On November 6, 2024, Tri-Valley REACH celebrated the grand opening of its inaugural Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Pleasanton, California, with a Heartwarming Open House and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. This newly established residence, named the ‘Hansen Hive’, reflects a sense of community, energy, and warmth, offering a welcoming addition to REACH’s properties across the Tri-Valley.
Over the past thirty years, REACH has worked within the community to create affordable and safe living options that provide a path towards independence for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The 743-square-foot Hansen Hive ADU is the momentum needed to sustain and expand local affordable housing options and inclusivity to our community members with I/DD. This project was made possible through a collaborative partnership between Tri-Valley REACH, the City of Pleasanton, and Alameda County.
The ADU was unanimously approved by the Pleasanton City Council in November 2023, and has since been carefully designed and constructed to meet the needs of future REACH residents. The City of Pleasanton funded $300,000 for the project, $150,000 from Tri-Valley REACH, and with additional grant support of $40,000 provided by the Lower Income Housing Funds (LIHF).
“Building affordable housing is complex and expensive, so finding creative and more cost-effective strategies to build affordable housing is critical. New California laws on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) have made ADUs an effective way to increase the housing supply for REACH’s clients,” said Steve Hernandez, City of Pleasanton Housing Manager. “REACH properties have land where ADUs can be built – adding these small-scale units allows more residents’ needs to be met, and for them to continue to be an integral part of the neighborhoods where existing REACH homes are located.”
“REACH is dedicated to creating and expanding upon housing options for adults with I/DD, and the Hansen Hive ADU is a shining example of how collaborative efforts can work to address the region’s urgent need for affordable living,” said Pat O’Brien, Tri-Valley REACH Board Treasurer. “We are thankful for the support of the City of Pleasanton, Alameda County, and our many partners who made this vision a reality.”
“The collaboration between REACH and the City is important because we share a commitment to providing housing opportunities for our city residents with the greatest needs, including adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether through funding, or support or assistance with planning and permitting, the City has been proud to partner with REACH in achieving its mission to provide safe, secure and affordable housing to the I/DD community it serves,” added Hernandez.
New REACH residents moved into Hansen Hive in early November 2024. For one resident, this move represents their first step toward independent living outside of their family home. Both residents will benefit from Tri-Valley REACH’s supportive approach, which fosters a safe environment for personal growth towards independence.
At the heartwarming opening house event, community leaders gathered to commemorate the Hansen Hive’s debut.
Key Features of the New ADU:
- Size and Layout: Spanning 743 square feet, the ADU features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a shared kitchen, family room, and laundry closet.
- Accessible Design: The unit includes an exterior ramp, grab bars in bathrooms and showers, and accessible kitchen cabinetry with a microwave placed at a lower height to accommodate physical limitations.
- Outdoor Space: Residents will enjoy a shared patio area with the existing property residence, creating a communal space for relaxation and connection.
A Collaborative Solution for Inclusive Housing
The Hansen Hive ADU demonstrates how public-private collaboration can support those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in securing affordable, independent housing.
Tri-Valley REACH extends special thanks to the following partners for their contributions: Mayor Karla Brown and the Pleasanton City Council, City of Pleasanton Housing Staff, Steve Hernandez – City of Pleasanton Housing Manager, Jennifer Pearce with Alameda County, Jennifer Duffy at Hello Housing, AKD Construction, and Todd Jersey Architects. Their support and expertise helped bring this project to life.
