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AFFORDABLE HOUSING - BRIDGE Housing, the premier nonprofit affordable housing developer on the West Coast, celebrated the grand opening of Heritage Square South today, a landmark development offering 69 units of permanent supportive housing for seniors who have previously experienced homelessness. The event was attended by an array of elected leaders, housing officials, community members, and residents, marking a significant step forward in addressing Southern California's housing crisis.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
Heritage Square South is a critical response to the severe housing shortage in Southern California, where exorbitant living costs and limited availability have made stable housing increasingly inaccessible, particularly for seniors. The new community, located at the bustling intersection of Fair Oaks Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena, provides affordable one-bedroom apartments within three three-story buildings, interconnected by pedestrian bridges. These homes are designed not just to offer shelter but to restore dignity and stability to some of the community's most vulnerable members.
Comprehensive Support Services
Beyond providing housing, Heritage Square South offers extensive case management services, provided by Pasadena-based Union Station Homeless Services. These services include counseling, healthcare assistance, independent living support, on-site activities, and more, ensuring that residents have the resources they need to thrive.
Howard Kahn, Interim CEO of Union Station Homeless Services, emphasized the importance of these services, stating, "Heritage Square South represents a vital step forward in this community's commitment to ending homelessness among our seniors. We are honored to partner with BRIDGE Housing to help residents secure a safe place to call home and to thrive with dignity."
A Community Effort
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a festive event, with dozens of attendees representing various facets of the affordable housing ecosystem, including government officials, policymakers, financing partners, nonprofit service providers, and real estate professionals.
BRIDGE Housing President and CEO Ken Lombard cuts the ribbon at Heritage Square South, joined by U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, and other dignitaries.
Ken Lombard, President and CEO of BRIDGE Housing, highlighted the project's impact, saying, "All seniors deserve a home where they can live with dignity. Each of these 69 units will give residents a safe, stable place to call home and comprehensive services to help them change their lives for the better. BRIDGE Housing is delighted to work with the City of Pasadena and our partners to serve some of our most vulnerable neighbors."
Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) also spoke at the event, underscoring the urgent need for projects like Heritage Square South. "It's not right that here in Pasadena, or anywhere, many of our neighbors struggle to put a roof over their head or are just one paycheck away from becoming unhoused. Nearly seventy seniors who have experienced homelessness will now have a place to call home here in Pasadena, with access to amenities and vital case management services from Union Station Homeless Services."
A Resident's Story
Keith Dickson, a 72-year-old resident of Heritage Square South, shared his personal journey during the ceremony. A lifelong San Gabriel Valley resident and former auto repair shop owner, Dickson found himself living in his car for two years after the COVID-19 pandemic forced his business to close. Moving into Heritage Square South this past spring was a life-changing event for him. "It’s a wonderful apartment. It’s nice and clean, and there are a lot of good people here," Dickson said. "I thank God every day that I have a roof over my head."
Sustainability and Local Impact
Heritage Square South is not just a housing development; it’s a model of sustainable and community-focused construction. The project includes amenities such as a leasing office, onsite manager, 24-hour security, laundry rooms, an outdoor courtyard, lounging areas, flex rooms, and a community room. Additionally, it features 2,200 square feet of commercial space and is powered in part by renewable energy, earning it a GreenPoint Rated Platinum certification as an Affordable Multifamily project.
The development also made a significant economic impact on the local community. Through a local hire program, 20% of total project work hours were completed by Pasadena residents, resulting in over $1.5 million in economic benefits for the city. Several workers from the program were offered permanent positions by the project’s contractors. Moreover, the construction utilized $17 million in materials supplied by local businesses.
A Legacy of Affordable Housing
Heritage Square South is the latest addition to BRIDGE Housing’s extensive portfolio, which includes more than 13,000 affordable homes across California, Oregon, and Washington, providing housing for 30,000 residents. The project was funded by a coalition of partners, including the City of Pasadena, Wells Fargo Bank, JLL Real Estate Capital, FHLBank San Francisco, and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee. Designed by KTGY Architects and built by R.D. Olson Construction, the development is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared commitment to community well-being.
As BRIDGE Housing celebrates its 40th anniversary, Heritage Square South stands as a beacon of hope and a powerful example of the organization’s mission to strengthen communities and improve lives across the West Coast.
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