affordability, adequate personal space, and room for pets. Vassel estimated the apartments will rent for $300 per month.

Several healthcare professionals will work on-site. 

Vassel also touted the low environmental impact of the project, which reused several buildings and existing footprints, creating housing without being forced to demolish anything or develop green space.

“It helps fix local housing shortages faster than buying land and building completely new structures from scratch,” she told a large crowd of local politicians and tribal officials. “It brings new life and business and foot traffic back into downtown areas and historic districts. In this space, we have turned an empty office building into much-needed housing for young people.”