The new Villa Serena is the realization of a decadeslong vision shared by National CORE, the City of San Marcos, the County of San Diego and residents, transforming 1970s-era apartments into a beautiful, safe and sustainable affordable community. The first phase of the two-phase reconstruction provides 85 highquality one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes for individuals and families earning less than 60% of the area median income. The second phase will provide an additional 63 apartments, replacing the original 136 units with 148 new apartment homes. Thirty percent of these new homes are three-bedroom to better meet the needs of the family-centric neighborhood and eight homes are set-aside for young adults aging out of the foster care system.

The Hope through Housing Foundation offers direct services to residents onsite, focusing on helping children and teens achieve success, improving families’ financial well-being and promoting health and wellness for residents of all ages. Children and teen residents have access to neighborhood afterschool programming through a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos. A new 1,933 square-foot community center serves as a hub for these services, as well as for community events and activities. Additional onsite amenities include play areas, electric vehicle charging and laundry facilities.

Information about the Services Provider

Believing that both people and place matter in achieving community-wide well-being, Hope through Housing concentrates on direct services, partnerships, and other resources right in the neighborhoods that need them most. At the individual level, our goal is to see all people thrive—whether that means helping children do well in school, improving families’ financial situations, providing supportive services to individuals with special needs, or making it possible for seniors to age with dignity in their own homes. These individual successes add up, influencing the community’s quality of life and enabling real change in neighborhoods of poverty, crime, blight, and isolation.