The rhythm of taiko drums and applause floated across the Sacramento air as a ribbon was sliced in two, marking the grand opening of the Grow Florin Interim Housing community. Nearly 100 attendees, huddled under the shaded tent to celebrate Sacramento County’s Department of Health Services newest resource for seniors with behavioral health and housing needs.
The Grow Florin community offers 72 transitional housing beds, 32 singles and 20 doubles, as well as 8 ADA-compliant cabins. Funded by the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) grant awarded to Sacramento County and operated in partnership with HOPE Cooperative, this new housing community aims at providing adults 55 and older experiencing homelessness with severe mental illness and substance use disorder, with priority given to participants in CARE Court, a pathway to stability and independence.
Residents will receive three meals a day and access to 24/7 in-person wraparound services including behavioral health care, case management, housing navigation, employment and education support and life skills development. Each cabin has power and climate control, features a personal mini-fridge, and the campus includes a communal kitchen, dog park, and shared living spaces, all within a safe environment staffed with 24/7 security. Additionally, the property is thoughtfully color-coordinated, creating distinct zones giving residents a sense of their own mini community.
“Grow Florin offers seniors in transition more than just a place to live – it’s a vibrant, supportive community where dignity, connection, and opportunity come together, made possible through shared vision and collaboration,” said April Ludwig, CEO of Hope Cooperative.
There is already a list of future residents anticipating placement into this beautiful new space. Individuals are selected through the CARE Court process, and by referrals from Sacramento County’s HEART (Homeless Engagement and Response Team), ensuring those most in need are prioritized for support and stability.
Built in just 324 days, Grow Florin stands as the fastest housing project ever completed by Sacramento County. Driven in part by strict timelines set by the BHBH grant, Sacramento County had to innovate to meet deadlines and at one point sent staff three hours north to Redding to inspect the cabins directly with the construction team saving valuable time and keeping the project on track.
“This project is a powerful example of what’s possible when compassion, innovation, and partnership come together to serve our most vulnerable residents,” said Tim Lutz, Director of Sacramento County’s Department of Health Services. “This is what true impact looks like. This is behavioral health and housing working hand in hand.”
The project represents a major investment in Sacramento County’s future. The total capital investment of $5.4 million covered cabins, modular buildings, construction and soft costs. With annual operating costs of approximately $3.1 million and an additional $920,000 allocated for flexible funding supports, Grow Florin reflects a long-term commitment to healing, housing, and hope.
Built in just 324 days, Grow Florin stands as the fastest housing project ever completed by Sacramento County.
This historic project was made possible through the leadership of Enki Development Group and its President Meea Kang, who ground leased the land and led the development and construction process. By leveraging modular technology, state legislation, and close coordination with County and community partners, Enki delivered 44 all-electric units with 72 beds in under a year—marking the fastest supportive housing development in Sacramento County’s history.
Driven in part by strict timelines set by the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) grant, Sacramento County had to innovate to meet deadlines and at one point sent staff three hours north to Redding to inspect the cabins directly with the construction team, saving valuable time and keeping the project on track.Learn more about Sacramento County’s Behavioral Health Bridge Housing projects and what’s to come on the County website.