CLPHA Press Room

From Fox 61 New Haven:

The housing crisis is creating a dire situation for many people across Connecticut. Now, New Haven leaders are introducing a new ordinance to add more options for affordable housing.

“We all are very concerned about access to housing,” said New Haven’s Mayor Justin Elicker at a press conference at City Hall Thursday. “It’s a really urgent situation for many people in the community.”

If adopted, OR-2023-0047 would allow for more ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units).

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The new phase of the ordinance, already in the hands of the Board of Alders, gets rid of the owner occupancy rule and allows people to build brand new structures on their property. Those structures, however, do have to follow the current building code.

“The more that we can streamline and remove barriers to the process, that all contributes to the owner being able to rent that property at a lower rate,” said Karen Dubois-Walton, President of Elm City Communities.

If passed, a total of 4,000 new parcels could be created throughout the city of New Haven.

Read Fox 61 New Haven's article "New Haven leaders propose ordinance allowing homeowners to build small dwellings on property."

From the San Diego Housing Commission's press release:

A vacant portion of a transit station parking lot will be transformed into nearly 100 new affordable rental apartments for families with lower income through the new construction of SkyLINE Apartments, which celebrated its groundbreaking today in Rancho Bernardo.

“Projects like SkyLINE, with this incredible constellation of organizations all working in the same direction, doesn’t just give me hope, but I think gives hope to many San Diegans that wonder whether or not there’s a future for them here in San Diego,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said. “SkyLINE and projects like it are proof positive that if you’re willing to work hard, we will do everything we possibly can to make a place for you here, that you belong here, that we want you here.”

Affirmed Housing is developing SkyLINE Apartments in collaboration with the City of San Diego, the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC), the Couty of San Diego, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and many additional organizations.

“SkyLINE will bring much-needed affordable housing units to the Rancho Bernardo community,” San Diego City Councilmember and MTS Board Chair Stephen Whitburn said. “This development goes beyond affordable housing. It also aims to build a thriving community with amenities for residents to balance their daily lives with work and school and social activities, raising families, and much more. Additionally, SkyLINE will make it convenient for its residents to connect with the rest of San Diego by offering accessible transit just steps away from their front door.”

“This is the second groundbreaking we’re having in Rancho Bernardo for affordable housing with Affirmed,” said San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, who represents the Council District where SkyLINE is being built. “We pushed for years to get affordable housing up here in District 5 up here into Rancho Bernardo and Scripps Ranch. … I’m so honored to have this in District 5.”

The County of San Diego awarded a loan toward the financing for SkyLINE.

“A hundred homes for low income is really important to the County. It’s important for our region, and I just want to thank everybody that helps and participates,” said County of San Diego Supervisor Joel Anderson, whose supervisorial district includes Rancho Bernardo and who proclaimed today as SkyLINE day in the County.

SkyLINE will consist of 99 affordable rental apartments for households earning 30 percent to 55 percent of the San Diego Area Median Income (AMI), or between $41,350 to $75,790 per year for a family of four. The property will also have one unrestricted manager’s unit.

“New affordable housing has never been more desperately needed than it is today,” SDHC Vice Chair of the Board Ryan Clumpner said. “That is why this groundbreaking is so important. It is a significant milestone toward the creation of 100 new affordable rental apartments here in Rancho Bernardo.”

SDHC awarded 30 federal rental housing vouchers to the SkyLINE development to help pay rent for residents with the lowest income, 30 percent of AMI. These vouchers are tied directly to this development. When a household moves on, the voucher stays to help another household with low income.

In addition, SDHC authorized the issuance of $42.5 million in tax-exempt Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds for the development. The City Council, in its role as the Housing Authority of the City of San Diego (Housing Authority), approved the bonds. SDHC, the City of San Diego, and the Housing Authority are not financially liable for the bonds. Private sources of funds, such as revenue from the development, are used to repay the bonds.

“SkyLINE will be that beacon of hope for 100 deserving families. Today would not be possible without Affirmed’s partnership with MTS and their dedication to providing housing, especially affordable housing at its transit-rich locations with land throughout the county,” Affirmed Housing President Jimmy Silverwood said.

Financing for the development includes a $5 million loan from the City of San Diego through the Bridge to Home program, a $2 million loan from the County of San Diego through its Innovative Housing Trust Fund, and a nearly $4.5 million Infill Infrastructure Grant from the State of California’s Department of Housing and Community Development.

The apartments at SkyLINE will consist of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units that will remain affordable for 55 years. The development is being built on a vacant portion of an MTS parking lot at the Rancho Bernardo Transit Station.

ConAm Management Corporation will manage SkyLINE Apartments, and Compass for Affordable Housing will provide resident services to the property’s tenants. These services include adult education, health and wellness classes, financial literacy, nutrition, exercise, art, parent, food preparation, career building, job readiness, computer education, voter registration, and activities to develop community leadership, among other enrichment activities.

