The former Las Deltas public housing site in North Richmond reached a new milestone in June 2025 as the preference policy moved from paper to practice, when market-rate, scattered-site homes were listed for sale. The Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa (HACCC) launched a 120-day offer period that gives former Las Deltas residents first priority and people who live or work in North Richmond, or have lived in North Richmond in the past, second priority to purchase homes before they are opened to the general public.
This phase is part of a broader, community-centered effort to bring long-vacant public housing assets back to life in ways that honor North Richmond’s history and strengthen its future. It follows earlier below-market-rate transactions and precedes a larger, multi-year buildout on the former main campus, forming a roadmap focused on housing stability, local ownership, and a meaningful right to return.
Community Turnout Shows Outreach is Working
This milestone grew from months of groundwork: HACCC in close partnership with RichmondLAND and the Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) worked to secure HUD approval for the preference policy and reach displaced families and the North Richmond community by mail and direct outreach. That collective effort culminated in the ‘Buy Back the Jets’ block party and resource fair in early August.
I thought they forgot about the hood. Them caring about us is real. People coming out and looking out for us means a lot.
The block party drew well over a hundred residents and former residents to North Richmond for food, music, and, most importantly, hands-on homebuying support. Families enjoyed backpack and t-shirt giveaways, raffles, face painting, videogame trucks, herbal remedies, and live entertainment from North Richmond artists that brought even more neighborhood pride to the celebration. The event felt like both a celebration of community and a working session designed to convert interest into real opportunities for North Richmond homeownership.
“I thought they forgot about the hood,” one resident said. “Them caring about us is real. People coming out and looking out for us means a lot.”
Tables hosted by lenders, realtors, and nonprofit partners fielded questions about eligibility, financing, and the purchase process; interpreters ensured language access; and local organizers kept the day rooted in North Richmond culture and leadership. Mayor Eduardo Martinez of Richmond stopped by, adding to the sense of momentum and visibility for this historic moment.
The resource fair was a deliberate strategy to make sure North Richmond residents had real access to the opportunity the preference policy creates. By pairing music, food, and family activities with learning, the fair created a pathway to ownership anchored in community connection.
“It’s critical to have events that bring everything the community needs into one place,” said Bee Coleman, PBF Fellow with the Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa. “It makes it easier for people to connect to resources and opportunities—especially when we’re talking about homeownership and staying rooted in North Richmond.”
A Coalition Built for Durable Impact
It’s critical to have events that bring everything the community needs into one place. It makes it easier for people to connect to resources and opportunities.
This type of coordination to implement preference policy and create the resource fair is exactly what the Partnership for the Bay’s Future’s Policy Fund was designed to make possible. Inspired and led by North Richmond native D’Shawn Goodwin, who grew up in one of the scattered-site properties now being sold, PBF helped bring together public agencies like HACCC with community-based partners like RichmondLAND, and nonprofit housing developers like CHDC. Together, this coalition ensured the preference policy was rolled out with the infrastructure and outreach needed to succeed.
The preference policy is a practical tool to acknowledge past harm and strengthen community stability. It prioritizes families and residents with long ties to North Richmond, creating a pathway for the next generation to build wealth and remain connected to their community.
What’s Next
Following the current market-rate sales, the Las Deltas roadmap anticipates new construction on the former main campus, including affordable homes that keep North Richmond’s seniors and families rooted. PBF, HACCC, RichmondLAND, and CHDC remain focused on the fundamentals—clear information, buyer readiness, and an aligned coalition—so that this milestone is a step toward lasting housing justice. By 2028, the four Below Market Rate developers will also have completed the rehabilitation of their scattered sites and made them available for homeownership at or below 80% of AMI. This partnership is proving what it looks like to put community voice and equity at the center of redevelopment so that families can come home and stay home.
Eligibility & Timing at a Glance
- Priority window: Exclusive access now–October 10, 2025
- Who: Former Las Deltas residents (first priority) and people who live or work in North Richmond, or have lived in North Richmond in the past (second priority)
- Offer review: HACCC begins reviewing eligible offers August 1, 2025; non-priority offers considered starting October 11, 2025
- Pricing & condition: Market-rate and as-is; starting at $240,000
- Get ready: Homebuyer readiness services by CHDC (510) 412-9290, admin@communityhdc.org (free classes/coaching); RNHS (510) 237-6549 x1604; SparkPoint (510) 770-3200
- Offers: Cydney Ross, cbross@gftinc.com, (213) 373-8905
