Leaders from El Dorado County and Mercy Housing California celebrate the groundbreaking of 65 affordable apartments for families and veterans.

Mercy Housing California, El Dorado County, and development partners celebrated the groundbreaking of El Dorado Haven, a new multifamily housing community that will include 65 affordable rental apartments for families, with 15 homes reserved for veterans and the formerly homeless.

As of 2024, the average monthly asking rent in Diamond Springs, according to Zillow, was beyond the reach of low-income households. The team behind El Dorado Haven recognized a critical opportunity to transform this 4.6-acre site in line with local and county efforts to expand access to affordable housing.

“Through a great partnership with Mercy Housing California, these apartments will make housing affordable to very low and low-income residents in our communities who desperately need this type of housing,” said Brian Veerkamp, El Dorado County District III Board of Supervisor.

Over 160 communities developed and managed by Mercy Housing California

Leading nonprofit affordable housing developer Mercy Housing California has developed and manages over 160 affordable communities statewide, with over 40 in the Sacramento region. El Dorado Haven, like these others, aims to prevent homelessness and the displacement of families and veterans from their long-established communities.

“Multi-generational families and veterans deserve a place to call home. We are honored to provide stable housing that that not only keeps residents rooted in their community but also opens doors to a brighter future,” said Tiffany Bohee, president of Mercy Housing California.

El Dorado Haven will be developed on a land parcel donated by El Dorado County Federated Church, with financing supported by a construction loan from Wells Fargo.

“We believe access to a quality, affordable place to call home is something everyone should have,” said Eric Leimbach, Senior Relationship Manager at Wells Fargo. “We’re excited to help find innovative housing solutions that create more access to quality places to call home.”

The community will include 20 one-bedroom, 27 two-bedroom, and 18 three-bedroom apartments with rents affordable to households with incomes less than 20% to 60% of the Area Median Income. Once complete, the development will include:

• 65 affordable apartments for families, people with disabilities, and veterans, including one management unit
• Private indoor and outdoor communal spaces
• Large, landscaped courtyard and recreation areas
• Indoor lounge and community space
• 136 parking spaces (45 covered) for residents and their visitors.
• Onsite property management is provided by Mercy Housing Management Group, and resident services are offered by Mercy Housing California

El Dorado Haven is expected to open its doors in spring 2026. The development was designed by Sacramento-based architecture firm Anders and Falltrick Architects and constructed by respected contractor Broward Builders, Inc.

Financing has been provided by:

• Wells Fargo Bank
• CA Dept of Housing & Community Development (No Place Like Home)
• CA Dept of Housing & Community Development (National Housing Trust Fund)
• CA Dept of Housing & Community Development (Infill Infrastructure Grant)
• El Dorado County Planning & Building (Traffic Impact Mitigation Fee Waiver)
• El Dorado County Public Housing Authority (Project-Based Section 8 Vouchers and VASH vouchers)
  California Community Reinvestment Corporation (Mortgage)