Each of SkyLINE’s apartments will include air conditioning, blinds and kitchen amenities, including refrigerator, oven, disposal, dishwasher and microwave. The property will be built to conform with the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee’s minimum energy efficiency standards with the inclusion of a rooftop photovoltaic solar energy system, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) lighting, and energy efficient appliances.

Site amenities include a children’s play area, a community room with a computer room, shaded outdoor gathering spaces with built-in seating and a leasing office.

Over 1,500 child welfare-involved families and 600 eligible foster youth across Washington State will now have access to much-needed housing assistance thanks to a historic agreement between the Department of Children, Youth, and Families and a network of public housing authorities and housing non-profits. The housing network pledged 2,167 federal housing vouchers and apartment units for families and youth involved with the child welfare system.

DCYF Secretary Ross Hunte and along with representatives of the public housing authorities and housing non-profits signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last week, which will allow the agency to meet the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements needed to access vouchers under the Family Unification Program (FUP) and Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) voucher programs.

CLPHA applauds DCYF an the Association of Washington Housing Authorities for sharing data to acheive these efforts—CLPHA's Housing Is Initiative has long championed our belief that data sharing across sectors among partners that serve the same vulnerable populations helps streamline programming and processes for low-income people seeking to access services. When agencies share data, they obtain a better understanding of the people seeking their resources and services, allowing them to better meet their needs. 

Over the years, there has been a lack of capacity in parts of the state, but through this partnership, DCYF and public housing authority and non-profits will now be able to serve more youth and families with housing statewide. Eligible families and youth will receive referrals from their DCYF caseworker to a contracted provider who will help them locate housing that accepts vouchers.

Michael Mirra, retired executive director of the Tacoma Housing Authority and co-chair of the Housing and Child Welfare Subcommittee, said the agreement will imbed housing into the child welfare system.  

“It will spare children and families from the trauma of avoidable out-of-home placement, it will house teenagers coming from foster care or juvenile rehabilitation who would otherwise start their independent adulthood by becoming homeless, it will help the state’s child welfare workers perform what may be the hardest job in public service; and it will save the state money in averted foster care costs,” he explained.

Lowel Krueger, executive director of the Yakima Housing Authority said folks from the Association of Washington Housing Authorities were grateful for all of the partners who "persisted in establishing this innovative collaboration to provide families involved in the child welfare system with housing, a critical first step in helping families and changing life outcomes for children."

DCYF’s ability to begin to provide the contracted Housing Supportive Services that are necessary to fulfill its commitment to HUD was made possible through $8 million in investments from the Legislature.

“We are excited to sign this historic document with all the partnerships and what it means for the families we serve,” said Hunter. “When our youth and families are supported, they thrive, preventing deeper penetration into the child welfare system.”

View Press Release

View MOU

From the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development's press release:

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) today announced the selection of exciting plans to develop a city-owned parking lot at 351 Powers Avenue in The Bronx into “Powerhouse Apartments,” providing deeply affordable homes and a community theatre at an electric-powered building in Mott Haven.  

To be developed through a collaboration between Lemle & Wolff Development Co., HELP Development Corp., and True Development New York, LLC, the announcement of Powerhouse Apartments marks the latest advancement in HPD’s month-long push to advance affordable housing projects on publicly owned land across the city, putting into motion New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ 24 in 24 plan. Through the 24 in 24 plan, the Adams administration aims to advance the creation or preservation of over 12,000 homes through partnerships across HPD, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).   

Last week, HPD launched the start of the process to develop a major piece of Long Island City’s Hunter’s Point South neighborhood into approximately 850 to 900 homes and opened the proposal submission process to build over 100 homes along Stebbins Avenue in The Bronx. The week before, HPD launched the community engagement process to build approximately 570 homes along the Harlem River waterfront in Inwood, Manhattan, and selected plans to build approximately 116 homes for low-income families in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. Today’s announcement marks the fifth project HPD has moved forward in the last three weeks, which all together have the potential to create over 1,700 new homes once completed.  

“Powerhouse Apartments in Mott Haven is a great example of our commitment to creating housing that's affordable, sustainable, and rich in amenities for residents and neighbors,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “Powerhouse will convert a parking lot into 90 affordable homes that meet our carbon neutrality goals while providing a theater, community space, and a workforce development center. We are excited to add this project to the '24 in 24' commitment, advancing 24 projects to create or preserve over 12,000 homes citywide.”

“Today marks an electrifying start to transforming this parking lot into high-quality, sustainable, affordable housing here in the heart of the South Bronx,” said HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “The driving forces behind this announcement are a testament to the future of housing in New York City – sustainable, affordable housing will not only benefit the residents of Powerhouse Apartments but helps reverse environmental injustices and moves the city closer to carbon neutrality and healthier neighborhoods for generations to come.” 

Read press release.

From the San Diego Housing Commission's press release:

Ongoing, collaborative efforts to create additional permanent affordable homes with supportive services for people experiencing homelessness in San Diego will receive another infusion of state funding with the award of $35 million from the Homekey program to the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC).

The Homekey funds will support SDHC’s proposed purchase of an extended-stay hotel property on Hotel Circle, which will be converted into affordable homes with supportive services, in collaboration with the City of San Diego and County of San Diego.

