A Newsletter For Our Friends & Partners                                           December 2008

 

 Home for the Holidays...and Beyond

16MarketSeasons greetings from the San Diego Housing Commission!
 
Shown here are just some of the children who live with their families at SDHC-owned affordable housing communities. They are among the more than 80,000 residents that benefit each year from award-winning SDHC programs - such as rental assistance vouchers, affordable apartments, home buyer and housing rehabilitation resources, supportive housing for special needs populations, and family self-sufficiency programs.
 
Through these and other SDHC programs, low- and moderate-income seniors, families and persons with disabilities are thriving - thanks to the support of SDHC's many friends and partners.
 
And so, on behalf of all SDHC employees and the clients we serve, I would like to express our utmost gratitude to all who have worked with us over the years to provide San Diegans with a broad range of housing opportunities.
 
Happy holidays,
 
Rick Gentry
President & CEO

 

Dawson Avenue Senior Apartments Break Ground

Dawson Avenue Senior apartments is the latest example of SDHC efforts with partners to increase affordable housing opportunities for San Diegans in need.
 
Developers Chelsea Investment Corp. and Housing Development Partners recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of the City Heights apartment complex - which will serve very low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. SDHC invested $7.8 million in the purchase and the construction of the 88-unit affordable rental development.  
 
 16MarketShown in the photo, left to right, are Myron Perryman of Bank of America, SDHC President & CEO Rick Gentry, Chelsea Investment Corp. President Jim Schmid, Then San Diego City Councilmember Jim Madaffer and Housing Development Partners' Robert Henderson and John Pedro Arena. 
 
The estimated construction completion date is March 2010. For application and waiting list information, call 888.290.3512.

For more information, read the news release and view a KUSI News story.

Quick Links

Website: www.sdhc.org

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Fact Sheet: Who We Help

 

 

Success Story

Getting Ahead

 

16MarketWhen Suzanne  first turned to SDHC for housing assistance, she was grateful to get much-needed help with her rent. Little did she know she'd also benefit from other agency resources, such as the agency's Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) and Aspire programs.


The FSS program helps clients set and achieve career development goals, with the long-term goal of achieving self-sufficiency. The Aspire program is designed to help participants become financially "fit" while saving money for specific goals, such as buying home, starting a business, or job training expenses.


Suzanne, who works at a hospital, used both of these resources to her advantage. With help from FSS, Suzanne came up with a plan to advance in her career as a medical billing specialist. She then used her Aspire savings to pay for advanced medical coding classes. After completing the classes, she earned a certificate in cancer coding. This accomplishment enabled Suzanne to get a raise at her job - helping put her on the road to economic independence.

 

As an added bonus, Suzanne's 13 year-old daughter, inspired by her mom, started her own savings account.

Affordable Housing Spotlight: Metro Villas

16MarketDeveloped by City Heights Community Development Corp. and San Diego Interfaith Housing with SDHC funding, Metro Villas is an affordable rental community located in the heart of City Heights. The site serves low-income families - such as Gregorio, María and their two children, Edwin and Jasmín. Gregorio works three miles from his home as delivery driver. His wife, María, is a yard duty attendant at the neighboring elementary school where Jasmín is enrolled. Previously, the family had rented a small, more costly apartment across town.

Metro Villas is part of Metro Center - an innovative mixed-use development that includes the San Diego Workforce Partnership and other community resources. Metro Villas has won awards from the National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials and the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies, among other honors.

 

Much Needed Wheelchair Ramp a Welcome Relief

Pedro, who uses a wheelchair, needed a ramp to better access his rental home. Pedro's landlord, Don, wanted to help, but lacked the resources to do so. Then Don heard about SDHC's Housing Rehabilitation Programs - which include, among other resources, accessibility grants for renters with disabilities. Soon, with help from SDHC, Pedro had his ramp.
 
"The Housing Commission staff and the contractors did a fantastic job! It exceeded my expectations. I can easily get inside my home now," said Pedro.
 
SDHC offers grants of up to $3,500 to make rental properties accessible to tenants with disabilities. The funds can be used to build ramps, widen doors, and install walk-in showers, grab bars, raised toilets, or to make other improvements.
 
To hear more about Pedro's story, view the 10News segment. Click here for more information about SDHC's Housing Rehabilitation Programs.

 

                 

 

 

SDHCLogo

 

The San Diego Housing Commission is a public agency working to expand affordable housing opportunities in the City of San Diego. Each year, the agency helps 80,000 low-income individuals with affordable housing through award-winning programs that benefit the city's economy and revitalize neighborhoods. The agency also finances affordable housing development and advises the San Diego City Council on housing policy matters. Learn more: www.sdhc.org.