Santa Maria, CA
People's Self Help Housing
“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.