“Housing ends homelessness, and this latest funding award will help us house more than 160 San Diegans and provide the services they need to remain stably housed,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “I applaud Governor Gavin Newsom for this critical assistance and am grateful for the partnership of the Housing Commission, the County, federal partners, and the City Council in making the Homekey program a success in San Diego.”

The purchase and rehabilitation of the property at 2087 Hotel Circle South, to be known as Presidio Palms, will create 161 affordable rental apartments, all of which will serve people experiencing homelessness.

“Creativity and innovation are essential in solving our housing and homelessness crisis. The Homekey program has provided the tremendous opportunity to create affordable homes incredibly fast for San Diegans, meeting the moment of today’s need for housing. This new award shows just how fruitful collaboration between the City, the Housing Commission, and the County can be, and most importantly will result in lifting 161 of our neighbors out of homelessness and into housing,” City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera said.

“I want to thank Governor Newsom for granting this Homekey Award, which will help reduce homelessness in my district,” said City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who represents District 3, where the Hotel Circle property is located. “The best way to help people off the streets is to provide them housing and services, and many people will benefit from this opportunity. I congratulate and thank the San Diego Housing Commission for successfully applying for this funding.”

The City’s investment in this project includes federal project-based vouchers and funding from the American Rescue Plan Act garnered for the City with the support of U.S. Rep. Scott Peters.

“Our national housing and homelessness crisis demands that we snatch every opportunity presented to us to build more housing everywhere for everybody. That’s why when asked to lean in to help get this deal done, I was glad to do it. Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make this happen and to the Governor for selecting this project to fund. I look forward to the day its doors are opened so more people have a safe place to live,” Rep. Peters said.

The County Board of Supervisors has also approved capital and services funding to support this project.

“California’s Homekey program is more than just providing housing; it’s about giving dignity, security, and hope to those facing housing instability. San Diego County is dedicated to partnerships and funding to keep families, seniors, and veterans housed. With an extra $35 million in Homekey funds, the State is creating over 600 affordable apartments in San Diego, helping those experiencing homelessness. The opening of Presidio Palms shows the power of teamwork, marking another step towards caring and inclusive communities,” said Nora Vargas, Chairwoman of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

SDHC has committed 161 rental housing vouchers to help residents pay their rent at this property. SDHC will request approval from the SDHC Board of Commissioners, subject to review by the San Diego City Council, sitting as the Housing Authority of the City of San Diego, to accept and expend the funds for the purchase and rehabilitation of this property before proceeding.

The San Diego community provided broad support for SDHC’s application for Homekey funds, with many organizations submitting letters in support to the state. These organizations included the Asian Business Association of San Diego; California Restaurant Association’s San Diego County Chapter; East Village Association; Downtown San Diego Partnership; Forever Balboa Park; Little Italy Association; Lucky Duck Foundation; San Diego Black American Policy Association Foundation; San Diego Food Bank; San Diego Padres; and San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

In the current round of Homekey funding, the state allocated $41.1 million for the San Diego region. However, with the new award announced today, the state has awarded nearly $15 million more than that amount—$55.75 million—to San Diego in this round alone.

In addition to the Homekey funds awarded for Presidio Palms, San Diego has received more than $70.2 million from the Homekey program, including previous rounds of funding, to create 447 affordable homes:

• Pacific Village. In September 2023, the State awarded $16.85 million for SDHC’s purchase and rehabilitation of a hotel property at 3737-3747 Midway Drive in the Midway Community to create 62 affordable single-room occupancy (SRO) units with supportive services . SDHC committed 62 rental housing vouchers to help the residents pay their rent.
• Abbott Street Apartments. Also in September 2023, the State awarded an additional $3.9 million that will support SDHC’s collaboration with Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation to rehabilitate a vacant multifamily housing property at 2147 Abbott Street in Ocean Beach to create 13 affordable homes . SDHC awarded housing vouchers to help residents pay their rent.
• PATH Villas El Cerrito: In 2022, the State awarded $11.83 million in Homekey funds to help finance the development of 40 new affordable rental apartments at 5476 El Cajon Blvd. in the El Cerrito neighborhood. The development is a partnership among PATH Ventures, Family Health Centers of San Diego and Bold Communities. The City and County also allocated funds to this development, with the County committing additional funds for supportive services. SDHC awarded housing vouchers to help the residents pay rent.
• Kearny Vista and Valley Vista Apartments: During the pandemic in 2020, in the first round of Homekey funding, the state awarded $37.7 million to SDHC toward the purchase of two extended-stay hotel properties. The City also allocated funds toward the purchase of these properties, and the County allocated funding for supportive services. Today, the properties continue to provide 332 homes with supportive services and housing vouchers to help residents pay their rent.

The Homekey program provides an opportunity to bring much-needed housing online faster and cheaper than traditional new-construction affordable housing. Thanks to funding and regulatory streamlining from Homekey, San Diego has a unique opportunity to get people out of encampments and shelters and into permanent homes in months rather than years.