Peoples' Self-Help Housing

Peoples' Self-Help Housing

Media Contacts: Chris Davis/Marjorie M. Wass (805) 687-3322

Peoples' Self-Help Housing Breaks Ground on its
First "New Construction" Affordable Housing in
City of San Luis Obispo

Official Groundbreaking ceremony for The Villas at Higuera

San Luis Obispo, March 1, 2007--The Villas at Higuera will be the first new affordable housing complex in the City of San Luis Obispo built by Peoples’ Self-Help Housing. When completed, the mixed-use development will provide 28 permanently affordable studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments, 3,000 square feet of commercial space and nearly 3,000 square feet of community space, designed for special events, gatherings, and educational programs available to all tenants.

All 28 apartments will assist low income residents: 21 of the units will be reserved for renters with income ranges from 30%-50% of the Area Median Income (which is characterized as extremely low and very low-income) and seven units will serve persons having between 50%-60% of the Area Median Income. The apartments will consist of 6 studio apartments, 6 one-bedroom flats, 1 two-bedroom flat, 6 two-bedroom townhomes, 7 three-bedroom flats, and 2 three-bedroom townhomes. Rents will range from approximately $300-900 dollars per month.

San Luis Obispo City leaders and many community organizations agree that the increase of affordable housing opportunities in the City needs to be one of their highest priorities. Therefore, partnerships with established organizations such as Peoples’ Self-Help Housing are critical to addressing affordable housing needs.

“The City of San Luis Obispo strongly encourages construction of housing affordable to those at the lower end of the economic spectrum. Peoples’ Self-Help Housing has a great reputation for building affordable, attractive, quality housing. Therefore the City of San Luis Obispo is proud to partner with Peoples’ Self-Help Housing to bring this affordable and attractive housing to our community,” said San Luis Obispo Mayor Dave Romero.

Media Advisory

What: A groundbreaking ceremony for The Villas at Higuera, 28 new permanently affordable apartments and commercial space, developed by Peoples’ Self-Help Housing

When: Monday March 5, 10 AM

Where: 3071 S. Higuera Street

Who: Mayor Dave Romero, San Luis Obispo City and County staff, Representative from Congresswoman Lois Capps’ office, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Board and staff

Funding partners: City of San Luis Obispo ; County of San Luis Obispo , HOME; Washington Mutual Bank; Coast National Bank; Enterprise Community Investment, Tax Credit

Development Partners: Brummel Myrick & Associates, Carroll Building Company, Inc., EDA, Firma, R2L Architects, Inc., Taylor & Syfan, Thoma Electric

Peoples’ Self-Help Housing is an award winning non-profit organization with 36 years of experience developing affordable housing and community facilities for low-income and special needs households. With over 1000 homes completed and over 1200 rental units owned and managed by Peoples’ Self-Help Housing, PSHH continues to strengthen its reputation and leadership position as the premiere affordable housing and community developer on the Central Coast . PSHH is committed to developing vibrant neighborhoods, build attractive, high quality housing and to provide innovative community services, so their residents have every possible opportunity to succeed in life.

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