Serving the common good in a spirit of goodwill
The Alliance of Community Endeavors (ACE) was founded to serve the common good in a spirit of goodwill and through the creation, implementation and support of endeavors that benefit the community as well as the environment.
These endeavors include but are not limited to: Affordable Housing, Inter-generational Communities, Community Development, Socially and Environmentally Responsible Business Enterprises, Education and Vocational Training, Emergency Preparedness and Response.
We do so with the understanding that: All Life is Sacred and deserving of Respect, Dignity, Beauty, Peace and Love. We believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive and that giving does not impoverish, nor does withholding enrich.
Our Story
The History
Prior to colonization, this property was Pomo, a legacy which we acknowledge and humbly honor.
In recent history the Ridge property, bustled for decades with a conventional set of roadside amenities including lodging and a popular Mexican restaurant. In 2015, with the businesses' heydays long behind them, the Ridge Property was foreclosed upon, leaving behind plenty of infrastructure and opportunity.
In 2017, a steering committee that would in the next year become The Alliance of Community Endeavors (ACE) formed as a grassroots group of local volunteers with an interest in ensuring that The Ridge Property was developed conscientiously.
The group identified needs of the evolving community such as providing housing and emergency services, supporting local farmers, makers, and space for gatherings and community building events.
The Ridge
The Ridge Project is a collaborative effort between the Golden Rule Church Association and ACE to develop The Ridge into a resource that benefits the community at large. The Ridge is a 40-acre property located at the Ridgewood Summit on Highway 101, between Willits and Ukiah, California.
Once home to a conventional set of amenities for the Highway 101 traveler, including lodging (White Deer Lodge), a restaurant (Fiesta Mexicana), a service station, and a gift shop, the property is being re-imagined, remodeled, and revitalized.
Strategically located on the highway this project will provide facilities that are socially, economically, and ecologically responsible.
“Residential Care Facility for the Elderly”
This residential care facility will provide a model for dignified elder care to inspire change within the industry. Residents will be included in the greater Ridgewood Ranch Community and provided with high quality, local, organic produce and meat grown and raised on the property. A team of compassionate professionals and volunteers will ensure high quality of life.
Our Projects
The Ridge Residences
The cornerstone of the project is a housing development of the former motel which, with the adjacent amenities, is designed to address the social determinants of health, especially to support seniors aging in place.
The motel has been used for the past few years as an evacuation center during fires as well as temporary housing for fire survivors.
After renovations, The Ridge Residences will offer a 23-unit housing community. Priority will be provided to renters receiving or providing palliative care, fire survivors, able bodied seniors, and youth working in agriculture and health services.
Community Kitchen
The remodeled restaurant will be home to a community driven shared-use commercial kitchen and co-packing facility, event space, office for local farm and food workers and makers to produce their goods and expand their practice.
Marketplace
The vision for the former service station is to create an ethical rest stop – an unique marketplace where local, organic and responsible farmers, food producers and makers can showcase and sell their goods – and an alternative fuel station, possibly including electric car chargers, ethanol and biodiesel.
The building is currently being occupied by the volunteer group United Disaster Relief of Northern California.
Community Garden
On site is a flourishing community garden built by The Gardens Project through a grant provided by The Just and Resilient Future Fund in 2019. Residents enjoy organic, homegrown vegetables, horticultural therapy, and a beautiful shared outdoor space in their garden.
RCFE
Our residential care facility will provide a model for dignified elder care to inspire change within the industry. Residents will be included in the greater Ridgewood Ranch Community and provided with high quality, local, organic produce and meat raised on the property. A team of compassionate professionals and volunteers will ensure high quality of life.
