Positive Plans for Sunnydale
Mercy Housing California is working hard to improve life in Sunnydale – a low income housing project that the San Francisco Chronicle described in 2008 as “…quite possibly the most dangerous, depressed and decrepit area of the city.” A Nov. 5 Chronicle article adds details about the suffering in the neighborhood: “Sunnydale residents share stories of violence, loss.”
A progressive step forward finds drastic changes for Sunnydale planned by Mercy Housing and The Related Companies of California. The two organizations are leveraging their expertise in public/private partnerships to transform Sunnydale into a vibrant, mixed income neighborhood. They have teamed with professors at the University of California Berkeley and San Francisco campuses to answer the question: “How can revitalization of a neighborhood change the health of its residents?”
The partners involved seek to find answers as described in the November issue of Health Affairs magazine: “Bringing Researchers and Community Developers Together to Revitalize a Public Housing Project and Improve Health.” The article authored by members of the Sunnydale partnership team was presented Nov. 8 at an event sponsored by the Pew Charitable Trust in Washington, D.C. It highlights how Mercy Housing and Related California and their partners are breaking new ground in Sunnydale, one of eight communities selected by the City of San Francisco for redevelopment designed to keep original residents in place in their communities as part of the HOPE SF program.
The Sunnydale neighborhood was built in 1941 as a square mile of concrete housing for World War II soldiers. Today it is home to 1700 people, who find themselves physically, economically and socially isolated from the mainstream of San Francisco. Less than a third of residents have graduated from high school, and the median household income is just $12,750 a year. Half of the households rely on public assistance and only 27 percent report being employed. Almost half of this community’s residents are under the age of 18, and many children drop out of school by the fifth grade.
Revitalization plans include:
- 785 units of replacement public housing plus another 900 units of tax credit affordable and market rate units;
- A 25,000 square foot “Life Center” with arts and enrichment programs, and fitness facility for the entire neighborhood;
- 6.5 acres of open space that will include several new parks, a community garden and farmer’s market;
- 8,000 square feet of neighborhood serving retail including a corner grocery, financial services and healthy eating establishments; and
- 22,000 square feet of neighborhood services including child care, health clinic job training for youth and adults.
We believe real estate and human development plans for Sunnydale will result in improved social and health outcomes for its residents, such as higher rates of employment and Medicaid enrollment, lower rates of crime and school dropout, and lower rates of obesity and diabetes. Ultimately, the research team will be able to share conclusions that demonstrate how revitalization efforts can make a positive difference for the health and well-being of residents.
Mercy Housing recognizes National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
Each November the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness co-sponsor National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. The good news is that during this week – Nov. 12-18 in 2011 – groups across the country organize events to improve what has become a major crisis in our country.
The very bad news is the crisis itself – job loss, illness and other economic hardships have left more families homeless than ever before. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, each year 3.5 million Americans experience homelessness and on any given night 649,917 people are homeless. Children make up 23 percent of the homeless population on any given night. Additionally, newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that there are 46.2 million Americans now living in poverty.
These are shocking numbers, but Mercy Housing continues to effect change. Affordable housing is a key to solving the homeless crisis. Today much of our nation’s affordable housing stock is being converted into condo complexes or high-end commercial property. While good news for developers, this does nothing to solve the homeless situation.
Without permanent housing, people are unable to keep their jobs and are likely to become ill. With permanent housing, people have stability that helps them find and retain employment with health benefits.
The news isn’t all bad. Since 2007, the number of people who are chronically homeless has decreased by 11 percent. The decrease in chronic homelessness is partially a result of the expansion of permanent supportive housing programs.
Examples of Mercy Housing’s permanent supportive housing programs are found from the Johnston Center Residences in Milwaukee, Wis., to the Caroline Severance Manor in Los Angeles, Calif., — just two examples of the solutions we are developing across 41 states to help the families and individuals who are merely a paycheck, illness or accident away from living on the streets.
In honor of National Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Week, you can contribute, advocate, reach out by volunteering and educate others on the national crisis. Find additional ways to give at MercyHousing.org.
