from dreams to reality: the grand opening of the ROP lounge

In our Holiday 2020 newsletter, we discussed our partnership with Covenant House California (CHC) in creating a multi-use "Rights of Passage Lounge" at their Oakland facility at Jack London Square. This is an amazing organization which not only takes care of youths in crisis, but offers long-term and sustained shelter, mentorship, and training so that the graduates can become self sufficient and productive members of society. This project has been a long time coming, but we got it done just in time to celebrate spring!

From Ami Rowland, COO of CHC:
We are so incredibly grateful for the hard work, love, attention and perseverance the team from building Lab and their partners exhibited. This has been such an incredibly hard year and to have this beautiful space open up now, it is such perfect timing! The ROP Lounge looks and feels amazing, I cannot wait to see the Joy that is spread in that room and the community that is built while playing games, studying, watching movies and enjoying the company of one another. Thank you so much for seeing this through and over the finish line! It will have such a positive impact on our young people that call the Cov Home!

A team member from Puga Electric is working to install the wonderful lighting. We also appreciate their help in installing floor protection.

A team member from Tech Home is doing his magic with a coat of white paint. Tech Home is invaluable in helping with drywall patching, countertop and TV mount installations.

bL's Stephen Shoup is laser focussed on the details. Our partners Bob's Iron fabricated the bartop legs, and Devil's Creek Manufacturing helped with the countertop assembly.

Stephen and Jackie are the experts in assembling IKEA cabinets!

bL project manager Juan Catano gives a thumbs up to designer Antonio del Rosario.

Juan is literally a hands-on manager!

a mutually rewarding experience

Taking time off from their busy schedules, bL's own staff and our trusted partners worked hard to consult, listen, design, fabricate, and install since last fall. The valuable contributions from Tech Home, Puga Electric, Devil's Creek Manufacturing, Bob's Iron. and Marciel Dornelio are greatly appreciated.

From Stephen Shoup, principal of buildingLab:
From our first glimpse of CHC, we could see the pivotal difference they make in the lives of many young people who were simply trying to find their way off the street. The clear sense of mission, dedication, and compassion of the staff members truly inspired us. These are special people doing the hard and necessary work. We are both grateful and proud to support them in whatever modest way we can.

Living in the Bay Area, it is impossible to deny homelessness as an ongoing challenge that we must address. CHC will continue to do just that, adding 30 beds to the Oakland facility and opening an entirely new one in Santa Clara this year. We look forward to an ongoing relationship in support of their mission and invite you to support their efforts by contributing....

Managing the punch list, nearing completion.

Seen on the last work day: CHC leaders Shelby Booker and Celeste Futch conducting a final inspection. We think we got a pass.

The Grand Opening: Stephen and Juan cutting the ribbon.

Juan, Antonio, and bL office manager Michelle Whitney marvel at how good everything turns out!

Two avid gamers seem to approve this new gaming space. As envisioned in our plan, the bartop behind the gamers enables spectators to congregate.

The gamers, our real clients, think having some snacks laid out on the bartop is definitely a plus.

Leaders of CHC-Oakland: Andre Goode (Senior Vice President), Jesus Siordia (Resident director), Shelby Booker (Santa Clara site director), Jamila Parker (Residential Manager), Celeste Futch (Community Involvement Coordinator) and bL team members celebrating at the Grand Opening together.

the rights of passage program

"Created in 1986, Rights of Passage (ROP) is an innovative transitional living program that addresses the long-term needs of at-risk, runaway and homeless kids who first come to us. Once accepted into ROP from our Crisis Care program, residents live in semi-independence for up to 18 months." To learn more...

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