Long Beach has marked the inauguration of Heritage Gardens, the city's latest affordable housing development tailored for older adults and senior veterans who have found themselves homeless, in an event teeming with city officials and community partners. As per the announcement, the new complex is situated at 941 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, provides homes for those aged 55 and above, honoring the City's intensive efforts to foster accessible housing.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Midtown area's four-story apartment complex attracted notables such as Mayor Rex Richardson, who proclaimed, "Heritage Gardens is another great development that will provide permanent homes and services to help ensure the security, dignity and wellbeing of our older adults and senior veterans." The atmosphere was one of communal progress, bolstered by statements from Sixth District Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro, Mercy Housing California officials, and representatives from local and federal agencies, all underscoring the various contributions to this endeavor.
Heritage Gardens' benefits extend beyond its 67 specially-designed residences, featuring a community center, green spaces, and murals by local artists; importantly, residents will have access to health and wellness financial literacy, art, and cooking programs, an essential component of the fulfilled lives of those who will call it home. The project is a testament to the power of partnership—featuring funding and support from the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach, and The Long Beach Community Investment Company, amongst various state and federal resources.
This year alone has seen Long Beach open two other affordable housing developments and commence construction on a third, signaling a steadfast push to augment the city's housing stock. "Escalating rents are creating an enormous burden for seniors in Long Beach, and we were able to act with urgency thanks to collaboration of our partners," Ed Holder, Vice President of Real Estate Development for Mercy Housing California, conveyed the urgency addressed by the project. The planning and financial architecture of Heritage Gardens feature loans and tax credits from several governmental agencies alongside private financing schemes to ensure its realization and sustainability.
For more information regarding housing opportunities through Heritage Gardens or other initiatives, the Community Development Department's Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau can be reached at 562.570.6949, and more details about Long Beach's various community projects are freely available online.
