The first LGBT-affirming affordable housing community for seniors in San Diego celebrated its grand opening.

Developed by nonprofit Community HousingWorks, North Park Seniors is San Diego’s first LGBT-affirming affordable housing development for seniors in the city. “North Park Seniors is much more than just a building,” said resident Terry Vaughan. “For many of us that live here, a home like this is a dream decades in the making.”
Mark Davidson Photography Developed by nonprofit Community HousingWorks, North Park Seniors is San Diego’s first LGBT-affirming affordable housing development for seniors in the city. “North Park Seniors is much more than just a building,” said resident Terry Vaughan. “For many of us that live here, a home like this is a dream decades in the making.”

“This new development is open to all and provides a positive and supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender seniors; a first for San Diego and one of only a handful in the nation,” said San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer.

Developed by nonprofit Community HousingWorks (CHW), the $27.1 million North Park Seniors community features a 76-home affordable senior apartment building and a 118-unit market-rate multifamily building developed by Alliance Residential.

On-site supportive services are provided by the San Diego LGBT Community Center, which provides resources, referrals, and engaging community activities to help residents live healthy, independent lives while creating a community of acceptance.

“There is no better way for us to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Community HousingWorks than with the opening of North Park Seniors,” said Sue Reynolds, CHW president and CEO. “This community is the product of years of advocacy, hard work, and collaboration between nonprofits, neighborhood leaders, elected officials, and San Diego community members. We are proud to build a brighter future for all San Diego seniors with this LGBT-affirming community."

The new development is open to all residents aged 55 and older who meet the income requirements. All housing decisions are made in accordance with the Fair Housing Act and state law, noted CHW leaders.

Funders for North Park Seniors include U.S. Bank, Union Bank, the San Diego Housing Commission, the city of San Diego, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, Community Housing Capital, and Torrey Pines Bank.

CHW was founded in 1988 and is a nationally recognized nonprofit that develops, rehabilitates, preserves, and operates affordable apartment communities throughout California.

North Park Seniors is CHW’s first mixed-income development in the organization’s 30-year history, meaning the project brings both income-qualified and market-rate apartment homes to San Diego.