Action alert – help preserve HOME
Don’t believe the folks who tell you that Congress doesn’t get anything done. Just a few days after the Senate’s first housing appropriations budget for 2012 was released, we’re hearing from staffers that both sides are ready to consign housing programs for the lowest income people to another year of historic cuts and budget gaps.
What’s more frightening is that the House recommended an allocation for Section 8 (both project and tenant based) that is likely inadequate to fund the current number of vouchers, according to calculations by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. The numbers are higher than 2011, but must go up yearly because of rising utility costs and rents. If turnover is as expected and some cost savings measures are implemented, low income people are still at risk of losing their housing. If HUD can’t renew owners’ rental assistance contracts, the housing could be lost to the affordable stock, or it could throw owners into financial difficulties. All along, we were hearing that preserving Section 8 funding was Congress’s highest priority. If they cross this line, what other promises will they break?
As for HOME, we have been awaiting these cuts for a while, but a cut of 1/4 to 1/3 is devastating to our ability to finance the construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing.
The Senate also gave over $1 billion more to transportation than to housing. Housing and transportation would BOTH create jobs for struggling construction workers. It is unfortunate that federal budgeting is such a zero-sum game that pits industries who should be working together to make healthier communities against each other.
This issue could be decided within the next few weeks! We urge you to write your congresspeople and tell them to preserve HOME, Section 8, and housing funding overall.
Creating the kind of housing America needs
A note from Mercy Housing’s Washington DC Policy Associate – Eva Wingren
Imagine, for a moment, a world without the Low Income Housing Tax Credit. 9/10ths of the affordable housing industry’s current production capacity either sacrificed on the altar of deficit reduction, or converted to a clumsy federal program run by folks who don’t understand real estate fundamentals. We are very close to being able to close the gap between the extremely low income population and the number of affordable units available to them, but we can’t do it without the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).
It’s very clear from conversations in Washington that policymakers don’t always understand how much the LIHTC has done for America. Housing is taking the blame for the current financial doldrums, ignoring the fact that multifamily rental development is leading the recovery while acres of single family homes sit vacant. The LIHTC is creating the kind of housing America needs – affordable to our low to middle class workforce, near employment centers and transit, revitalizing neighborhoods that have traditionally been abandoned by investment. Far from being the inefficient corporate tax loophole it has been portrayed as in the media (by champions of urban development who should know better), it is an efficient, locally-managed, public/private partnership that hits all the buttons of a program that those who don’t like Big Government should be embracing. LIHTC outsources investment risk to the private sector, the very people best equipped to handle it. The result is better quality housing, more able to respond to market forces, that costs little to the federal government to administer.
Mercy Housing’s DC policy team knows how important the LIHTC is to our organization. We have signed on to a letter from the A.C.T.I.O.N. Network (A Call To Invest In Our Neighborhoods), a national, grassroots coalition focused on maintaining investment in affordable rental housing. Check them out at www.rentalhousingaction.org. The letter advocates two small but important legislative changes to set a fixed floor rate for the 9% and 4% credit percentages, which are useful in themselves and also provide a concrete ways for Congress to express ongoing support for the Housing Credit program.
Family finds support during difficult times
Luis Jr. holding a pair of shoes from the Christmas gift program
Before moving to Villas de Merced, Luis and Patricia Vazquez were struggling to find a safe, comfortable home that their family could afford. In 2000, the family moved into Villas De Merced, a Mercy Housing family property located in Mesa, Ariz., that is home to nearly 300 residents.
Their 11-year-old son, Luis Jr. struggles with a debilitating illness that often leads to death at an early age. Due to his condition, Luis Jr. is home schooled and doesn’t spend a lot of time outside. Wanting him to feel like any other kid, Patricia enrolled her son in the Villas De Merced’s summer youth program. Though he would often have to wear a mask for protection from germ exposure, Luis Jr. didn’t allow this to get in the way of having a great time spending time with the other kids in the neighborhood.
“Luis’ enthusiasm at the opportunity to play with the other kids was obvious,” said Lena Kelly, Mercy Housing Director of Resident Services. “Luis and Patricia are proud of the increased level of socialization that their son has had in the past year, as well as his continued stable health.”
