Wakeland Unveils Affordable Senior Complex

by ​Daily Transcript
March 24, 2022

​SAN DIEGO - Wakeland Housing and Development Corp. held a grand opening March 18 for the Ivy Senior Apartments in Clairemont, which will provide affordable housing for people older than 55 who have experienced homelessness.

The 53-unit property has rental homes designed specifically for unhoused seniors age 55-plus who have ongoing medical needs. Residents will have access to services provided by PATH (People Assisting The Homeless), St. Paul's Senior Services' Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and the Alpha Project.

"Ivy Senior Apartments is unique in that it not only gives these seniors a safe place to live, but also offers wraparound supportive services designed to help them live stable, independent lives," Wakeland President and CEO Ken Sauder said in a statement. "Completing this property demonstrates Wakeland's commitment to provide affordable and supportive homes that help people who are struggling during the current housing crisis."

Designed by BNIM and built by Allgire General Contractors, Ivy Senior Apartments has three stories of studio apartments furnished to meet the needs of seniors. The units face a large interior courtyard that brings fresh air and natural light to residents, along with gathering spaces and a community garden. The ground floor also contains a lobby with seating, offices for medical and social services, and a large community room to host resident gatherings and workshops

"This is what solves homelessness," San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said. "Permanent supportive housing solves homelessness. Time was that homelessness was just a downtown issue. Not anymore. It's in every neighborhood in this city, and every neighborhood has to be a part of the solution."

One out of four homeless adults in the region are 55 years old or older, according to Wakeland Housing and Development, and the need is expected to increase. Supportive housing gives residents a permanent home where they can benefit from a combination of affordable, high-quality housing and supportive services that promote health, housing stability and individual well-being.

The $27 million development was completed on time and on budget. Financing was provided by a number of sources, including an award of 9% tax credits from the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee. Wells Fargo provided tax credit equity and a construction loan. The San Diego Housing Commission provided a loan and project-based Section 8 vouchers.
Other funds came from the city of San Diego, the CalHFA Special Needs Housing Program (administered by the County of San Diego), the California Community Reinvestment Corp., and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco Affordable Housing Program. Acquisition financing was provided by Century Housing.

​Residents have already been identified for Ivy Senior Apartments, but people who think they may qualify for supportive housing should call 211, visit the Homelessness Response Center located at 1401 Imperial Avenue in downtown San Diego, or visit https://www.sdhc.org/homelessness-solutions/hrc/.