Oma Village Marks 10 Years of Family Growth

Our largest family community marks its 10-year anniversary this month with results that show clear success in providing homes where parents and children could leave homelessness behind. 

Since opening in 2016, Oma Village in Novato has served 35 families in its 14 apartments. As people moved on, 25% secured market-rate housing while others received rent subsidies. 

 “The space clearly has led to stabilization,” says Anna Hurtado, our Chief Program Officer. “And led to greater capacity for them – a lot of growth.” 

Over the past decade, families have pushed forward with career and education goals. The average household income rose by 25%; one mother purchased her own home when she left. 

A truck driver, a barber, an artist and other parents have used time at Oma Village to build businesses. Others are pursuing education to power their futures. 

“I always wanted to be a teacher but never knew how I could accomplish it,” says Tarryn, an Oma parent. She’s completing her degree in Early Childhood Education and works at a local preschool.  “It’s honestly been life-changing to know I have a place that I know I can stay with an affordable rent.”

 Oma Village also has become something more: a central gathering place for families across our programs. With its community room and central playground, the site hosts weekly art workshops, a family food pantry, the annual back-to-school barbecue and more.  

“It added a space for all those things and it’s become a community for all our families,” Anna adds. 

 Designed for families with children up to 18 years old, Oma Village has some households nearing departure after a nine-year stay.  

 “People build assets and some will be able to look realistically at becoming homeowners,” Anna says. “That’s a dream they can hold now.”