The Grand Opening of Sugar Pine Village in Madera

The Grand Opening of Sugar Pine Village in Madera

Posted on December 28, 2021

A 52-unit quality affordable rental community with 16 units reserved for individuals struggling with housing insecurity and homelessness

 

Madera, CA— On Friday, December 3^rd, Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) gathered with partners and local dignitaries to celebrate the grand opening of Sugar Pine Village, an affordable rental community in Madera that is connecting health and housing through integrated permanent supportive housing.

Located at 203 East Lewis Street, the project features 20 one-, 16 two-, and 16 three-bedroom apartments that range from 664 square feet to 1,127 square feet. Rents are set according to income and range between $168 and $1,012 per month. Units at Sugar Pine Village include fully equipped kitchens with energy-efficient appliances and laundry hook-ups. The project has a 2,605 square feet community building that houses a computer lab with free Wi-Fi, kitchen, rental office, and meeting rooms.  Outdoor amenities include picnic areas with grills for outdoor cooking, a covered playground, and ample parking. A solar PV energy system will offset the power used in the common areas, residential loads, and community building which will result in reduced utility bills for residents and the property. The project has16 units reserved for individuals struggling with housing insecurity and homelessness.

Notably, a partnership with the Madera County Behavioral Health Department will allow residents access to wrap-around supportive services that include on-site management and counselors to assist residents with health, wellness, and other socio-economic needs.  In addition, SHE’s Resident Services Program will offer classes and services that include group exercise, nutrition and health education, financial and computer literacy, ESL, and more. Together, these services and resources will encourage residents to remain active and engaged in the community.

“We are proud to work together with our many funding partners, and with Madera County Behavioral Health, to bring this sustainable development which prioritizes the need for integrated permanent supportive housing,” said Tom Collishaw, President and CEO of SHE. “Sugar Pine Village is one answer to the housing crisis which brings permanent affordable housing opportunities to Madera residents in need.”

“We had been homeless for almost 2 years,” said Anahisa Moreno, new incoming resident of Sugar Pine Village.” This apartment has honestly been a blessing and dream come true. If it wasn’t for this place, my girls and I would still be struggling for a place to call home.”

“The County of Madera is ecstatic about the new affordable housing project opening in Madera, providing 52 apartment unit, including 16 units for individuals and families dealing with homelessness and housing shortages,” said Madera County Supervisor of District 3, Robert Poythress. “The project reflects what can happen when Self Help Enterprises, the developer, partners with the primary investor, UnitedHealthcare, obtains loans and grants through the State of California, and receives services provided by Madera County Behavioral Health to benefit residents and contribute to a successful outcome.”

Funding for the project comes from UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group company and the largest private investor in Sugar Pine Village, providing $11.2 million in equity through a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) partnership with Enterprise Housing Credits Investments.  The State of California is providing another $11.2 million in permanent loans and grants through its Multi-Family Housing program and No Place Like Home homelessness initiative.  US Bank is the construction lender and Central Valley Community Bank is providing a $520,000 Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Affordable Housing Program loan.

“To get California out of its current housing crisis, we must use every resource we have available to us. That’s why I couldn’t be more pleased to see the grand opening of the Sugar Pine Village in Madera,” said California Department of Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez. “This affordable housing project was funded in part by HCD’s No Place Like Home program, which invests in permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness who might also be in need of mental health services. This new development is going to provide quality homes for many families in need. I look forward to seeing other projects like this come online in the near future.”

“Access to safe and affordable housing is one of the greatest obstacles to better health, affecting people’s well-being and quality of life,” said Kevin Kandalaft, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of California. “These investments connect individuals and families struggling to secure affordable housing with safe, quality, homes that will help them live healthier lives.”

Sugar Pine Village is expected to be to be fully leased by mid-December.  KSA Group Architects, based in Bakersfield, is the architect, the construction contractor is BJ Perch Construction, Inc. and AWI Management Corporation will manage the property.

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