Linc Housing Starts Construction on 81 More New Affordable and Supportive Apartments in Los Angeles County
Construction is underway on a new affordable housing community that includes 81 homes, with 34 apartments for people who have experienced homelessness.
LA PUENTE, Calif., March 25, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Linc Housing, a nonprofit developer and owner of affordable and supportive housing throughout California, started construction on Equa, an 81-unit apartment community in Los Angeles County's Avocado Heights neighborhood. Thirty-four of the new homes are for people who have experienced homelessness, while the remainder are for low-income households earning 30-70% of the area median income.
Named as a tribute the area's equestrian heritage and Linc's commitment to helping build a more equitable society, Equa will provide much needed housing for this neighborhood in unincorporated Los Angeles County. The six-story building, located at 162 S. 3rd Avenue near La Puente, Calif., will have 40 one-bedroom, 20 two-bedroom, and 20 three-bedroom apartments, as well as one three-bedroom manager's unit.
"Los Angeles County is proud to partner with Linc Housing to bring much needed affordable and supportive housing to the community near La Puente," shared Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis, Supervisor to the First District. "Prior to the pandemic, the County was facing a homelessness crisis that has been marked by systemic inequities and a lack of affordable housing that has only been exacerbated by the pandemic. Through this partnership, we are addressing this issue head-on and ensuring our most vulnerable families and community members are housed."
The complex, which will seek LEED certification, will feature ample community space, including two courtyards, a tot lot, and open space for children of all ages to play. The central community room located on the ground floor will include space for the residents to gather, a reading area, and a game room. Where the residential spaces begin on the second floor, landscaping and seating areas provide a welcoming gathering area, promoting social interaction. Thirteen apartments will be accessible for individuals with mobility or sensory impairments.
"We know the solution to the affordable housing and homelessness issue in Los Angeles is to build more housing," said Suny Lay Chang, president and COO, Linc Housing. "Equa represents another excellent collaboration with Los Angeles County, whose support helped make this new community a reality. We're working side-by-side with the County to get as much housing built as quickly as possible. Our vision for Equa is to provide a beautiful and safe environment for individuals and families to thrive. Linc is invested for the long run, and we'll make sure residents have the support they need to pursue their goals."
With funding support from Los Angeles County, the 34 households that have experienced homelessness will receive intensive case management. Supportive services will include mental health and physical health services, employment counseling and job placement, education, substance abuse counseling, money management, assistance in obtaining and maintaining benefits, and referrals to community-based services and resources. In addition, Linc will offer its signature resident services programs, focused on nutrition, exercise, after-school program, adult education, and community engagement.
Funding for the development comes from a variety of sources including construction and permanent loans from Union Bank, $5 million from the Los Angeles County Development Authority (No Place Like Home funds), and tax credit equity from Raymond James Tax Credit Funds Inc. In a unique partnership with Raymond James, CVS Health has provided funding as part of their commitment to address housing insecurities and promote community health improvement in vulnerable populations. The County of Los Angeles provided a permit fee waiver as well as rental assistance vouchers for 45 units. The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services will provide funding for the intensive case management.
D33 Design and Planning designed Equa, and National Community Renaissance (CORE) is the general contractor. Construction of affordable housing has been designated an essential activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the construction team will follow recommended safety protocols to keep the job site safe. The development is due to be completed in late 2022. The 34 supportive housing apartments will be filled through referrals from the County of Los Angeles Coordinated Entry System (CES). Rental information for the remaining homes will be available closer to the completion date.
About Linc Housing Corporation
Linc Housing, one of California's most productive nonprofit developers of affordable housing, is committed to building communities and strengthening neighborhoods for people underserved by the marketplace. Linc has helped create nearly 8,800 homes in 88 communities throughout the state. The organization's properties are known for excellent design, outstanding management and life-enhancing services for its residents. Linc has 37 years of service to families, seniors, people with special needs, and local governments - helping to create sustainable communities via new construction, acquisition and rehabilitation, and historic preservation. Visit http://www.Linchousing.org for more information.
Media Contact
Holly Ferris, Linc Housing, 562-746-8461, [email protected]
SOURCE Linc Housing
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