New affordable housing complex opens in Inglewood

By 2UrbanGirls

Contributing Writer

INGLEWOOD — The city is continuing its revitalization with the opening of a new transit-oriented affordable and supportive housing development located across the street from the Fairview Heights Station of the Crenshaw/LAX rail line.

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, county Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Inglewood City Councilmen George Dotson and Eloy Morales joined executives from co-developers National Community Renaissance (National CORE) and Linc Housing, for the midday ribbon-cutting ceremony April 14.

“The Fairview Heights housing development is a direct investment in the well-being and prosperity of Inglewood residents,” Waters said. “This collaborative effort behind Fairview Heights has brought high-quality, affordable, and permanent supportive housing to a beloved, close-knit community that will greatly benefit from it, including low-income families.”

The sentiment was echoed by Mitchell.

“We’re going to end homelessness when we have enough affordable and supportive housing for our working families and those who struggle with mental and physical health issues,” Mitchell said. “When I look at this beautiful new building and I meet the new residents, I’m inspired to continue our work at the county level to partner with developers and service providers to get more housing built. Fairview Heights is a shining example of what’s possible.”

The 1.44-acre site was previously occupied by an aging building owned by Los Angeles County. The county was a key supporter of the new development with funding support from several county sources, including Measure H and Proposition A.

“We’re all about bringing people together to support our residents and the surrounding neighborhood,” said Suny Lay Chang, president and chief operating officer of Linc Housing. “With this new housing, wraparound intensive case management, resident services, public art and ground floor space for organizations that want to work with us to uplift this community, we’re confident Fairview Heights will be central to the ongoing revitalization of Inglewood.”

The new transit-oriented affordable and supportive housing apartment complex brings 101 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes to Inglewood, including 50 units for people who have experienced homelessness, 50 units for households earning between 30 and 80% of the area median income, and one on-site manager’s unit.

The two new four-story buildings feature Spanish-style architecture with open spaces to promote resident interaction. The complex has on-site parking, bike storage, a community room with a computer lab, offices for case management, tot lots, and two outdoor courtyards with picnic areas.

The two buildings have a rooftop solar energy system that is expected to offset 90% of the community’s common area electricity needs. Water-conserving plumbing, drought-tolerant landscaping and high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems further decrease Fairview Heights’ carbon footprint.

“Fairview Heights is an example of what can happen when like-minded partners and supportive cities work together to address the housing issues in our communities,” said Steve PonTell, president and chief executive officer of National Community Renaissance. “It has been a pleasure working with the county, city, and Linc Housing to build sustainable apartment homes with strong wraparound services that provide new opportunities for individuals who were formerly homeless and families who have been struggling.”

Partnerships with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and Department of Mental Health allows Linc and National CORE to serve the 50 formerly homeless households with intensive case management services. Additionally, all residents have access to life-enhancing services through Linc’s resident services program.

Units range in size from 800 to 1,000 square feet, complete with quartz countertops, ample storage space and balconies. The units are also prewired for mounting televisions and are all electric, which saves on energy costs.

New resident, Oyuki, moved in on her birthday in late January. After struggling to house herself and her young son for many years, moving into her new home at Fairview Heights was the best birthday gift ever.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I still can’t believe it. I keep waiting for someone to tell me I have to leave.”

She said it was difficult to care for her Type 2 diabetes when she wasn’t sure where her next meal would come from, and her son struggled at school because the stress of being homeless left him unable to concentrate.

Since moving in, her health and his grades have improved.

“You can’t imagine how relieved we are to finally have a home,” she said.

Applicants began applying last Aug. 30 with one family on hand for the opening.

To be eligible, applicants must have an annual income between $14,616 and $24,840 for a one-person household, $28,380 and $75,680 for a two-person household, and $31,920 and $124,880 for three-person household and up.

Applicants will pay between 30 to 80% of applicable area median income. Fifty of the units have been reserved for individuals and families who are homeless.

2 Urban Girls is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers the Compton and Inglewood areas. She can be reached at 2urbangirls@gmail.com.