OUR $2.8 MILLION SOLUTION
AN INNOVATIVE CHURCH-COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
From our partners at Olive Crest:
Through our proven service model, we have seen first- hand the transformative effects of foster teens and struggling families living within a positive support system and stable housing. With safe housing and hope of a better future that includes independent living skills and stable positive relationships, individuals will begin to heal and continue these positive experiences into adulthood.
As we plan for the next 50 years, and the desire to help even more teens and young adults, we are raising $2.8 million to invest in these new transitional homes. To meet foster teens, young adults, and vulnerable single parent families needs, we will build the new Crest Cottages.
We realize that strategic partnerships are crucial to helping make this dream a reality. Therefore, we have joined together with the compassionate Riverside-based Crest Community Church whose mission is to be a “house of mercy” that loves their neighbors unconditionally. To address this tragic problem, Olive Crest, partnering with Crest Community Church in Riverside, is planning to build eleven transitional homes for young adults aging out of foster care, and young families experiencing temporary crisis to divert them from homelessness, domestic violence, medical, or other challenges that lead to child welfare intervention.
The church sits on a 1.75-acre campus it owns, which includes excess land to accommodate this new transitional housing complex. Through this capital campaign, our plan is to build and manage this new community called Crest Cottages in partnership with our visionary land-owning church partner, Crest Community Church. The goal is to provide young adults and struggling families with transitional housing and comprehensive support services by the Olive Crest staff as well as Crest Community Church staff. Simultaneously, church volunteers will provide basic and spiritual support, and build community that creates a lifelong safety net for these kids and families.
We envision a Crest Cottage village that will include:
- 11 separate small homes
- transitional housing for 16-24 young adults and families
- interactive play spaces
- a shared park area
- classrooms for learning
- offices for counseling and essential support services and coordination
- a full-time manager living on-site to oversee operations, ensure safety, and build relationships