An underutilized corner of land with dilapidated single-family homes in Escondido, Calif., has grown into a vibrant affordable housing community for families and veterans.
Avocado Court, completed in January 2013 by Community HousingWorks, has 36 units, of which eight are set aside for homeless, disabled veterans. The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s McKinney-Vento Supportive Housing Program helps support the vets’ units.
“Avocado Court creates a different kind of community that is very supportive of the needs of everyone,” says Sylvia Martinez, senior project manager at Community HousingWorks.
Paying tribute to Escondido’s agricultural heritage, the developer partnered with the city to create a 9,400-square-foot community garden for residents and the surrounding neighborhood. An orchard of fruit trees and edible plants also can be found throughout the site.
Financing for the $11.2 million development included low-income housing tax credit equity from Bank of America Merrill Lynch as well as Neighborhood Stabilization Program, HOME, and redevelopment funds from the city.
In addition, a Japanese company donated a geothermal HVAC system to the energy-efficient property.
