Welcome to CLPHA's Press Room
CLPHA experts welcome interview requests from print, radio, television, and online reporters and are happy to provide their insights on issues of public housing and related legislation and policy.
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David Greer
Director of Communications
(202) 550-1381 or dgreer@clpha.org.
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Grant to Support Policy Agenda Addressing Homelessness for Infants, Toddlers, Expectant Parents, and Their Families
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(Washington, D.C.) February 3, 2025 – We are pleased to announce that the Pritzker Children’s Initiative (PCI) has awarded $150,000 to support the work of Housing Is to strengthen the intersection of housing and early childhood development. Housing Is received this grant from PCI to work with a coalition of organizations, including Prevent Child Abuse America, Zero to Three, and our long-time partner SchoolHouse Connection, to build a policy agenda addressing homelessness for infants, toddlers, expectant parents, and their families and promoting strong early childhood development and economic security among this population. Each year, more than 364,000 infants and toddlers experience homelessness in the U.S., and nearly 70,000 babies are born to parents who experienced homelessness during pregnancy. Homelessness during pregnancy or in the first three years of a child’s life has lifelong consequences on physical health and mental well-being. These years are foundational to development, and trauma—including homelessness—can disrupt this growth, leading to long-lasting effects. Homelessness is preventable, and stakeholders must take action to address it. Homelessness in early childhood—recognized as an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE)—can lead to developmental delays, physical and mental health issues, and lasting effects on well-being. If partners act early—before families reach a crisis point—they can prevent and solve homelessness and mitigate the resulting impact on the developing child. “Housing Is is proud to receive this grant from the Pritzker Children’s Initiative and to join this coalition focused on improving housing opportunities and life outcomes for some of our nation’s most vulnerable individuals: infants, toddlers, expectant parents, and their families,” said Jeffery K. Patterson, president of the Housing Is board of directors and CEO of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority. “The early childhood, housing, and homelessness sectors must work together to build a coordinated, holistic support system for these children and their families. Public housing authorities play a critical role in providing affordable housing to this population, and Housing Is will represent the voices of PHAs and other housing organizations in this coalition. PCI’s support will enable Housing Is and our coalition to build and disseminate a policy agenda and messaging campaign that will address homelessness for these infants and young children and their families.” “Housing Is extends our gratitude to the Pritzker Children’s Initiative for their recognition of our work to align sectors that serve low-income families,” said Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), which manages Housing Is under an operating agreement. “As Housing Is has stressed throughout our ten-year history, systems that serve low-income individuals are stronger and more effective when they work together. With this grant, PCI is helping Housing Is to further our mission to improve life outcomes for low-income families through cross-sector collaboration.” |
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About Housing Is |
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(Washington, D.C.) November 25, 2024 – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities Executive Director Sunia Zaterman released the following statement upon the nomination of Scott Turner to be Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: “The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), whose members serve over 2.2 million people, including over 480,000 children, across the country, congratulates Scott Turner on his nomination as Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Our nation is experiencing an unprecedented housing crisis, and PHAs offer critical affordable housing opportunities to the most vulnerable families in their communities. Safe, stable, and affordable housing is central to breaking the cycle of poverty and expanding economic, education, and health opportunities. We look forward to working with Mr. Turner on our shared goal of improving the lives of low-income Americans who, for a variety of reasons, have been left behind economically, and lifting up the communities where they live through safe and affordable housing.” |
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative
Media Contact: (202) 550-1381 |
Congratulations to Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman on New Role as Acting Secretary
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(Washington, D.C.) March 12, 2024 — “On behalf of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, we congratulate HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge on a dedicated career in public service from serving as Mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, to U.S. Congresswoman from Ohio’s 11th district, and culminating as the 18th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,” said Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. “When Secretary Fudge took the reins of HUD in the middle of a global COVID-19 pandemic, she provided steadfast leadership that expanded rental assistance and served more than 1.2 people experiencing homelessness. She has been an ardent housing champion giving voice to millions of people in need. “Secretary Fudge worked with CLPHA throughout her tenure to provide greater flexibility to address housing needs and redress systemic racism that has been embedded in housing policy for decades. “We commend her on an exemplary career in public service and wish her well in the next chapter of her life. We look forward to working with Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman, former CLPHA Vice President, in her new role as Acting Secretary.” |
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### Media Contact: David Greer, CLPHA
