Affirmed Housing to Break Ground on The LINK, New Development, Serving San Diego's Homeless

News provided by

Affirmed Housing

Apr 12, 2019, 12:00 ET

SAN DIEGO, April 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at 10am, Affirmed Housing and its development partners will break ground on The LINK, designated primarily for people who have experienced homelessness.  The project is located in the downtown San Diego community of East Village at 707 17th Street.  The LINK is one of numerous developments by Affirmed Housing which are designed to provide solutions for the homeless population in Southern California. 

Located on an 11,318-square-foot site, The LINK will provide 72 permanent supportive housing units to people who have experienced homelessness, and 14 affordable studios for households earning 50 percent or less of the area median income (86 total resident units). Each apartment will be approximately 250-300 square feet, with a living space, kitchen, and bath.  The five-story, 50,000-square-foot project will feature a glass-encased lobby, a community room, supportive services by Father Joe's Villages, laundry facilities, and large terraces.

Speakers at Friday's groundbreaking ceremony for The LINK will include:

  • Councilmember Chris Ward, City of San Diego
  • Ryan Clumpner, Vice Board Chair, San Diego Housing Commission
  • Carlos Vasquez, Board Chair, Civic San Diego
  • Rick Bregman, San Diego Market President, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
  • James Silverwood, President & CEO, Affirmed Housing

Bank of America's Commitment to Affordable Housing
Last year alone, The LINK investment partner, Bank of America, financed a record $4.7 billion in loans, tax credit equity investments and other real estate development solutions nationwide for new affordable housing.   

"Lifting people out of poverty and onto the path to economic stability is one of the most important things we can do as a bank, so we are particularly proud to finance over $48 million for The LINK. Working closely with Affirmed Housing and Civic San Diego, this public-private partnership has created a truly transformative community for our most vulnerable San Diegans," said Rick Bregman, San Diego market president, Bank of America.  "Bank of America's approach to addressing homelessness is twofold – financing quality permanently affordable housing units, combined with supportive services that enable people to have sustainable success. The LINK brings all of this together to help set people up to make meaningful change in their lives." 

Carrier Johnson + CULTURE Pays Homage to Makers Quarter
Designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE with a dramatically sharp angle, The LINK will be a striking presence downtown.  Because the site belongs in the Makers Quarter/Idea District, the design pays homage to the area's tradition in creative fabrication.  The building will have a metal façade, reminiscent of the raw steel materials of Makers Quarter.  Communal spaces will have exposed concrete to highlight its beauty.

Affirmed Housing Honors Dignity of All Residents
James Silverwood, President of Affirmed Housing, states, "The LINK will provide quality housing and on-site supportive services, designed to enrich the lives of our residents.  This comprehensive approach will offer this vulnerable population a high level of support, which we have seen lead to success in addressing homelessness.  It's our responsibility as a community leader to raise the standard of living for those who truly need it most." 

Headquartered in San Diego, Affirmed Housing is dedicated to improving and sustaining the viability of California through the development of affordable housing.  The company aims at enhancing communities and our environment by building dynamic, professionally-managed, high-quality green multifamily housing.  Areas of expertise include site selection, engineering, architecture, construction, relocation, and marketing.  Affirmed also has extensive knowledge in public finance, low-income housing tax credit acquisition, and tax-exempt bond financing.  For more information, visit www.affirmedhousing.com.

Contact: Beth Binger
BCIpr
(619) 987-6658
[email protected]

SOURCE Affirmed Housing