National CORE’s new Miraflores Apartments development helps ease Orange County’s affordable housing crisis by providing 86 homes to working families and supports neighborhood connections in Anaheim by providing a new community space dedicated for use by local nonprofits.
Anaheim city officials, county leaders, financial partners and community members joined National CORE on Aug. 5 to celebrate a grand opening for the beautiful new development, which provides a stunning rooftop view of Disneyland.
Miraflores serves residents earning below 60% of the area median income and reserves eight one-bedroom apartments as permanent supportive housing (PSH) for individuals and families who were homeless or who were at risk of becoming homeless.
Miraflores Apartments embodies the spirit of cooperation needed to make the community a better place, National CORE Chief Development Officer Alexa Washburn said.
“The opening of Miraflores Apartments is a significant milestone, showing how so many different groups can come together to fight homelessness and the rising costs of housing,” Washburn said. “These homes are not only safe and affordable, but they’re also going to provide many generations with opportunities to thrive in one of our state’s greatest cities.”
Anaheim has placed a priority on developing much needed workforce housing, like Miraflores.
Average rents for two-bedroom housing in Orange County have hit $2,903 – nearly $1,000 more than the state average, according to 2025 Fair Market Rents (FMR). Renters would need to earn at least $50 an hour to afford the average market rate rent in the county.
“Miraflores shows us that where affordable housing is built, we better people’s lives and Anaheim’s neighborhoods,” Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken said. “We will see families thrive at Miraflores with homes they can afford and the help and support they need. It’s all part of a larger revitalization of this part of Anaheim with townhomes seamlessly blending with affordable homes for working families and everyone invested in a stronger community.”
In addition to the rooftop deck, the community offers a host of amenities, including a swimming pool, outdoor play area, community center and community gardens.
A stunning mural by artist Allison Bamcat, adds colors and imagery that reflects the history, spirit and culture of Orange County. Bamcat partnered with National CORE, the Anaheim Housing Authority and the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center to bring her mural to the eyes and hearts of the community.
“National CORE’s mission to provide safe, affordable housing is exactly what we need in this world,” Bamcat said. “National CORE has been so considerate with their eagerness to bring art to their community to make a positive change to the area.”
The mural features multicolored parrots, Latino and Tongva Native American art and basketry, dazzling ripe oranges and red-hot Anaheim peppers.
But perhaps the most stunning element of the new community is an area dubbed The Nest, a community space dedicated to use by neighborhood nonprofits. National CORE is working with city leaders on a mechanism for reserving the space, which has its own entry and features a view of Bamcat’s mural.
Residents of Miraflores receive onsite enrichment services from the Hope through Housing Foundation, including financial coaching, after-school homework help, senior health and wellness and employment development.
The foundation also works with the Orange County Health Care Agency to coordinate case management services to help the eight PSH households maintain housing stability. Services include behavioral health counseling.
Ian Kemmer, HCA behavioral health director for the Orange County Health Care Agency (OC HCA), said OC HCA and its partners at Miraflores are in a perfect position to provide care and support to those who need it most.
“These eight homes are funded by the Mental Health Services Act, and OC HCA is committed to providing ongoing services to residents to assist them in achieving long term housing stability, while working on their recovery, health and personal growth,” Kemmer said. “OC HCA is proud to partner with National CORE and all those involved in making this development happen.”
Miraflores Apartments received financial support from the City of Anaheim and Anaheim Housing Authority, Orange County Housing Finance Trust, East West Bank, Century Housing, Orange County Mental Health Services Act and Hudson Housing Capital.
“East West Bank is proud to be the lender and a contributor to the equity investment fund for the Miraflores Apartments development, which brings much-needed affordable housing to working-class families in Anaheim,” said Robert Lo, executive vice president and head of Commercial Real Estate at East West Bank. “This public-private partnership ensures that residents have access to essential services, promotes sustainability and enhances the quality of life for both the Miraflores residents and the larger Anaheim community.”
Hope through Housing Executive Director Alyssa Cotter said Miraflores is a blessing to residents who wish to break free of the cycle of generational poverty.
“Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging at Miraflores,” Cotter said. “This community is crucial to addressing the need for housing for Anaheim’s working families while providing them with support so they can pursue their dreams.”
National CORE, one of the industry’s pioneers of high-performance affordable housing, built Miraflores with an array of energy-efficient features. The community recently received a LEED for Gold certification. Miraflores marks National CORE’s 29th overall LEED certified community. The company holds 20 Gold, eight Platinum and one Silver certification.
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