About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative |
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(Washington, D.C.) February 20, 2025 – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities’ (CLPHA) Executive Director Sunia Zaterman released the following statement regarding the latest threats to public housing authorities (PHAs) posed by cuts to HUD programs and staff and a potential government shutdown: “PHAs are facing a triple threat from an expiring continuing funding resolution, slashing of some HUD programs, and cuts to HUD staff critical to program implementation. It has been reported that 50 percent of staff positions may be eliminated through early retirement and reductions in the workforce. These draconian actions are compounded by the looming federal government shutdown unless Congress passes an FY25 government funding bill by March 14. CLPHA urges Congress to protect HUD programs and staff and prevent a government shutdown. “The federal government is currently funded under an extension called a continuing resolution (CR) that expires on March 14. The government has yet to agree on and finalize the 2025 budget and without another CR to extend funding, the government will shut down. “A government shutdown disrupts PHA operations and continuity of service to residents, voucher holders, private owners, investors, and partners. Appropriators have still not agreed to the total amount of the budget, which is the first step in the budget process. After that it takes weeks to finalize and pass full year appropriations bills. Securing HUD funding is critical to protecting PHAs, residents, and staff. Congress must pass a full year FY25 appropriations bill that provides adequate funding for HUD programs.” |
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
Media Contact: (202) 550-1381 |
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(Washington, D.C.) November 25, 2024 – The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities Executive Director Sunia Zaterman released the following statement upon the nomination of Scott Turner to be Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: “The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), whose members serve over 2.2 million people, including over 480,000 children, across the country, congratulates Scott Turner on his nomination as Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Our nation is experiencing an unprecedented housing crisis, and PHAs offer critical affordable housing opportunities to the most vulnerable families in their communities. Safe, stable, and affordable housing is central to breaking the cycle of poverty and expanding economic, education, and health opportunities. We look forward to working with Mr. Turner on our shared goal of improving the lives of low-income Americans who, for a variety of reasons, have been left behind economically, and lifting up the communities where they live through safe and affordable housing.” |
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities
About CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative
Media Contact: (202) 550-1381 |
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(Washington, D.C.) August 19, 2024 – Sunia Zaterman, executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, released the following statement upon the release of Vice President Kamala Harris' and Governor Tim Walz's housing plan at a rallty in North Carolina on Friday: "The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities applauds the Harris-Walz campaign for its historic call for more affordable housing measures in its economic plan released on Friday in North Carolina. By every measure, low-income Americans are experiencing crisis levels of housing instability and homelessness. CLPHA strongly supports the Harris Walz campaign’s call for an expansion of tax incentives for affordable rental housing, an innovation fund for low-income housing, and expansion of the child tax credit, which would contribute to decreasing housing instability and homelessness among American’s most vulnerable families. 'We are hopeful that the tax incentives for affordable rental housing are at a scale that would generate as much affordable housing production or more as the low-income housing tax credit provisions in the bipartisan tax bill. The child tax credit improves a low-income parent’s ability to afford housing, which increases housing stability and improves children’s health outcomes. 'CLPHA will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize the affordability and sustainability of public and affordable housing throughout this campaign which includes fully funding the public housing capital and operating funds, expanding the Housing Choice Voucher program, and prioritizing cross-sector approaches for housing, health and education." |
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About the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities |
Pew Charitable Trust's state policy news outlet Stateline quoted CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman and CLPHA member executive directors in an article about the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on public housing authorities.
Zaterman told Stateline that PHAs need $5 billion in emergency supplemental funding due to several challenges PHAs are facing during this crisis, including a "significant reduction" in rental income, a dramatically reduced workforce, massive cleaning-related expenses, and communications challenges with residents while PHAs' physical offices are closed. PHAs also need a further $3.5 billion in emergency supplemental funds for the for the Housing Choice Voucher program.
“I’m worried,” Emilio Salas, acting executive director of the Los Angeles County Development Authority, told Stateline. “Tremendously.”
Douglas Guthrie, president and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, told Stateline that his PHA is working hard to address his city's homelesssness crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We can't wait for waivers from HUD to do what needs to be done today,” Guthrie said. “Shelter is the most important thing right now.”
Andrew Lofton, executive director of the Seattle Housing Authority, told Stateline that PHAs are also preparing for the inevitable surge of residents who test positive for COVID-19: "It’s just a matter of time."
Read Stateline's article "Public Housing Authorities Hit Hard by the Pandemic."
