As we reflect on this past year, we are filled with gratitude (and pride) on all we have accomplished together. Your support has allowed us to really move forward this year! We are excited to share some inspiring updates and achievements! The community has been so generous with over 72,000 volunteer hours and enough funding opportunities to allow us to plan for the future. YOU have kept us moving and the energy has been nothing short of inspiring.

Community Listening Session

"We want to volunteer, have our opinions considered, dance, and be included in community events."

This year, we held a local listening session at Azalea Hall in McKinleyville, where over 40 participants gathered to share their hopes and aspirations. Hearing the desires of our future residents and their families regarding housing and inclusion has allowed us to focus our mission and has strengthened our commitment to bring all of our community together. We were not surprised to see that we all have similar hopes and dreams.

New Office Space

As we wrap up the year, we have begun making a move! Our office is being relocated to 1515 Central Avenue. This larger space is conveniently located near our orchard and gardens with a large kitchen to share our bounty.

This new location will allow us to welcome more visitors and provide a space for workshops and activities, fostering deeper connections. Reach out if you would like to meet up and learn more about our plans. We love to share!

Exciting Milestones Ahead

We have secured funding for our three new parcels that front Central Avenue. Once finalized, this will bring We Are Up's total to four parcels and over 17 acres, all dedicated to our mission - all owned free and clear!

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. With your continued support, we can accomplish even greater things in our pursuit of creating a nurturing community for all.

A Flourishing Space

In addition to designing programs for 2026, our community-supported orchard has blossomed. Raised beds overflowing with fresh vegetables and colorful dahlia blooms have transformed our spaces into thriving hubs of life and connection. We are also thrilled to announce that our commercial greenhouse is fully funded and on its way—an exciting step forward in expanding our community’s agricultural endeavors.

Thanks to our incredible board members and community volunteers who organized and donated their time, as well as businesses and individuals who contributed auction items, this initiative is becoming a reality. The Redwood Coast Regional Center RISE group has provided funding and expertise for program design, supplies, and training, and we can't wait to see the positive impact this will have!

Halfway to Our Goal!

We are thrilled to announce that we are more than halfway to reaching our matching donation goal of $100,000! Almost as exciting is that 1/3 of our donors are new and many have donated time and energy. Thank you to all who have shared the We Are Up story! These funds will go directly toward securing safe and supportive housing for those in our community who need it most. Your contributions are making a real impact!

With Gratitude,

Mary Keehn and the We Are Up Board