Escondido, Calif. – National CORE on Nov. 9 celebrated Escondido’s first permanent supportive housing community with partners from the San Diego Community Housing Corporation, the City of Escondido and the County of San Diego.
Valley Senior Village is a senior housing community that provides 50 affordable homes to an increasingly vulnerable population, including 25 permanent supportive housing apartments for seniors who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Homelessness is surging among people ages 60 and older, who are facing housing affordability challenges due to soaring costs that burden fixed-income households. About 41% San Diego seniors struggle to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, healthcare and transportation.
More than 8,000 individuals were experiencing homelessness across San Diego County – 24% were over 55 and most had a physical disability, according to the 2022 Point in Time Count.
“Valley Senior Village is more than just housing; it’s a testament to our commitment to creating thriving communities where seniors can enjoy their golden years with dignity and security,” San Diego Community Housing Corporation CEO Ted Miyahara said. “Through thoughtful design and comprehensive amenities, we empower seniors with the opportunity to age in place, surrounded by the comfort and care they deserve.”
The development joins Juniper Senior Village and Cobblestone apartments as National CORE’s third affordable housing community for seniors and families in Escondido.
To promote housing stability as well as health and wellness, residents will have access to long-term case management and an array of supportive services designed to promote stability and independence.
Services are offered through the Hope through Housing Foundation, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency Behavioral Health Services, San Ysidro Health/San Diego Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly and Interfaith Community Services.
“Empowering our seniors is a testament to honoring the legacy they’ve built for our region,” San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond said. “Prioritizing the care of our senior citizens is a duty we owe for their contributions. Let Valley Senior Village serve as a beacon of hope.”
“Affordable housing and specifically permanent supportive housing like Valley Senior Village provides safe and stable housing to our most vulnerable neighbors,” County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Director of Housing and Community Development Services David Estrella said. “Investing in Permanent Supportive housing such as Valley Senior is an example of the County’s long-term commitment to ensuring that generations to come live in a healthy and safe environment that allows them to thrive.”
Valley Senior Village is located a quarter mile from a North County Transit District bus stop, placing residents within walking distance from bus, light rail and commuter rail transit options. Residents are also within walking distance of the Escondido Public Library, parks, senior and veteran resource centers, health clinics and pharmacies, a movie theater, an array of grocery and retail stores and the Escondido Farmers Market.
Per National CORE’s high-performance and cost-sensitive standards in construction, Valley Senior Village is anticipated to receive a LEED for Homes certification at the gold level or better.
Onsite community amenities include outdoor gathering spaces, a stunning courtyard, laundry facilities and private offices for case management.
“This community represents another crucial step to mitigating the housing crisis among seniors,” National CORE President Michael Ruane said. “With the combination of Hope through Housing’s services and National CORE’s housing, we are doing what we can to help alleviate homelessness on our streets and ensuring that older adults have safe and secure homes.”
Development of Valley Senior Village would not have been possible without the partnership of the City of Escondido, County of San Diego, State of California Housing and Community Development Services, Chase and Hudson Housing Capital.
“Valley Senior Village will have such a positive impact for seniors by building modern and affordable housing close to transit,” Vice President of Community Development Banking for Chase Rosalind Ross said. “At a time when housing continues to be in great need, this community will be an instrumental part in helping solve this crisis while providing onsite services and amenities, ensuring residents have the resources they need to prosper.”
Media Contact
William Diepenbrock
wdiepenbrock@nationalcore.org
(909) 294-7883
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