Stark hails funds for Alameda Point Collaborative to create job opportunities for formerly homeless
WASHINGTON, DC – September 23, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) today announced that the Alameda Point Collaborative (APC) has been awarded a $625,000 Community Economic Development grant from the Office of Community Services in the Department of Health and Human Services. APC is a community that provides housing and services to help formerly homeless families and individuals flourish.
“This grant is an example of how, working together, we can invest in groups that make a positive difference in our community,” said Rep. Stark. “The Alameda Point Collaborative brings families out of homelessness, provides them with much-needed social services, and operates projects like the Ploughshares Plant Nursery that benefit the community.”
The grant will enable APC to expand its main social enterprise, Ploughshares Plant Nursery, in order to create at least 25 permanent positions for APC residents over the next 3 years.
“The project will create new jobs, generate revenue for our organization, and fill a critical need for drought-tolerant plants and landscaping in the Bay Area,” said APC Executive Director Doug Biggs. “APC is dedicated to using all of our resources to help families and adults break the cycle of homelessness, and this grant will help us tremendously. We were made aware of this grant opportunity through Congressman Stark’s office, and we are extremely grateful for the support he has given our program.”
APC, located on 34 acres situated on the former Alameda Naval Air Station, operates 200 housing units. APC provides affordable housing, job training, health services and employment in a community that fosters support and interaction. APC operates a community garden, bike shop, commercial plant nursery, health center and community center.
CONTACT: Brian Cook, (202) 225-3202
