We Are Up integrated housing community provides update on project

 

(Image provided by We Are Up)

(Photo provided by We Are Up)

We are Up founder Mary Keehn,  who many know from Cypress Grove Cheese issued an update on their project.

"We are Up is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to create a supportive community with housing and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and seniors." 

Working in the spirit of Building Community, McKinleyville nonprofit “We are Up” is pleased to announce the successful completion of a recent project funded by a Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PHLA) grant from Humboldt County, and executed by Hooven & Co.

After neighbors appealed the unanimous 2023 decision of the Planning Commission to approve the We Are Up community housing project in McKinleyville, We Are Up was faced with a difficult decision. Rather than abandon the project, the local nonprofit instead decided to double down. With the help of its founder and local businesswoman Mary Keehn, We Are Up purchased three additional parcels fronting Central Avenue, withdrew its application from the Planning Department and begin redesigning its project by moving the planned community center to Central Avenue, which will limit traffic in the neighborhood and reduce the potential for noise. Ms. Keehn admits that “the appeal unfortunately created over a year of delay, but the redesigned project is even more exciting and allows us help even more seniors and those with special needs find housing and community.” 

One of the new parcels had five houses deemed unsafe by the County. In January 2025, Hooven & Co. removed all five, cleared brush and removed the debris. Recognizing the community need for the project, Hooven & Co. further contributed a generous donation of $25,000 to advance the mission of “We are Up.” "This project resonated with us at Hooven & Co. Providing safe and supportive housing for seniors and individuals in need is crucial, and we're honored to play a role in making it happen. We're impressed with We Are Up's dedication and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of their work.  "

We Are Up has benefited from the support from many individuals, businesses and organizations giving it the opportunity to move forward with its ambition of building 70 units of accessible multigenerational housing, a community center, commercial kitchen, orchard, and greenhouse on its 17 acres of land in McKinleyville. Once completed, the project will provide housing, life skills, job opportunities, fresh food, and the many benefits of living in a supportive community.

This notable achievement serves as a testament to what the community can do with combined efforts and a shared vision. The We Are Up mission needs the support of individuals and organizations who believe in the power of community and the potential of every individual irrespective of their abilities. We Are Up invites those who support this vision to join in itsendeavor to develop housing and a supportive environment for people with disabilities and seniors. Please visit www.weareup.org to see how you can be a part of creating a more inclusive and caring community.

We are Up is a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to create a supportive community with housing and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and seniors.