San Diego, Calif. – The Iris at San Ysidro, National CORE’s stunning new family community in San Diego, blends high-quality, affordable homes and the best of community amenities with a revitalized community park, walkability and regional transit access.
National CORE leaders, partners, elected officials and residents gathered Dec. 16 to celebrate the grand opening of The Iris, which sits catty-corner to both a San Diego Light Rail stop and the renovated Howard Lane Park.
“I am proud the City of San Diego helped make The Iris at San Ysidro possible as part of our ongoing commitment to create more affordable homes and strengthen neighborhoods across our city,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said. “By providing both affordable housing and supportive services, this development helps us tackle our housing affordability crisis and end homelessness for more San Diegans.”
National CORE partnered with Mayor Gloria, City of San Diego Councilmember Vivian Moreno and the local community to also secure a $5 million grant through the California Department of Housing and Community Development to renovate Howard Lane Park. Updates include restoration of a children’s playground and a new shade structure, security lighting and fitness equipment. The grant also funded a boost in neighborhood walkability with a high-intensity activated crosswalk (HAWK) system that links the Iris, Howard Lane Park, schools, shops and services.
The Iris is National CORE’s 25th San Diego community. The developer plans to open four more communities in 2026 and 2027, collectively providing more than 2,250 apartment homes across San Diego County.
“Working with the San Ysidro community has been a dream come true for National CORE, because our partnership is providing thousands of families and individuals with a place to call home, opportunities for growth and a platform to thrive,” National CORE Vice President John Seymour said. “Together, we are building not just housing, but a foundation for stronger, healthier and more vibrant communities. We look forward to continuing this collaboration with the community to uplift and provide supportive housing for our most vulnerable populations – including families, seniors and veterans.”
The Iris includes 15 Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) apartments for residents who have faced homelessness, bringing the National CORE’s total number of PSH apartments in San Diego to 323.
Efforts like the Iris to combat homelessness are gaining ground in San Diego, with the city recording a 7% drop to 9,905 people experiencing homelessness, down from 2024’s 10,605, according to the 2025 Point in Time Count. However, San Diegans still need to earn $48 an hour – 2.8 times the state minimum wage – to afford median rental prices, according to the California Housing Partnership.
“Housing affordability continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing South County families,” said County of San Diego First District Supervisor Paloma Aguirre, who represents San Ysidro. “I am proud to support The Iris at San Ysidro because it reflects the kind of thoughtful development our region needs – housing that’s affordable, sustainable and connected to parks, transit and community services. The Iris at San Ysidro is a model for how thoughtful growth can create high-quality, sustainable homes that truly reflect the needs and values of our community.”
The Iris serves families and individuals earning below 60% of the area median income. It includes 50 mobility-accessible apartments and five hearing-accessible apartments.
“The Iris is a direct result of an effective public/private partnership, an example of how strategic collaboration can bring quality, affordable housing to communities throughout the county,” said David Estrella, director of San Diego County Housing and Community Development Services. “This partnership has created more than just a roof over someone’s head; it will provide families with a safe and stable environment for decades to come.”
As a National CORE standard, The Iris will priorsitize water conservation, energy efficiency and sustainability in each apartment home. The all-electric building features heat pumps and solar panels to provide clean, efficient energy for heating and cooling. As with other National CORE buildings, The Iris is expected to qualify for LEED for Homes Gold certification or better.
“Too many families in our community struggle to find a home they can afford, which is a crucial foundation to be able to thrive at school, in health, with community connections or at work,” San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) President and CEO Lisa Jones said.
“The Iris at San Ysidro provides that essential housing stability and affordability for nearly 100 families and individuals with lower incomes. We value our collaboration with National CORE and everyone involved in producing these rental homes and the profound impact this project will have for these families and the San Ysidro community.”
The Hope through Housing Foundation will provide academic support services for children and teens, foster economic mobility for families and individuals and nurture senior connections in conjunction with Casa Familiar, a nonprofit service provider based in San Diego.
“Casa Familiar is thrilled to expand our in-depth services to residents at The Iris at San Ysidro,” Casa Familiar CEO Lisa Cuestas said. “Casa Familiar offers a range of 30 different family support services and arts and culture programming out of six different locations in San Ysidro. Our continued partnership with National CORE means a great boost of hope for the families and individuals who need it most.”
Hope through Housing Executive Director Alyssa Cotter said the double impact of her organization and Casa Familiar will be a major boon to the community.
“Hope through Housing is proud to partner with Casa Familiar at The Iris at San Ysidro to bring a new wave of prosperity and inspiration to the area,” Cotter said. “It’s a heart-warming notion, knowing that the work, services and programs we’re providing to our residents will make sure they can prosper and grow.”
San Diego County Behavioral Health Services will provide primary services to PSH apartment residents to ensure housing security and stability. San Ysidro Health will supply residents with health education opportunities and screenings.
“Increasing our housing supply and supporting our working families are big priorities for me. Affordable housing is essential for creating stable communities,” Councilmember Moreno said. “By ensuring that people of all income levels have access to safe, secure, and reasonably priced homes, our partnership with National Core helps strengthen San Ysidro and promote housing opportunities throughout San Diego.”
The development is funded in in part by the City of San Diego Affordable Housing Fund, which SDHC administers. It also received funding from Innovative Housing Trust Fund programs and Wells Fargo. SDHC also awarded 25 rental housing vouchers to help pay the contract rent for residents with extremely low income.
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