As of January 1, 2020, California has a state-wide law prohibiting landlords from rejecting potential tenants solely on their use of a housing voucher. The law, known as Source of Income (SOI) protection, replaces SOI ordinances that were previously in place in several California cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Santa Clara County to cover voucher holders across the state.
A recent HUD-commissioned study on landlord acceptance of voucher holders in five cities found that those cities with an existing SOI law protecting voucher holders had higher rates of landlord acceptance compared to those cities without SOI protection. While cities with SOI laws devote varying amounts of resources to enforcement, HUD’s study suggests awareness of local SOI protections meaningfully deter discrimination by landlords. The Poverty & Race Research Action Council maintains an updated list of all SOI laws in place across the country.
In an effort to call attention to the affordable housing crisis during the 2020 election cycle and to spur presidential debate moderators to ask candidates about their affordable housing plans, the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s Our Homes, Our Votes: 2020 campaign placed a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times on December 16 & 17. The ad featured OHOV: 2020’s letter urging PBS NewsHour, Politico, and debate moderators to ask presidential candidates how they would address the nation’s affordable housing crisis during the next debate, which will be held on December 19 at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. CLPHA joined more than 1,000 organizations as co-signers to OHOV: 2020’s letter.
Following the devastating November fire at the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority’s (MPHA) Cedar High apartments, Minneapolis’s Star Tribune reported on the chronic federal underfunding of public housing that contributes to the massive, nationwide capital needs backlog at public housing communities and requires PHAs to make tough choices about building maintenance and repairs.
“Our priority is to make sure that life and safety are always taken care of,” said MPHA Interim Executive Director/CEO Tracey Scott in an October interview with the paper. “Quite simply that’s the hard choice you have to make because you would like to replace a kitchen cabinet but that has to come second to life and safety. We have to make choices.” MPHA estimates that its properties need an estimated $152 million in maintenance and renovations.
New York City Housing Authority Chair & CEO and CLPHA Board Member Greg Russ, MPHA’s former Executive Director/CEO, underscored the difficult choices housing authorities have to make when it comes to prioritizing maintenance and renovation projects: “We don’t have enough funding to keep basic systems in place nationally and have to pick and choose when we do get the capital money.” Russ added that inadequate federal funding is why MPHA and other agencies employ the RAD program to diversify and their funding sources so that they can afford the important and expensive rehabilitation of their properties.
CLPHA Executive Director Sunia Zaterman said that more “organized political will and bipartisan support” is needed in Congress in order to increase funding and fully address PHAs’ capital needs. “We are at the turning point in part because the affordable housing crisis is so heightened in our communities,” Zaterman said. “This is such an essential resource, the understanding that we have to invest is more pervasive and people are beginning to understand that ... but we haven’t had the reflection in our funding yet.”
Scott further stressed the effects that insufficient federal funding has on her agency’s ability to house and serve their low-income residents. “We’re a public agency and the mission is that we provide quality, well maintained homes for families to thrive and these are members of our community that need support and that helping hand,” she said, “We are providing a roof today, but if we don’t maintain it there would not be a roof tomorrow.”
CLPHA Members Elm City Communities, Miami-Dade Public Housing & Community Development Also Featured
Affordable Housing News magazine featured Executive Director Sunia Zaterman in its Fall 2019 issue, where Zaterman discussed CLPHA’s priorities, goals, and strategies for preserving and improving public and affordable housing. “We are very focused on appropriations and polices that support public housing authorities and the people they serve,” said Zaterman, adding that “[f]rom the beginning, we’ve been very focused on supporting the most innovative housing authorities in the country.” She cited programs like the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) and Moving to Work (MTW) as flexible, locally-oriented policies that innovative housing authorities are using to improve their housing stock and resident outcomes. Zaterman also emphasized the public housing portfolio’s capital needs backlog of more than $50 billion and the chronic underfunding of public housing programs, issues that are at the center of CLPHA’s advocacy efforts.
The article also highlights CLPHA’s Housing Is Initiative, which seeks to broaden and deepen efforts to align housing, education, and health organizations to produce positive long-term outcomes for low-income individuals and families. Zaterman discussed some of the Housing Is Initiative’s work, including the Housing Is Summit, an annual convening dedicated to collaboration among the housing, education, and health sectors, and the creation of a data sharing agreement template for housing authorities and school systems so that they can identify shared issues and interests and develop evidence-based interventions. “We understand that housing is absolutely essential and foundational, but often, for families and special needs populations, is not sufficient in and of itself,” Zaterman said. “Our goal with the Housing Is Initiative is to improve and enhance our partnerships in healthcare, education, and workforce development to improve life outcomes for families, seniors, and persons with disabilities who reside in assisted housing.”
