WE ARE UP – Humboldt County

We Are Up, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, proposes a mixed-use supportive affordable housing community in McKinleyville, California. The project will provide an innovative, integrated, community-based, and long-term place for adults with autism and other disabilities to call home. RMM assisted in preparing an environmental document, relying on a CEQA exemption to accelerate the environmental review and enabling the project to qualify for additional potential tax credits.

Once built, the project will consist of up to 70 affordable residential dwelling units to house approximately 100 to 120 residents, most of whom will be from special needs populations, including individuals with intellectual disabilities, seniors, and students in related fields of study. The project includes a community center and outdoor space for hosting special events. The project also includes a greenhouse, barn, and orchard, walking trails, outdoor recreation, wetland creation, and riparian plantings. Events at the community center can be staffed by the residents, giving them transferable job skills and helping them integrate into the wider community. In turn, the community center, educational offerings, and commercial kitchen will enable the community-at-large to benefit from, value, contribute to, and ultimately become an integral part of the project.