Palmdale Celebrates Groundbreaking for Dream Village

PALMDALE – A groundbreaking ceremony held on Oct. 26 at Advancing Communities Together (ACT) marked the official start of a tiny home project that will create interim housing for homeless individuals, the first of its kind in Palmdale. 

The City of Palmdale provided a $781,820 grant using American Rescue Plan Act funds to ACT to develop the Dream Village, a 20-unit crisis interim complex that will provide temporary housing for unhoused adults in a safe and supportive environment. The grant will be used to complete the infrastructure needed for the complex and purchase Pallet shelter modular units. 

“Our goal is to facilitate a safe place for those in crisis to rest with dignity, purpose, and a solid foundation to begin their transition from unhoused to productive community members,” said Mayor Laura Bettencourt, who was joined by Councilmembers Austin Bishop and Eric Ohlsen. “The Dream Village is a win-win all the way around.” 

When completed, the Dream Village will include community engagement teams; wrap-around, housing navigation and health and wellness services; case management; family reunification; and workforce development programs to help residents achieve their goals towards stability. It will be located at 38626 9th St. East. 

“ACT believes in and is committed to creating opportunities and impactful life pathways for residents of Palmdale and the Antelope Valley,” shared ACT CEO Rossie D. Cherry. “This includes developing and providing pathways to stable and permanent affordable housing and workforce development for the unhoused, youth and families. Stable, permanent housing and workforce development is vital for underserved and unhoused individuals because it offers them the opportunity to improve their economic status, enhances their opportunities for gaining employable skills that lead to mortgage-paying careers, reduces housing instability, and contributes to overall community development and public safety.” 

Photo Caption: Advancing Communities Together (ACT), the City of Palmdale, and LA Couty Supervisor Kathryn Barger 's office marked the official groundbreaking for the Dream Village.