Recently, Luis Sr. was forced to go on medical leave after he was diagnosed with a tumor. This has created a number of financial challenges for the family, and they contacted the Resident Services staff for assistance. The Resident Services staff supported the family with filing appeals for Social Security benefits as well as helping the family find resources for medical expense aid.
The family has received food donations and Christmas gifts from the property. The staff and fellow residents raised money to benefit the family by hosting a Spaghetti Dinner and a Car Wash. To help with household expenses, Patricia was hired as a part-time housekeeper at Villas De Merced. Patricia hopes to increase her savings to start building a nest egg for the family to purchase their own home.
Although it was a difficult year for the Vazquez family, they remain optimistic knowing that they are part of a large, caring community.
“The family is much more aware of the support systems they have in place to help them get through the difficult times and they feel confident enough to ask for help when they need it most,” said Kelly. “They are always appreciative of the assistance they receive from staff and their neighbors in the community.”
Mercy Housing and Nestlé Family have partnered together to help mothers in need and their families. In honor of Mother’s Day, Nestlé Family has created a photo sharing tool on their Facebook page, and each time a person uploads a picture of the special mom in their life, Nestlé Family will donate $1* (up to $50,000*) to Mercy Housing.
In just a few simple steps, you can honor your mom this Mother’s Day and support Mercy Housing. The money raised will go towards resident services and programs that support mothers and children at our properties across the country.
Mercy Housing and Nestlé Family are committed to making a difference in the lives of moms and their families. Join us in helping those in need!
Here’s how you can participate:
- Visit www.facebook.com/nestlefamilyusa
- Upload a picture & message for the special mom in your life
- Share your photo tribute with your family & friends
About Nestlé Family
Big or small, each day’s events write your family’s unique story. That’s why Nestlé created Nestlé Family — to offer inspiration and ideas that help foster the moments that nurture your family’s health and happiness. Designed for families with kids age 3-12, Nestlé Family provides inspiration including everyday and seasonal family fun activities and healthy meal ideas. Nestlé is part of Nestlé S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland — the world’s largest food company with a commitment to Nutrition, Health & Wellness. Nestlé makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that enrich life’s experiences. Visit NestleFamily.com to learn more.
*For each photo tribute submitted, Nestle Family will donate $1 to Mercy Housing, up to a maximum of $50,000 and a minimum of $25,000. Program ends 05/23/2011 or earlier if maximum donation is reached. Multiple submissions are allowed, however, $1 donation will only be made on first submission made per person. Donation offers no tax benefit to participant.
As the United Voice for Housing, the nonprofit National Housing Conference (NHC) has been dedicated to helping ensure safe, decent and affordable housing for all in America since 1931. This year, on the anniversary of the NHC’s 80th year, the 2011 Housing Person of the Year Gala will commemorate the commitment and vision of the dedicated professionals and volunteers who create affordable housing opportunities for families in communities across America.
With more than 800 nationally recognized leaders in the housing, finance and advocacy communities gathered in our nation’s capital, Mercy Housing CEO Sister Lillian Murphy, RSM, will be recognized for her commitment and achievement in affordable housing. She will be joined in celebration with Professor Nicolas P. Retsinas, Senior Lecturer in Real Estate, Harvard Business School and Director Emeritus, Joint Center for Housing Studies. This prestigious award will be presented June 23rd in Washington DC.
“I have had the honor to work with Sister Lillian for the past 19 years and was drawn to Mercy Housing because of her leadership,” said Jane Graf, Mercy Housing COO. “There are many words I could use to describe the qualities of her leadership but generosity, integrity and responsibility immediately come to mind. Her energy, spirit and commitment continue to lead and inspire us here at Mercy Housing and those same qualities of leadership and focus have had an enormous impact on affordable housing efforts nationwide. Sister Lillian is a true advocate and champion throughout the country on behalf of people who are economically disadvantaged.”
Please join us in congratulating Sister Lillian and thanking her for her ongoing commitment to creating a more humane world and for the inspiration that has made Mercy Housing the great organization that it is today.
