The County of San Diego and the City of San Marcos celebrated the grand opening of Alora yesterday. The development project is a 100-unit affordable housing complex for low-income families who are one crisis away from homelessness. The complex, located at 604 Richmar Avenue, was built through a partnership with Affirmed Housing Group, and was supported by a $6.25 million grant from the County's Innovative Housing Trust Fund, according to the County News Center.
Offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, Alora caters to households earning 30% to 50% of the area median income, per a Fox 5 San Diego report. The development features exclusive amenities for residents, such as a community building with a pool, barbeque area, bike parking, basketball hoop area, and several tot lots scattered across the property for families with children.
Beyond its attractive amenities, Alora provides on-site services that give residents access to computer training, resume building resources, and various programs dedicated to health and wellness, financial literacy, and parenting. A service coordinator organizes community-building activities and holiday events to ensure a harmonious environment for Alora families.
San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones lauded the city's investment in affordable housing, noting that more than $160 million had been invested in the Richmar area alone for affordable housing, infrastructure, and recreational facilities. "With partners like Affirmed Housing, we're committed to continuing the efforts that not only change the lives of individuals and hard working families but also the entire community," Mayor Jones told Fox 5 San Diego.
The Alora project has delivered a significant impact on families like that of Priscilla Nelson, who struggled with housing for years before finally settling into their new home at the complex. Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Nelson said, "Trying to figure out where you're going to live, where you're going. Your husband was just laid off. Now you're dealing with your sister's death. What are you going to do? But I kept the faith," as quoted at CBS 8.
Alongside Alora, a similar affordable housing development, Estrella, currently under construction across Richmar Avenue, was also funded through a collaboration between the City of San Marcos, San Diego County, and Affirmed Housing. The 96-unit Estrella will further provide a solution to the area's affordable housing demand
Mayor Jones emphasized the long-term benefits of these investments, stating that they enrich the lives of community members and improve the overall quality of life in San Marcos. Meanwhile, for residents like Priscilla Nelson, a new home at Alora signifies the beginning of a bright future. "Our goal is to purchase a home, which makes it easier to accomplish that goal," Nelson said at the CBS 8 interview.
Those interested in applying for a unit at Alora can contact Solari Property Management or the City of San Marcos Housing Department for more information on qualifications and rent ranges, which vary from $753 to $2,806 based on eligibility
