Long Beach solidifies its dedication to veterans and low-income residents with the unveiling of The Cove, an affordable housing community specifically designed for veterans, as reported by the City of Long Beach. This initiative, in collaboration with Century Affordable Development, Inc. (Century) and other partners, addresses the pressing issue of homelessness among those who have served.
Mayor Rex Richardson, emphasizing the City's sense of responsibility, said, "It is our duty to support our veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country, and The Cove will provide them with the stable, dignified housing they deserve," capturing the City's resolve to offer both shelter and respect. Situated in the Century Villages at Cabrillo in West Long Beach and topping four stories, The Cove boasts 89 studio apartments for veterans earning between 30-60% of Area Median Income (AMI), alongside one unit for a manager, offering amenities like recreational areas, a computer room, and a community room to nurture an inclusive and supportive environment.
Additionally, a network of over 30 service providers will ensure residents have access to vital services ranging from healthcare support by U.S. VETS and the Veterans Administration to other essential resources, "By working with the City, developers and service providers, we’re creating not just homes, but a foundation for veterans to achieve stability, dignity and success," stated Eva Melgarejo, Vice Chair of The Long Beach Community Investment Company. The ceremony spotlighted the personal narrative of Jason Smith, a U.S. Army veteran and resident of The Cove, who shared the substantial change the development has made in his life.
The commitment to this development represents the City's broader initiatives to combat homelessness and support affordable housing, as this year Long Beach saw the opening of 26 Point 2, Wellspring, and Heritage Gardens, further demonstrating the City's ongoing promise to create fair housing opportunities. "This project is a shining example of our continued commitment to strengthening our community by addressing homelessness and ensuring our veterans have access to the support and resources they need to thrive,” affirmed Mayor Richardson. Additionally, Long Beach has embarked on the construction of 1400 Long Beach and 300 Alamitos, earmarked for those requiring affordable living spaces.
With a 20-year contract in place, Century Housing has secured 60 project-based Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers through the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach (HACLB), which are poised to provide approximately $25 million in housing subsidies over the life of the agreement. "This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting those in need by expanding access to affordable, safe housing through effective use of government resources and community partnerships," conveyed HACLB Deputy Executive Director Anna Topolewski as part of her statement. For those interested in The Cove or other affordable housing projects in Long Beach, they can find more information at the Community Development Department's Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau or by calling 562.570.6949.
