New Beginnings Housing will be a small affordable multi-unit residential “village” located in the heart of North Central, an underserved and formerly redlined neighborhood in San Mateo. Consisting of five 264 sq. ft. units, each unit will have its own bathroom, kitchen, appliances and living space. Each tenant will also have individualized wrap around services. This safe affordable housing will be reserved for 5 young adults aging out of the foster care system. Homelessness among this population is a public health crisis. If we do not provide affordable housing for them we miss an opportunity to set these resilient and capable young people on a path to financial stability and independence – particularly in a state where almost 40% of those between the ages of 18 and 34 still live with their parents. In addition, youth exiting foster care are disproportionately Black and Brown young people due to the compounded effects of racism, poverty and disrupted family systems. Current reality is that 60% of our foster youth leave the county when they age out due to high housing costs.

The New Beginnings Project: A Scalable Model for Change the New Beginnings Project aims to be a shining example of how faith communities, local government, the City, and philanthropy can work together to address the Bay Area’s housing crisis—one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation. Imagine the impact if every faith community used its unused or underutilized land for affordable housing. While our project is small, it is designed to pilot a model that can be scaled across the many faith-owned properties in San Mateo County.

Where We Are Now - Our project planning application has been approved, and the building application has passed its first review. We expect to have building permits in hand by early fall. Groundbreaking is scheduled for March 2026, with completion targeted for June 2026.

The Final Step - Once construction is complete, the only thing left will be furnishing the five units—turning them into warm, welcoming homes. That’s where YOU come in.

Led by Ms. Gloria Rhodes Brown, a devoted advocate for the North Central neighborhood in San Mateo, the “Friends of St. James Community Development Corporation” have committed to fully furnishing every unit. For many future residents, this will be the first time they’ve experienced the joy of owning something brand new—an important symbol of dignity and a fresh start.

West Elm- Hillsdale San Mateo has partnered with us, offering interior design services and a 20% discount through their Business2Business Foundation.

How You Can Help - Each sponsorship category includes a brief description of how your donation will be used. You’re welcome to give any amount—together, our contributions will make a lasting impact.

Supporter $20 – $999 Helps purchase living essentials/small furniture, and small appliances

(Donor Recognition on Website + Invitation to Groundbreaking Ceremony)

Bronze Sponsor $1,000 – $2,999 Helps purchase major furniture/ appliances such as nightstands, swivel chairs, dining tables, storage beds, and refrigerators

(Donor Recognition on Website & Invitation to Groundbreaking Ceremony + Commemorative Gift)

Silver Sponsor $3,000 + Furnishes multiple rooms/half a unit

(Donor Recognition on Website + Invitation to Groundbreaking Ceremony + Commemorative Gift)

Gold Sponsor $6,000+ Fully furnishes a unit

(Donor Name Plaque in Room + Donor Recognition on Website &+Invitation to Groundbreaking Ceremony + Commemorative Gift + Invitation to Grand Opening Event)

Platinum Sponsor $12,000+ Furnishes two+ units

(Donor Name Plaque in Room + Donor Recognition on Website &+Invitation to Groundbreaking Ceremony + Commemorative Gift + Invitation to Grand Opening Event)

Additional Ways to Donate - Any donors wishing to purchase essential, daily household items such as linens, bedding, and personal care items for our residents are welcome to purchase items featured on our gift registry at the following link:

When making an online purchase, please remember to include your contact information so the committee may send an acknowledgement of appreciation.

Amazon Registry (New Beginnings Housing Project):

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/LMFYZ63VG8X7?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ggr-subnav-share_TK3TAHZ1FWSK84BJTXXN_1&language=en-US

Learn more about the St. James Community Development Corporation on our website. EIN 38-4137842

Thank you in advance for your partnership—and we can’t wait to see you at the groundbreaking

Pull Up a Chair: Let’s Furnish New Beginnings

By St James Community Development Corporation

Pull Up a Chair: Let’s Furnish New Beginnings

Friends of St. James Community Development Corporation

Team Members