The horrific and devastating wind-driven fires in Los Angeles highlight the need for all of us to think about the future of housing in our communities, and Placer County is no exception. The immediate lessons from these fires are the importance of fire-hardened infrastructure and housing, as well as the need for housing development patterns that prioritize the ability of fire and first responders to protect our people and places.
Whether it is rural Paradise or suburban Altadena, we have learned that it takes only one disaster to lose everything a family and a community have worked for. A disaster like this would only add to our already daunting, unfilled need to house our workforce, older adults, and disabled family members.
In thinking about how we improve our self-reliance, safety, and resilience; recovery must be a top priority. Improving access to housing that is affordable and reduces the possibility of entering into homelessness, incorporating fire-resilient materials, rethinking our public infrastructure, and embracing multi-family housing strategies all contribute to maintaining our quality of life, protecting lives, and preserving property. These efforts reduce risk and help create a more defensible perimeter in case of fire.
Why do we include affordable housing on this list? Because housing that people can afford is more than a roof over their heads. It is the cornerstone of a safe and thriving community. Families who do not have to spend a vast percentage of their income on housing have more resources to support local merchants. Affordable housing gives children a decent place to sleep and a quiet place to do their homework; it strengthens family bonds at the dinner table and reduces the strain on natural resources caused by homelessness.
Placer Community Foundation is committed to addressing the urgent need for affordable housing as part of the overall community response. None of this work is possible without the generosity of the donors who support our Affordable Housing Fund. These donors are creating real and lasting change for families and individuals who call Placer County home.
One example of how PCF is addressing these needs and driving change is through recent grantmaking. PCF has made a grant to the Latino Leadership Council and its nonprofit partners at the Sacramento Environmental Justice Coalition. Together, they are bringing historically underserved voices to critical conversations about affordable housing. By including different perspectives at the table, we are ensuring that solutions address the needs of all community members, not just a select few. These grants represent a critical investment in equality and equity, fostering a housing landscape that reflects the diverse needs of our county.
A second grant we recently made to Placer People of Faith Together builds on the success of their Housing Justice Institute last fall. This grant allows them to start a learning community of churches and faith groups that are considering affordable housing on church-owned land. This cohort will assist these churches with pre-development work and guide them through a decision-making process that is right for their congregational needs.
To those who have already contributed to this effort, thank you. Your generosity is building more than homes—it’s building hope. To those who would like to be part of making a difference in Placer County, you can learn more and donate by visiting placercf.org.
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