Read Affordable Housing News' article (on pages 20 and 21).
CLPHA members Miami-Dade Public Housing & Community Development (Miami-Dade PCHD) and Elm City Communities (ECC) were also featured in Affordable Housing News’ Fall 2019 issue. Read about Miami-Dade PCHD’s RAD-assisted Liberty Square redevelopment on pages 34-36 and about ECC’s employment of MTW flexibilities to create innovative resident programming and redevelop its public housing portfolio on pages 64-65.
From the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA):
HACLA is proud to announce the launch of its AmeriCorps Program, an exciting new initiative dedicated to empowering residents, fostering community engagement, and workforce equity across our communities. Officially named HACLA AmeriCorps and launching in January 2026, the program invites individuals to serve in areas like the WorkSource Center, Permanent Supportive Housing, or Section 8, helping families and residents while gaining hands-on experience, leadership skills, and benefits such as education awards and professional development.
From CVS Health's press release:
CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) is expanding access to health care careers with the launch of its new Workforce Innovation and Talent Center and Community Resource Center in Fort Worth, in collaboration with Fort Worth Housing Solutions. The new dynamic space is designed to build a pipeline of skilled health care professionals by offering no-cost workforce training and health care services.
“Our new Workforce Innovation and Talent Center aims to create pathways to opportunity,” said Sheryl Burke, SVP of Corporate Social Responsibility and Chief Sustainability Officer at CVS Health. “By working hand-in-hand with the Fort Worth Housing Solutions and local workforce organizations, we’re helping community members gain the skills they need for in-demand roles—like pharmacy technicians—and build healthier futures for themselves and their families.”
As the health care industry faces a growing talent shortage, CVS Health is setting a new standard in corporate-led workforce development with its Fort Worth Workforce Innovation and Talent Center. The center offers no-cost, hands-on training for roles like pharmacy technicians, customer service associate and call center representatives for both retail and non-retail —all in a simulated retail environment that mirrors real-world scenarios. Graduates are encouraged to apply for positions at CVS Health, creating a pathway to employment opportunities.
“We are so honored to partner with CVS Health in Stop Six,” said Mary-Margaret Lemons, President of Fort Worth Housing Solutions. “Over half a billion dollars will be invested in housing and community redevelopment in this neighborhood, and a key part of that strategy is ensuring the people of Stop Six, have access to health care, education and economic mobility. Free training opportunities at the WITC will provide new skills for residents to qualify for higher-paying jobs and change the trajectory of their families. FWHS is so excited to continue this community-building work with CVS Health.”
Additionally, the WITC will connect participants with valuable resources to aid their success, including Goodwill, Easter Seals and United Way. Participants can also advance their careers through programming pipelines at the College of Healthcare Professions and the University of North Texas.
"This partnership between CVS Health and Fort Worth Housing Solutions is exactly the kind of investment that strengthens our city’s foundation,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “By equipping residents with skills for high-demand health care jobs and connecting this community with vital resources, the new Workforce Innovation and Talent Center is building a healthier, more prosperous Fort Worth for generations to come."
The new Community Resource Center is supported by Aetna, a CVS Health company. The CRC provides the public, including workforce program participants, with access to health education, assistance navigating health benefits, computers and state-of-the-art teleconferencing and available space for community events. Providing visitors with access to health screenings is planned for late 2025.
“As a company focused on health solutions, we recognize the connection between stable employment and health and wellness,” said Stephanie Rogers, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Texas. “By co-locating the WITC and CRC in Fort Worth, we’re bringing together essential resources to help individuals in local communities achieve professional success and lead healthier lives.”
Working with the Fort Worth Housing Authority builds on CVS Health and Aetna’s long history of community support in Texas. To date, CVS Health has invested more than $232 million in affordable housing across Texas, helping to create, preserve and renovate nearly 14,000 housing units. Also, in conjunction with Fort Worth Housing Solutions, the company invested in the development of Babers Manor, a new 80 unit mixed-income residence located in Fort Worth’s Stop Six Neighborhood that will offer community members career training opportunities through CVS Health’s Fort Worth WITC. Additionally, throughout this year CVS Health has awarded over $700,000 to local organizations such as Easterseals Lonestar, The Rose, and Family Service Association of San Antonio. The company also offers free health screenings to individuals nationwide through its Project Health initiative. Year to date, CVS Health hosted 279 Project Health events, which saw over 16,000 participants and provided over 65,000 screenings in Texas.
