The recent failure of the Hope Ridge House (HRH) supportive housing project in the Armstrong neighborhood of Truckee has left many of us reflecting on what could have been. The project, which aimed to provide housing for some of our most vulnerable community members, was met with a nearly even split of support and opposition. Unfortunately, the opposition, fueled by misinformation and fear, ultimately led to the project’s demise.
The Truckee Tahoe Homeless Advisory Committee (TTHAC) had done tremendous work in defining potential solutions for our homeless community members. However, the time-sensitive nature of the grant that allowed the lease and purchase of the HRH meant that we couldn’t have a community conversation around TTHAC’s final report before the project was described to the community. This lack of communication and understanding proved to be a significant hurdle.
Nevada County did reach out to local homeowners, but after the first meeting, an opposition flyer with inaccurate information was widely circulated. The county failed to stay ahead of community perception and information related to the project. It became clear early on that considerable discussions would be required to make any project of this nature successful. Additionally, our team at the county did not feel that the location was suitable for the people we hoped to serve, and we could not guarantee their safety and peace. Ultimately, we abandoned the project.
Nevada County has a well-developed support structure for substance use disorder, mental and behavioral health, and more advanced solutions in the western part of the county. We serve people who struggle with food insecurity, and economic and social challenges that prevent them from helping themselves. This is the role of the county government: to serve and assist those in need and to support other organizations in meeting the needs of our community.
The bias, stereotyping, and perception of the people we hoped to serve in this project were disheartening. It was saddening to see people rally fear and build resentment toward the county over perceived mistrust during the planning process, without taking the time to understand the potential tenants and their needs. These individuals are our friends and neighbors, each with their own stories and struggles.
One potential tenant was an adult woman with a mental disability who is quickly becoming homeless in her current situation. Another was an aging man who has worked his whole life in Truckee, lost his wife, and has no support structure to care for him. In my neighborhood, we have all kinds of people — some great, some good, and some not so much. We can’t pick our neighbors, but we can choose to be compassionate and understanding.
Some comments centered on the idea that supportive housing should not be located in neighborhoods. But if we don’t house people in residential neighborhoods, where do they live? Downtown in commercial areas? Industrial areas? Next to the airport out in Martis Valley? People live in residential neighborhoods, and that’s where they should be supported.
I am working with other community members to search for viable solutions to our community’s homelessness problem. It will not be fixed without everyone in our community creating an open mind and open heart to people who are different from many of us. That’s what makes us strong and free. We always want to count on the government to protect and serve those less fortunate while strong communities find local solutions to challenges. This is my American way. In the current national political climate, we see divisiveness and strife. Let’s show how we can be different. Let’s work through our fear to help our community and have challenging, tough discussions while being respectful of opposing viewpoints.
~ Hardy Bullock is a lifelong resident of Nevada County and has lived in Truckee for the past 30 years. He is the supervisor for Nevada County’s District 5, focusing on recreation and climate resiliency, and reducing the impact of tourism. Hardy, who is the board chairman, served as a planning commissioner and is an experienced pilot.
