Mutual Housing partners with Vacaville for veterans' affordable housing near Travis Air Force Base

Vacaville is taking significant steps to address the pressing need for affordable housing, particularly for veterans and military families. During the recent Planning Commission meeting, representatives from Mutual Housing outlined their response to the city's Request for Proposals (RFP) initiated in 2023, which highlighted a critical shortage of affordable housing in the area.

The analysis revealed that Travis Air Force Base, home to approximately 6,000 military personnel and over 1,000 civilians, has only around 2,000 available homes and dormitory beds. This leaves a substantial gap, with over 5,000 personnel, particularly enlisted members, in need of housing. To tackle this issue, Mutual Housing proposed a development plan that includes 206 housing units, with 52 specifically reserved for veterans—making up about one-fourth of the total units. The remaining 75 units will be available for military families.

While military personnel are not classified as a protected group under fair housing laws, Mutual Housing is committed to implementing a robust affirmative marketing plan. This strategy aims to ensure that military families are well-informed about the housing opportunities available to them. The organization has successfully employed similar marketing efforts in previous projects, such as an LGBTQ senior housing initiative in Sacramento, which resulted in a high percentage of tenants from the targeted community.

To further strengthen their outreach, Mutual Housing has begun proactive engagement with local military organizations, including the Travis Spouses Club and the mission support group at Travis Air Force Base. This outreach is part of a broader commitment to ensure that the housing development aligns with the needs of the community, particularly as the project is still three years away from completion.

In partnership with local veteran organizations, such as the Vacaville Veterans Building Association and the American Legion, Mutual Housing aims to highlight the benefits and resources available to veterans within this new housing development. This initiative not only addresses the immediate housing crisis but also reinforces the city’s dedication to supporting its military community.