Santa Maria, CA
People's Self Help Housing
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“To have housing where seniors can live in dignity is so important. People need to live in dignity in the later years of their life.” — Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino
Year Completed/Renovated: 2020
Number of Units: 40
Residents: Seniors
Project Cost: $13,000,000
Financial Partners: California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, City of Santa Maria, County of Santa Barbara, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, FHLB AHP, Montecito Bank & Trust, Bank of America Merril Lynch, Enterprise Community Partners, California Community Reinvestment Corporation.
Recognizing a growing need for affordable housing for the senior community, People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) broke ground on the Sierra Madre Cottages in Santa Maria, California, in April 2019. After the $13 million project completed construction in 2020, 40 brand-new units became available for residents over the age of 62.
Built on land provided by the Bethel Lutheran Church, the complex hosts a mix of studio and 1- and 2-bedroom units. On site, residents have access to a shared community center and library and a communal garden. In addition to onsite supportive services, all units are built with accessibility in mind. Each of these single-story units have walk-in showers, grab bars in bathrooms, and wide hallways.
The cottage-style homes are connected by a community walkway. Outside of their homes, residents are walking distance or a short drive away from local shopping, public transportation, and neighborhood recreation activities.
The energy-efficient homes are a part of PSHH’s mission to provide affordable homes for seniors, families, and veterans. PSHH is the California Central Coast’s longest-serving nonprofit housing organization.