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PRESS RELEASE: The Village on Sage Street Celebrates Expansion Completion at Ceremony

The Village 2.0 ribbon cutting

RENO, Nev. (November 14, 2024) –  In time for the coming inclement weather of northern Nevada, The Village on Sage Street, an affordable housing initiative in Reno spearheaded by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada (CFNN) and operated by the Volunteers of America of Northern California and Northern Nevada, is expanding to provide additional support to low-income individuals in Northern Nevada. Announced during an opening ceremony on November 14, this expansion project will increase capacity by nearly 50%, adding 96 beds to the existing 216 single-occupancy units. The expanded facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Originally opened in July 2019, the Village on Sage Street has provided safe, affordable housing to adults aged 18 and older who earn minimum wage or have other low-income sources. This modular housing community has served as a bridge to permanent, independent living, offering residents a stable foundation and contributing to their overall well-being.

“This expansion reflects our commitment to addressing the housing needs in our community and by approaching the significant challenges in our community with innovative problem solving and collaboration,” said Eaton Dunkelberger, CEO and president of CFNN. “With additional units, we can support even more individuals in their journey to independence, especially those who have been on our waitlist.”

Since its inception, the Village has housed 516 individuals, with 294 residents successfully moving on to more permanent housing solutions. On average, lodgers stay for about 10 months, during which many achieve significant milestones:

  • 42% of former residents reduced their debt

  • 21% increased their income

  • 59% maintained their income throughout the economic challenges of the pandemic

The expansion of The Village is made possible through funding from the City of Reno and the state’s Home Means Nevada Initiative. These resources are critical to the project's financial sustainability, allowing CFNN and VOA to pay down outstanding debt and continue providing affordable housing options.

“The support from our city and state partners has been instrumental in making this project and its necessary expansion possible,” said Dunkelberger. “With the increased capacity, The Village can play a larger role in providing individuals who are in compromised positions with the base resources they need in order to improve their circumstances and acquire more stable, independent housing.” 

Village resident, Gena Sadler, shared her experience with attendees of the ceremony.

“I was invited to come to Nevada to receive care and found a medical team that had treated my rare illness on the skin,” said Sadler. “The home I was invited to turned toxic in just a few months, in an attempt to advocate for myself to get the care I was needing myself and my belongings were dropped off here in Reno on Valentine's day with no money on hand, no housing, and no idea what to do. I knew there was no way I could live on the street. I was traumatized and alone. I went to the women's shelter until I was blessed with a room at The Village on Sage. Had the Village not been there for me I don’t know for sure where I would be, but I can only imagine. I am grateful that the Village gave me the space to steal my health and my life back.”

The new units will be situated adjacent to the existing Village on Sage Street, ensuring seamless integration with the current infrastructure. As the community faces growing demand for affordable housing, the expansion will provide much-needed relief to those struggling to secure stable living conditions. The first resident is slated to move in prior to December 31, 2024.

 

For more information about The Village on Sage Street, click here or visit  www.voa-ncnn.org.

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About Community Foundation of Northern Nevada
Established in 1998, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada works to strengthen our community through philanthropy and leadership by connecting people who care with causes that matter. The Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the greater good by nurturing philanthropy and serving as a steadfast charitable resource, convener, and hub for generous giving. We provide diverse charitable vehicles to support the philanthropic aspirations of individuals, families, and organizations, including donor-advised funds, scholarships, endowed and designated funds, and charitable bequests. Our core work focuses on philanthropic advising, grantmaking, charitable asset investment, and engaging our community to improve the lives of all our neighbors across Northern Nevada. Learn more at www.nevadafund.org.