Friends of Rippling River

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ABOUT FORR

Rippling River was founded as an experiment in independent living for mobility impaired residents. It was managed by HUD for years, and there were 3 hot meals daily, and staff who were there to assist residents. HUD divested of thousands of their subsidized developments late last century and in the early 2000s. Rippling River was then threatened with being demolished, and all the residents removed. The residents fought back, fearing they’d be scattered throughout the county and have to leave their beloved Carmel Valley. They rallied the community, formed the Friends of Rippling River, and the efforts resulted in renovation, and the residents stayed in place.

The facility is now owned by the Housing Development Corporation of Monterey County, (HDC), a private equity tax credit operation, with eligibility paperwork handled by the Monterey County Housing Authority. HDC contracts with the John Stewart Company (JSCo) for property management.

Residents have organized their own Residents Association, active for decades, with every resident a voting member, and meet monthly to organize fun events to get the community together - bingo, birthdays, music events, holiday BBQs, and potluck meals. They look after each other so beautifully when they become aware of any need. Little by little, resident access to the facilities has been decreased, with residents often locked out of their crafts room, the therapy room closed, and their Residents Association office commandeered by JSCo management. They have disabled parking areas coned off, and their community room is currently opened at the whim of management, blocking access to their food bank, library, computers, table tennis, pool table, and community meeting space. Their donated outdoor furniture has been tossed, and access removed to a shaded area for them to sit and enjoy their garden and the view of the valley hills. “No Loitering” is a house rule, with threats of eviction if violated. Friends of Rippling River remains active, with local community members working to ask the question: when low-income seniors and disabled folks finally find appropriate housing in our County, how are they treated? We work to assure they are treated with respect, work for open communication with management, and to permit the residents a reasonable voice in how the premises are managed. We bring community resources, seek grant funds, and coordinate informative and entertaining presentations. We manage an Urgent Needs Fund to provide some aid when unexpected expenses occur, with residents making every effort to repay on a workable schedule. To join our action group, call Luana Conley at 831-659-4958.

FORR acts as a nonprofit under the fiscal and organizational sponsorship of Monterey County Action Council. Donations are accepted by mail with FORR earmarked in the notation. Action Council Monterey County 295 Main Street, Suite 300 Salinas, California 93901 TAX ID 77-035-7101