Golden Gate Village — the only family public housing complex in one of America’s wealthiest counties — has stood in Marin City since 1961 as a symbol of resilience, culture and community.
But in recent years, its aging buildings and outdated infrastructure have fallen short of what residents deserve. After years of delay and discussion, funds for the first phase of renovating Golden Gate Village in Marin City have been approved by the state.
But that good news comes with an addition positive wrinkle: trainees like Tasharah Benjamin studied exposed wood studs and positioned a square steel electrical outlet box.
Benjamin was one of 21 trainees in a 12-week program run by Tradeswomen Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps workers embark on construction careers.
Golden Gate Village, the county’s largest public housing project and the only one designed for families, will begin massive top-to-bottom renovations next year.
“I live in the community,” said Juanita Douglas, executive director of Tradeswomen. “Once we realized this revitalization program was coming, I thought the local community should be allowed to work on it.”
In rapid succession, they held public meetings, scheduled interviews, screened applicants and selected a class of 25 — including Marin City residents like Benjamin. They lined up instructors and supplies for three days a week of hands-on construction training and numerous presentations from union officials and others on the other days.
The topics included workplace safety, math and other technical refreshers, building codes, sexual harassment, financial literacy and career development.
In early November, the program began. Trainees chose one of three tracks — electrical, plumbing or carpentry — that are gateways into 28 union trades.
“It is literally a pre-apprenticeship training program, preparing them to go into construction trades,” said Douglas, who was a commercial carpenter and land surveyor. “We direct them, work with them and help them and show them exactly how to enter the construction trades. That’s what we do every day.”
“It’s amazing,” said Benjamin, who is 43 and on the electrician track. “I’m learning new skills. I’m super excited about it, and I can’t believe how easy it’s sticking to me.”
“I always had a passion for it, to become an electrician, but I never thought about actually going into the trade,” she said during a break. “I love math and if you’re good with math, you can be good at this. And Barb is the best teacher I’ve had in a long time.”
Standing next to her was Kimberly Robinson, who is 42 and who enrolled in the program along with three of her sons — ages 23, 21 and 20 — and a nephew.
