![Community Roots Collaborative members break ground Wednesday on the O Street Project, the part of the project that will bring seven tiny homes to the property. Photo by Paul Valencia](https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Story_Clark-County-Today-Community-Roots-groundbreaking.jpg)
O Street Project will have 20 separative living spaces, including seven tiny homes
Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com
It is a beautiful thing, giving someone a second chance, an opportunity to feel safe, a moment to regain their focus.
That is what Community Roots Collaborative is trying to accomplish with its villages of tiny homes and Oxford housing, designed to bring people from the streets into permanent housing.
“We’re trying to make beautiful things. We have that sole purpose of building beautiful things,” said Dan Whitely, president of the board of directors for Community Roots Collaborative. “When you build beautiful things, beautiful outcomes happen. Beautiful relationships. Beautiful people coming together. That is what has occurred at Fruit Valley Terrace, and this is what’s going to happen here. We’re going to build a beautiful village and people are going to have beautiful lives.”
Whitely was speaking Wednesday at the groundbreaking of Community Roots’ latest project: O Street in Vancouver.
A former Sikh temple has been converted into a home that will have 13 separate living spaces,, along with a full kitchen and commons area. The home most likely will be ready by the end of the month. Also on the property, seven tiny homes will be built — likely by the end of the year — for a total of 20 housing units.
This is Community Roots’ second such village. The Fruit Valley Terrace opened in the fall of 2021,
“They’re meant to give people a second chance, a soft landing of sorts, and getting them back on their feet,” Whitely said.
The first village has been a tremendous success.
“Residents have taken themselves from being on the streets for years, to dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, and bouncing back and getting jobs, buying homes,” Whitely said.
“It seems to be working,” he added. “When you give somebody a home where they can work on their problems, it makes things a lot easier than having them on the streets.”
![A former Sikh Temple has been converted into housing with 13 separate living spaces. That house is expected to be available by the end of May. Then there will be seven tiny homes added to the property, all courtesy of the Community Roots Collaborative. Photo by Paul Valencia](https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Story_Clark-County-Today-Community-Roots-House.jpg)
Brothers Dave and Nick Campos bought the property at 3600 O Street and modified the temple into the housing structure. Dave Campos appreciates the help of so many, including the city, for allowing this project to advance.
“I think it’s important for people who are in the industry to see that they can make a change,” Campos said.
“I think we need to find unique and creative solutions,” he added.
This property is one solution.
Whitely said the mission is to come up with affordable housing solutions through developments such as this one.
That first one was special, but this one brings a different perspective to all involved.
“Getting a second project is vital to the concept,” Whitely said. “The first one, people could say it was fly-by-night, or ‘You got lucky.’ The second one, we’ve proven the concept works.”
Note: Community Roots Collaborative is hosting a fundraising breakfast event on July 14 at the AC Waterfront Hotel. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Email: info@c-roots.org for more information. The Community Roots Collaborative website can be found here: https://www.c-roots.org/
Also read:
- High school basketball roundup: Senderson sisters grow as leaders at Mountain ViewTwin sisters Jadlyn and Layla Senderson lead Mountain View’s playoff push while preparing for their future at Seattle Pacific University.
- Journey Theater to present six performances of AnnieJourney Theater presents six performances of the classic musical Annie at Fort Vancouver High School, opening February 28.
- CCSO equips patrol vehicles with innovative Grappler Police Bumper to enhance public safetyThe Clark County Sheriff’s Office has equipped 25 patrol vehicles with the innovative Grappler Police Bumper, enhancing public safety by safely stopping high-speed pursuits.
- Opinion: Will law concerning what parents can know about kids survive legislative challenge?Washington’s parental rights law, Initiative 2081, faces legislative challenges as lawmakers propose changes that could limit parental notification on student medical services.
- Rep. Kevin Waters bill to assist museums passes committeeRep. Kevin Waters’ bill to help museums manage unclaimed property moves forward, while two more bills addressing Washington lumber mills and education policies receive public hearings.
- Prairie High School drama presents ‘The Prom’Prairie High School’s drama program presents “The Prom,” a musical filled with humor, heart, and a message of love and acceptance.
- Rep. Stephanie McClintock’s bill to allow teens to work more hours during the school year receives committee approvalRep. Stephanie McClintock’s bill to expand work hours for teens during the school year moves forward with committee approval.