Our core pillar: Connection

Community Housing

Big Sur is one of the most stunning and beloved places in California. But for many of the people who rent and work here, finding a place to call home is nearly impossible. CABS is working to change that.

For over 15 years, housing has been central to our mission. We’re committed to finding sustainable, community-minded solutions so Big Sur can remain home to those who make this place thrive.

Why Housing Matters

Big Sur is a community of teachers, firefighters, contractors, chefs, artists, and longtime locals who give this place its heart. But a lack of available housing is pushing them out. Wildfires, limitations on new development, and rising land costs all contribute to the housing scarcity which affects year-round and seasonal residents. Many local workers live in housing tied to their jobs — if they leave a job, they lose their home. A long-standing caretaker culture — where workers live on and help manage properties for absentee or second homeowners — is also disappearing.

When people who care for Big Sur can no longer live here, the whole community feels it. Schools lose students. Emergency services lose volunteers. Businesses struggle to hire. Commutes lengthen, straining Highway 1. CABS is working to make it possible for those who love and steward Big Sur to continue calling it home.

“You come for the natural beauty, but you stay for the community.”

What CABS is Doing

CABS takes a pragmatic, long-term approach to housing. We’ve launched and supported efforts ranging from individual rebuilds to innovative partnerships and policy advocacy. From helping a family rebuild after the Basin Complex Fire in 2008, to partnering with other local community leaders to purchase modular housing for the school superintendent in 2014, and in 2018 entering into escrow on an 18-acre parcel of land near Captain Cooper School with the intention of creating community housing. While the land was not the right fit, invaluable relationships were forged and this collaboration helped develop technical knowledge and funding paths that continue to support our housing work today.

What We’re Working On Now

Private Sector Collaboration
Exploring creative housing partnerships with local donors and innovative methods like SIP panel and modular construction.

County
We’re encouraging Monterey County to support a broader range of housing options in addition to preserving long-term housing.

Nonprofit Partnerships & Learning
Collaborating with the Bolinas Land Trust and Monterey Opportunity Housing Trust to inform future strategies.

State
While not a CABS-led effort, we’re following conversations around potential housing at the former Point Sur Naval Facility, a property owned by California State Parks.

Federal
Working with Congressman Jimmy Panetta’s office on housing issues related to US Forest Service lands.

A Complex Challenge, A Shared Responsibility

Improving access to housing for our community members is complex, but not impossible.
It requires collaboration, creativity, and a deep commitment to solutions that are in harmony with Big Sur’s delicate ecosystem.

What’s Needed

  • Landowners open to exploring housing partnerships

  • Second homeowners willing to welcome local caretakers or renters back onto their land

  • CABS helps ensure community voices are present and informed throughout long-term planning processes.

  • Donors and funders aligned with our mission

Get Involved

Have a housing idea or property lead?

Let us know.

Contact Us

Support Housing Initiatives

Your donations help fund the dedicated staff exploring housing opportunities, building partnerships, and moving solutions forward.

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