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January 12, 2021


Virtual Groundbreaking Celebrates New Construction of 95 Affordable Rental Apartments in Linda Vista


The development, a collaboration with SDHC, will include 10 units for veterans who experienced homelessness


SAN DIEGO, CA — A development being constructed in collaboration with the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) that celebrated its groundbreaking virtually today with an online video will create 95 new affordable rental apartments in Linda Vista, including 10 studios for veterans who previously experienced homelessness.

“For those who will live here, this is not just affordable housing. This is home. This is safety and security. This project also will help put folks to work at a time when they, our economy, and California families are hurting,” said California State Senate Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, one of the many speakers who recorded video messages for today’s groundbreaking. “This project by Community HousingWorks is an example of the good that can happen when we use innovation to guide our approach to creating more housing solutions in California.”

All of the units at Ulric Street Apartments will remain affordable for the next 55 years for households with low income.

“This is a project that perfectly encapsulates the vision that I have for what San Diego should be doing more of. Nearly 100 affordable homes for families, veterans, and transition-aged youth in the heart of a diverse community,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.

Amenities located on-site for residents will include a computer lab and community room with access to technology and resident programs, a fitness room, playground and a citrus orchard. Security features will include a gated entry and security cameras.

“The Ulric Street Apartments, a project taken on by Community HousingWorks, is not just a housing development; it is a project that has the potential to truly change people’s lives,” said Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, which directed $7 million from the County’s Innovative Housing Trust Fund to support this development.

The development will include apartments affordable to households with income of 30 percent to 60 percent of San Diego’s Area Median Income, or approximately $34,650 to $69,300 per year for a family of four.

“The COVID-19 pandemic this year has reinforced the importance of having an affordable place to call home. Providing affordable homes is an important part of our mission at the Housing Commission,” SDHC President & CEO Richard C. Gentry said. “I look forward to the completion of Ulric Street Apartments and the positive impact it will have in the Linda Vista community and the City of San Diego.”

SDHC awarded a $7 million loan toward the Ulric Street Apartments development from federal and local funding sources SDHC administers:

  • $1.5 million in federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded to the City of San Diego; and
  • $5.5 million in City of San Diego Affordable Housing Funds.

SDHC also authorized the issuance of $34.9 million in Multifamily Revenue Bonds to support the development. The San Diego City Council, in its role as the Housing Authority of the City of San Diego, authorized 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. Private sources of funds, such as revenue from the development, are used to repay the bonds.

In addition, through its homelessness action plan HOUSING FIRST – SAN DIEGO, SDHC awarded 10 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers to help pay rent for veterans who previously experienced homelessness. They will receive supportive services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The development also includes 10 units set aside for transitional-aged youth, who will receive assistance from Home Start.

“More than a roof over their heads, too, this project represents a chance for new connections to better opportunities … a neighborhood in the best sense where residents can gain access to opportunity, near good jobs, a cleaner environment, good schools and easy access to transportation,” said Gustavo Velasquez, Director at the California Department of Housing & Community Development, which awarded $18.2 million from its Multifamily Housing Program.

The development is located near the Linda Vista Community Park and the Linda Vista Recreation Center.

“Beyond the property, this great neighborhood will provide the future residents with many local public resources, including schools, parks, public transportation, the Linda Vista Library, and numerous retail and employment centers,” said Community HousingWorks President & CEO Sean Spear.

The affordable units at Ulric Street Apartments will consist of 12 studios, 21 one-bedroom apartments, 33 two-bedroom apartment and 29 three-bedroom apartments. The development also includes a one-bedroom manager’s unit.

Construction is estimated to be completed in spring 2022.

For more information, visit www.sdhc.org.

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Media Contact: 

Scott Marshall

Vice President of Communications

San Diego Housing Commission

619-578-7138

scottm@sdhc.org

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