Housing and education was one of many housing intersection themes at November’s Solutions 2014 conference in Oakland and NHC member BRIDGE Housing got the momentum started with a groundbreaking ceremony just a week for Vincent Academy, a public charter school that will serve 350 students mainly from Chestnut Linden Court Apartments. Chestnut is an affordable development financed by BRIDGE. The development features 700 affordable units.
Funding for the project was provided by NHC Leadership Circle members Chase and Low Income Investment Fund, and by contributions raised through the Vincent Academy-BRIDGE Campaign for West Oakland.
“Through our partnership with Vincent Academy, we are addressing two systems—housing and education—that affect the ability of children and families to achieve their full potential,” said BRIDGE Housing President and CEO Cynthia Parker. “We’re proud to play a role in this important community development work that has far-reaching impact.”
Research shows that a child is more likely to perform better in school and have better educational success overall if he or she has access to stable, affordable housing. Our latest report, The Impacts of Affordable Housing on Education, highlights key findings from research on the links between housing and education, finding that [insert relevant finding]. Vincent Academy will do just that, working as a catalyst for families in nearby affordable developments.
In addition to Parker, speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included Kate Nicol, head of Vincent Academy and Lynette Gibson McElhaney, an Oakland City Councilmember.