From the District of Columbia Housing Authority's press release:
Today, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA), nonprofit developer The Community Builders (TCB), Dantes Partners, and Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau joined community members in celebrating the grand opening of Park Morton Apartments.
The new five-story, 142-unit, fully affordable multifamily building is the first on-site building delivered at Park Morton under the District’s New Communities Initiative (NCI).
“Park Morton Apartments represents more than new housing—it’s a commitment to neighborhood revitalization,” said Deputy Mayor Nina Albert. “By investing in this project, we’re creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and laying the foundation for long-term prosperity in the Park View community.”
“So many people in the community have poured their hearts into this project. This is exactly what we’ve talked about since the start—delivering beautiful, dignified housing to the people of Park Morton. This is the first phase of more than 500 new units to be built here and at Bruce Monroe, just down Georgia Ave, making Ward 1 a leader in housing production over the past 10 years,” said Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau.
Located at 610 Park Road NW in the Park View neighborhood, Park Morton Apartments includes 40 replacement units for returning Park Morton residents. DCHA, TCB and Dantes Partners are co-developers of the site, which originally consisted of 12 garden-style apartment buildings.
“Park Morton Apartments exemplifies our collective goal to create mixed-income communities that offer modern, affordable homes and enhance the quality of life for DCHA families,” said Keith Pettigrew, DCHA Executive Director. “DCHA is proud to partner on a project that prioritizes inclusion, equity and community as it brings high-quality affordable housing to the Park View neighborhood.”
The newly constructed midrise building offers studios, one-, two- and four-bedroom apartments to tenants earning 0-80% of the area median income (AMI). The modern units feature simulated hardwood flooring, balconies, dishwashers and in-unit washers and dryers. Community amenities include a parking garage, fitness center, rooftop lounge, two courtyards, a “Kids Hub” lounge, a “Tech Hub” coworking space, a resident lounge and covered bike storage.
“The grand opening of Park Morton Apartments underscores TCB’s mission to build and sustain strong communities where all people can thrive,” said Bart Mitchell, President and CEO of The Community Builders. “We’re incredibly thankful to our partners at the City of Washington, D.C., and Dantes. With phase one now open, residents are already connecting to amenities and services that bring opportunity. TCB looks forward to continuing the revitalization of this neighborhood and delivering more affordable homes to the people of D.C.”
The opening of the new multifamily building marks the completion of Phase 1 of the Park Morton Redevelopment Plan. Future phases will include the construction of 47 townhomes, with 17 rental replacement units and 30 homeownership units; and 273 off-site rental apartments, including 87 replacement units, located less than a quarter mile away at the former Bruce Monroe School.
“This project is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fulfill the promises made to the Park Morton residents while addressing the ongoing need for affordable housing,” said Buwa Binitie, Founder and CEO of Dantes Partners. “Seeing this vision come to life is deeply gratifying. The process has been one of persistence, collaboration, and purpose, and the outcome reflects the collective dedication of everyone involved. This achievement would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our partners, whose shared passion and hard work helped turn this vision into reality.”
“With the opening of Park Morton Apartments, DCHA and its partners are delivering on our commitment to provide high-quality affordable housing that fosters community and establishes a foundation for District families to thrive,” said Raymond Skinner, DCHA Board Chair.
DMPED invested approximately $14.8 million towards phase 1 infrastructure, as well as $26.3 million for predevelopment and infrastructure for phase 2. The new five-story building was also funded by $51.1 million in tax-exempt bonds issued by the DC Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA).
Park Morton Apartments is the latest new construction property built under NCI, a District government program creating vibrant mixed-income neighborhoods. Park Morton is one of four NCI projects, along with ‘Rise at Temple Courts’ in Northwest One, which officially opened in Ward 6 in late 2022. There’s also Lincoln Heights and Richardson Dwellings in Ward 7, with ‘Providence Place and The Strand Residences’ – two 100% affordable housing communities where 179 units were delivered; including 63 through NCI; and, Barry Farm in Ward 8, where construction of the 139-unit Edmonson is underway and The Asberry, a 108-unit mixed-use property, opened in late 2024.
