A new affordable housing project in West Sacramento broke ground on Wednesday, promising to provide much-needed housing and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Mosaic West Sac will transform empty lots on Drever Street into more than a dozen affordable studio units, along with a new cafe, homes, and a computer room for children.”The need is incredible,” said Kate Pratt from Mosaic West Sac. “It continues to rise and there’s no shortage of housing, but it’s the affordable piece that people struggle with, so to be able to actually provide that and address the problem is an incredible feeling.”Among those attending the groundbreaking were Hester and Jeffrey Parker, a couple who have been living out of their minivan. For them, the project represents more than just housing; it is a chance to start over. “We’re looking forward to showers on a regular basis and toilets on a regular basis,” they said.Hester Parker shared her excitement about new job opportunities, stating, “Just Monday, I took the test for my food handler’s certificate in California, which is going to open a ton of job opportunities for me. I’m super excited about that.”However, the Parkers face challenges in finding affordable housing and maintaining it if work or health issues arise. “There’s no contingency for your housing if you lose your employment and that’s where we find our biggest obstacle. It would be nice if there were some things in place to make it affordable if you lose your housing and get back on track – that’s what I’d like to see,” Hester Parker said.The couple hopes their application will be approved when the first eight units open next May. Until then, their days revolve around simple decisions, such as where to park for the night. “It’s difficult, but we try to leave no trace, no light, no sound,” Hester Parker said.The first phase of the Mosaic West Sac project includes eight studio units, with plans for more housing and community spaces to come.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

A new affordable housing project in West Sacramento broke ground on Wednesday, promising to provide much-needed housing and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Mosaic West Sac will transform empty lots on Drever Street into more than a dozen affordable studio units, along with a new cafe, homes, and a computer room for children.

“The need is incredible,” said Kate Pratt from Mosaic West Sac. “It continues to rise and there’s no shortage of housing, but it’s the affordable piece that people struggle with, so to be able to actually provide that and address the problem is an incredible feeling.”

Among those attending the groundbreaking were Hester and Jeffrey Parker, a couple who have been living out of their minivan. For them, the project represents more than just housing; it is a chance to start over.

“We’re looking forward to showers on a regular basis and toilets on a regular basis,” they said.

Hester Parker shared her excitement about new job opportunities, stating, “Just Monday, I took the test for my food handler’s certificate in California, which is going to open a ton of job opportunities for me. I’m super excited about that.”

However, the Parkers face challenges in finding affordable housing and maintaining it if work or health issues arise.

“There’s no contingency for your housing if you lose your employment and that’s where we find our biggest obstacle. It would be nice if there were some things in place to make it affordable if you lose your housing and get back on track – that’s what I’d like to see,” Hester Parker said.

The couple hopes their application will be approved when the first eight units open next May. Until then, their days revolve around simple decisions, such as where to park for the night.

“It’s difficult, but we try to leave no trace, no light, no sound,” Hester Parker said.

The first phase of the Mosaic West Sac project includes eight studio units, with plans for more housing and community spaces to come.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel