This Semester's Theme:
Built for Belonging
Focusing on how accessible, sustainable, and welcoming urban spaces can strengthen communities across the East Bay through housing support, public transit advocacy, community-centered infrastructure, and volunteer-driven initiatives.
This Semester's Partnership
Tiny Village Spirit
Tiny Village Spirit is a local nonprofit organization that partners with communities to build dignified, beautiful tiny-home villages for unhoused locals. Its goal is to push for the systemic change needed to end homelessness. With the help of 3000+ volunteers and 50+ community partner organizations, over 13 tiny homes across two villages have been built in the East Bay, all community-driven. The most recent village built was in Richmond, California, and is set to open on September 26, 2026. This village consists of a farm and garden for unsheltered youth, along with housing. Read more about Tiny Village Spirit’s story here.
CASE STUDY
With the highest homeless population in any U.S. state, California fails its residents by not providing adequate housing options and mental health resources. Nearly 200,000 individuals were homeless in 2025, and some regions disappointingly increased their numbers in 2026, such as Los Angeles County with a 1% increase and Sacramento County with a 13% increase.
Over two-thirds of the California homeless population is unsheltered, which means they live on the street or out of their car, a harmful situation. The absence of a sheltered home limits an individual’s sense of security and dignity. Living in an area that is not designed for humans leads to mental illness and drug use, most without health insurance.
California is experiencing a housing crisis as a result of many factors such as the financialization of housing and lengthy time to permit and construct a home. The lack of affordable housing options forces low-income communities to spend most of their money on housing and restricts their access to other basic needs. In order to combat this issue, we are going to work with organizations that see the beauty in providing spaces for all and whose mission is to make a change in the current system.
Join us in our mission to spread awareness about housing support, sustainable cities, and community-focused events. Stay updated with EthiCAL Apparel this semester to learn more!