Mark Gillett, executive director of the Oklahoma City Housing Authoirty, recently sat down with The Oklahoman to give a brief video explainer about the HCV program and how chronic federal underfunding of the program presents challenges for OCHA and impacts local housing opportunities. Watch the video here.
From the San Diego Housing Commission's press release:
The latest phase in the transformation of the former site of the Sheriff’s Crime Lab into an intergenerational community on Mt. Etna Drive in Clairemont has been completed, with the grand opening celebrated today for two adjacent developments that provide 228 new affordable rental homes for families with lower incomes.
“Mt. Etna is part of a bigger story—one where every week, every ribbon that we cut, we are seeing real progress in our shared effort to ensure that all San Diegans have a place to call home,” Mayor Todd Gloria said at today’s grand opening.
Modica Family Apartments and Taormina Family Apartments were developed by Chelsea Investment Corporation (Chelsea) in collaboration with the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC), and additional partners. Rents will remain affordable for 55 years for households with lower incomes.
“This is a big step toward reducing San Diego’s housing shortage by providing affordable, high-quality housing for all of our City residents,” said City Councilmember Dr. Jennifer Campbell, who represents Council District 2, including the new developments.
The developments were built at the former site of the Sheriff’s Crime Lab. The County of San Diego ground leased the land to Chelsea for 99 years and awarded funding from the County’s Innovative Housing Trust Fund to support the developments.
“Today, we are seeing the second and third properties open doors at this location, where land was offered by the County through its initiative to use excess County sites to develop affordable housing,” County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe said. “This is also a first step toward many more projects to come.”
SDHC awarded a $3 million loan toward the Modica development, consisting of federal and local funds SDHC administers, including:
- $2.4 million from the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awards to the City of San Diego; and
- $600,000 from the City of San Diego’s Affordable Housing Fund.
SDHC awarded eight rental housing vouchers to the Taormina development to help residents pay their rent. These vouchers are linked directly to the apartments at the development, so that when a resident moves on, the voucher will remain to help another family with low income.
“A stable, affordable place to call home is an essential foundation that families need to thrive at work, in school, with their health and in community connection. The Modica and Taormina developments will provide that foundation for decades to come for families with lower incomes,” SDHC President and CEO Lisa Jones said.
Financing for both properties includes recycled Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds made possible through an innovative collaboration among SDHC, the City of San Diego and the California Housing Finance Agency. Bond recycling allows for the re-use of previously allocated bond capacity that is normally lost, and recycles Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds, also known as private activity bonds, into a new project without the use of limited low-income housing tax credits. Private sources of funds, such as revenue from the developments, are used to repay the bonds. SDHC, the City of San Diego and the Housing Authority of the City of San Diego are not financially liable for the bonds.
“This is a great example of government and the private sector coming together to build affordable housing that’s needed by so many San Diego families,” said Ryan Lundergan, Chelsea’s Senior Development Manager. “Many of these families will now have a home in a supportive community they can be proud of. These two projects represent a significant milestone—a victory toward progress in providing affordable housing options that previously have been out of reach for so many San Diegans.”
A total of 58 units at the Modica and Taormina properties are set aside for residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Amenities at these units will include roll-in showers, grab bars, reversible shower seats, and vinyl corner guards, among other features. The San Diego Regional Center will provide services for the residents of these units in collaboration with Southern California Housing Collaborative.
“Our partnership with Chelsea and Southern California Housing Collaborative has created so many—I can’t tell you how many—units for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, where before the option was to live in congregate,” San Diego Regional Center Associate Executive Director Kate Kinnamont said. “Now some of them who choose to live in the community are being supported in units like this. It’s amazing. It’s life-changing for most of the individuals we support who will call one of these 58 units their home, their first home for the first time.”
In addition to Modica and Taormina, the Paul Downey Senior Residence opened in January at the Mt. Etna Drive site, providing 78 affordable housing units for seniors with low income. SDHC awarded a $3.95 million loan and eight rental housing vouchers to support the Paul Downey Senior Residence development.
Serving Seniors provides services for residents at all three developments, in collaboration with Southern California Housing Collaborative and the San Diego Regional Center.
A fourth development at the site, Terrasini Senior Apartments, is pending completion. It will consist of 94 additional affordable rental homes for seniors with low income.