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Fall 2008
From the Executive Director As I write, it is seems clear that we are moving into very difficult times for our economy and our nation. Suddenly many of us are more vulnerable than we had thought just weeks ago. Our savings and retirement plans, our jobs and homes feel at risk. It is likely that the new realities will have serious negative impacts for the people that RCD houses, who were already living with the fewest options during strong economic periods. RCD’s ability to meet its mission to house those with the greatest needs will only be more important and meaningful to our communities in the years ahead. Will we continue to build in these tough times? RCD and non-profit developers like us have thus far not felt the worst effects of the downturn. Funding for affordable housing is still available, and certainly the demand for rental housing has not lessened. However, like other businesses reliant on debt and equity investors, we are impacted by the changes in the credit market and the market for investment in low income housing tax credits has become far more problematic for both developers and investors. And, the future of government funding is murky at best. We are continuing to move our projects forward, but it is clear that the world has changed. RCD enters this period in a position of strength, with several excellent projects in construction and in the predevelopment pipeline, and a well-performing portfolio coupled with effective social services programs. But we will need to work much harder to maintain and grow our efforts in the future. As always, your support is so important to our success in providing affordable housing that will only become a more precious community resource in the coming years. Thank you for all you have done to house those living with the fewest options, and for all of our work together to continue this critical task.
Housing Development News RCD’s first preservation project, The Arbors in Richmond recently received both 9% tax credits and AHP funds that will ensure another 55 years of affordability for this 36 unit property. Built in 1965, The Arbors was at risk of losing its affordability covenants through a sale to a private owner when RCD stepped in to acquire the property to preserve the very-low income units. We have also extended the 23 units of Section 8 rental assistance through at least 2026 through a Mark Up to Market HUD contract. The rehabilitation, designed by Gelfand Partners Architects, includes extensive interior work as well as exterior improvements such as façade upgrades, new roofs and windows, and improved landscaping and sitework. A variety of green building techniques that were identified in a LISC-sponsored green needs assessment will be incorporated. Accessibility for people with disabilities will also be upgraded. Residents will gain a new community building with meeting space, a computer lab, on-site offices for services and property management staff, and an outdoor courtyard. During construction, residents will be temporarily relocated within the property and will be able to return to their original, much improved, unit as each phase of construction is completed.
The City of El Cerrito approved our concept and awarded predevelopment funds for our project in partnership with Living Skills Center. Living Skills Center is a non-profit that teaches independent living skills to young adults who are visually impaired and will relocate their offices to the site. Ten of the 57 units of housing will be designed for those who are blind or visually impaired and enrolled in Living Skills Center’s year long learn-by-doing independent living training program. Located on the Ohlone Greenway, one block from San Pablo Avenue, the property is within walking distance of local and regional transit lines and retail, making it an ideal location for program participants as well as the families who will live there. Fox Courts is almost 60% complete and on track for completion in March 2009. Exterior finishes are being applied – stucco, siding, and metal bays are visible. The photovoltaic panels for the solar electric system are also being installed. Inside, the walls are being sheetrocked. We are in negotiations with commercial tenants for the childcare and arts spaces which will add to the vitality of the neighborhood. For more on the projects that are adding to the Uptown District and other areas of Oakland, click here. Contra Costa County received an award for Villa Vasconcellos in Walnut Creek from the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies in the category of HOME Excellence. The project received both HOME and HOME for Chronically Homeless funding from the County.
Resident Services News Former resident Denise C. gives back to The Harrison Hotel. After two years in a single room at The Harrison Hotel, Denise was able to move to a full apartment with her husband. Her story is inspiring and we appreciate what she is now doing back at The Harrison on Tuesday evenings. Denise grew up in Oakland. She committed crimes as a youth and young adult in order to survive. She recalls committing some of her most violent crimes right in front of the Harrison Hotel. She abused drugs and alcohol and ended up in prison, where she discovered Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and reconnected to her religious beliefs. Her personal mission became to turn her life around and to bring everyone she knew the positive energy and spirit in her heart. When RCD’s Service Coordinator Keith Hazell first came to The Harrison, he heard about Denise’s effort to start an NA group session there. When they met, Denise explained that there were many fellow residents in need of support and that she was ready to provide a weekly class designed to address all types of addictions. She started the classes on Tuesday nights but it wasn’t long before her opportunity to move surfaced. Fortunately, her commitment to helping others is strong and she’s been coming back for the past six months. Every week she gathers eight to ten people and a guest speaker, to enjoy coffee and dessert and some friendly support. Many thanks to Denise for seeing a need and stepping up to help others.
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© 2008
Resources for Community Development |
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The Arbors in Richmond, Gelfand Partners Architects