If you have been following today’s Café, you get the idea that in recent years government has been stepping back from its historical role in creating affordable housing. The erosion of this traditional source of affordable housing does not mean there is any less demand for it. Thankfully, in the absence of public or private sources, the not-for-profit community has stepped up to fill this void.
Today in San Diego, many wonderful nonprofit organizations, in partnership with the San Diego Housing Commission and public and private lenders, are providing substantial amounts of affordable housing to our city’s residents. From community service organizations like Senior Community Centers and Jewish Family Service to nonprofit developers such as Affirmed Housing Group and San Diego Interfaith Housing Federation, the nonprofit sector is leveraging a variety of funding sources to provide real solutions to our affordable housing problem.
Two of my favorite recently completed affordable projects are the expanded homeless veterans shelter by Veterans Villages of San Diego and a project for homeless youth by the San Diego LGBT Community Center. You can find a list of recently completed or soon to be completed affordable housing projects on the Housing Commission’s website. The site also lists ways those who need assistance can be placed on the interest lists for these complexes.