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Housing Matters July 2007 | |
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A Newsletter for Our Friends and Partners |
| Welcome to the inaugural issue of
Housing Matters, a monthly e-newsletter from the San Diego Housing Commission. As one of our key contacts, we want to keep you informed of our activities, as well as trends affecting housing issues locally and across the country. My hope is that you will find this information valuable as we work together to expand affordable housing opportunities in San Diego. Thank you as always for your support.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth C. Morris
President & CEO
p.s. Click on the links below to update your email address or forward this email to a colleague! |
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Affordable Housing Spotlight: Las Serenas |
On the San Diego-National City border, two side-by-side apartment complexes had become victims of neglect. Trash, graffiti and barren play areas had become the norm.
A local nonprofit affordable housing developer, Community HousingWorks (CHW), saw potential for a fresh start. CHW purchased and transformed the properties into safe, affordable housing that looks like new -- a stellar example of an "acquisition-rehabilitation."
SDHC helped by providing CHW with a $6.1 million loan and $9 million of tax-exempt bond financing. Renamed Las Serenas, the 108-unit apartment complex serves very low-income families. On-site services include a 2,100-square-foot multipurpose room, computer center and after-school tutoring. New landscaping, two new playgrounds and security equipment have helped make Las Serenas a safe and welcoming community. Congratulations to Community HousingWorks!
KUSI reporter Rod Luck recently visited Las Serenas. Click here to view the media segment. | |
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Success Story |
 Nineteen-year-old Marie is a former foster care child who lived in too many homes to count. Now she finally has her own home.
Marie lives at the newly renovated 35th Street Apartments - a transitional supportive housing development that received funding from SDHC. Operated by San Diego Youth & Community Services, the program helps foster care youth "aging out of the system" transition to the real world. Program staff work with residents to help them become self-sufficient.
"Everything I've been through has made me stronger," says Marie, who is studying to be an X-ray technician.
SDHC has provided $15.9 million to fund the development of 605 housing units and 279 beds for supportive housing programs like 35th Street Apartments.
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Housing Commission Earns LEED Silver Certification |
 SDHC's new office building at Smart Corner has received LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The prestigious designation recognizes the world's most environmentally friendly buildings.
The building's "green" features include energy-efficient heating, cooling and water systems, natural lighting, low-emission carpets and paints, as well as environmentally sound janitorial services. Construction materials included recycled content and sustainable materials, such as bamboo wood.
SDHC's new office building is providing improved services to clients with amenities such as private meeting rooms, easier access for persons with disabilities, and proximity to public transit. The building is the anchor of a unique project called Smart Corner, which embodies all elements of smart growth: housing, retail and offices on one site; public transit, environmentally friendly; high housing density, diversity of housing prices; and a public-private partnership.
Read the news release about SDHC receiving LEED Silver Certification.
Read the fact sheet about SDHC's "smart" offices at Smart Corner. |
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Two Directors Join SDHC |
 After conducting a nationwide search, SDHC has hired two directors to join its management team. As Director of the Rental Assistance Program, Lenny Moore will lead the agency's Section 8 housing program, which provides rental assistance to 12,400 low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities each year. Moore has 15 years of experience in public sector financial management, including 10 years with the United States Government Accountability Office. Moore is a Certified Public Accountant and holds an MBA from University of Illinois.
 As the agency's new Director of Finance/Chief Financial Officer, John Pfeiffer has 15 years of experience in financial management for government and nonprofit organizations. Most recently, he was Chief Financial Officer for the Dallas Housing Authority. Pfeiffer is a Certified Public Accountant and holds an MBA from Boise State University.
Read the news release.
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SDHC People, Projects Win Awards |
 The San Diego Housing Federation recently announced its annual Outstanding Affordable Housing & Community Development Awards. Three affordable housing projects developed in partnership with SDHC were honored: Lillian Place in downtown San Diego, Fairbanks Ridge in North City (pictured right), and Veterans Village.
In addition, D. Todd Philips, Director of Policy & Public Affairs, was honored with the John Craven Memorial Award. Named for a former SDHC staff member, the award is given to a public sector employee who has shown outstanding commitment to affordable housing.
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Public Feedback Sought for Federal Funds Application |
| On behalf of the City of San Diego, the San Diego Housing Commission prepares the City's Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, which serve as a community investment blueprint and annual application for nearly $30 million in federal grants. The funds are used for community and economic development activities throughout the City. Currently, SDHC is inviting the public to provide feedback on proposed amendments to the 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan and Fiscal Year 2008 Annual Action Plan. Comments must be submitted to SDHC by August 20, 2007. For more details, click here. |
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. | |
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