News

Gasser Foundation Breaks Ground to Provide Housing to People in Need

September 2010 - The Gasser Foundation broke ground on an apartment complex that will be built next to the South Napa Homeless Shelter beside the Fire Station on Gasser Drive.

"I am thrilled today to take another step forward in meeting the housing needs of people in our community that are at risk of homelessness," said Joe Peatman, president of the Gasser Foundation.

"Nearly 10 years ago, the Foundation got involved in the plan to end homelessness. Our first step was helping to establish the South Napa Homeless Shelter. The second step today is to build apartments for those in need of transitional and supportive housing."

"I am also happy that we will be building a green building, an important extension of our commitment to sustainability. We believe the building will be certified as LEED Gold. It will incorporate photovoltaics, water efficient plumbing fixtures, and other energy saving measures."

Once completed, the apartment complex will be acquired by the Progress Foundation. Progress Foundation is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing community-based residential treatment and supported housing programs to people with mental disabilities

"Many homeless individuals have mental disabilities. Providing stable housing is one of the keys to really being able to help people," said Jim Featherstone.

The complex will include 18 one bedroom apartments and 6 two bedroom apartments. The two bedroom apartments are targeted toward ‘transitional age youth,’ typically young adults leaving foster care homes. The one bedroom apartments will be for the individuals working with Progress Foundation.

None of this would be possible without the support of a number of other important funders that are making the acquisition possible. Those funders are: The City of Napa, The County of Napa, California Prop 46, California Prop 63, The Federal Home Loan Bank with Charter Oak Bank as the Sponsor, and the Gasser Foundation.