Permanent Supportive Housing Solutions


Wood Street Commons residents have spent the last year co-creating a vision with affordable housing architect Mike Pyatok. The result: a bold, community-led proposal for permanent supportive housing that centers the needs of unhoused people, working class families, and teachers. This isn't just about buildings — it's about healing, dignity, and opportunity.

Mandela Parkway Proposal Overview:

  • 3 integrated sites with 405 deeply affordable apartments

  • Housing for teachers, working class families, and unhoused community members

  • An academy, jobs program, and wellness center built in

Site 1: Teacher Housing

  • 96 units for educators

  • 6-story elevator-served building with 60-car parking garage

  • Additional 3-story walk-up buildings

  • Community amenities: study room, music practice space, craft rooms

Site 2: The Academy & Family Housing

  • 174 units

  • Half for singles, half for families

  • Focused on housing the unhoused and housing-unstable

  • The Academy: a hub for learning, skill-building, and economic empowerment

    • GED programs, nutrition, gardening, financial literacy

    • Home and bike repair, computer lab, classrooms, and workshop space

Site 4: The Mandela Academy

  • Safe Vehicle Parking

    • (12 RVs/Trailers, 20 autos)

  • Night Shelter

    • (30 beds)

  • Vegetable Garden

  • Mental Health Clinic

  • Medical Clinic

  • Dental Clinic

  • Fitness Center

  • Computer Lab

  • Classrooms

  • Administration & Hygiene Center

    • (toilets, showers, laundry)

Site 3: Shelter, Clinic & Housing

  • 135 units of studios and 1-bedrooms for singles and couples

  • 40-person overnight shelter

  • Healing clinic offering medical, dental, mental, and spiritual care

  • Fitness center with physical therapy and wellness support

  • Landscaped courtyard and community garden

A Word from Our Architect:

“Representatives of the Wood Street Commons, whose ideas, dreams and compassion toward each other and all of humanity, inspired this proposal.”

— Michael Pyatok, FAIA

Take Action: Public Land for Public Good

We're calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to surplus four Caltrans-owned vacant parcels in West Oakland for permanent supportive housing. These lots could bring our vision to life.

Send your comment using our template and demand that public land be used for the public good.

Get Involved

  • Trainings: Harm reduction, de-escalation, and allyship workshops

  • Outreach Opportunities: Food distribution, supply delivery, wellness checks

  • Support Directly: [Donate Supplies] [Fund a Shelter] [Volunteer Form]