Breaking ground on new opportunities for low-income families in Oakland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Redwood Hill Townhomes Groundbreaking
Thursday, May 18, 2017 10:00am to Noon
Program at 10:00am
Interviews available
4868 Calaveras AVE, Oakland
Media Contact: Susan Friedland, 510-809-2762

Breaking ground on new opportunities for low-income families in Oakland
Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) breaks ground on 28 high quality, geographically equitable apartments for low-income families and formerly homeless in Oakland’s Upper Laurel neighborhood.

My 2, 2017 – Oakland, CA. On Thursday, May 18, Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) celebrates the groundbreaking of Redwood Hill Townhomes, a mix of permanent affordable housing for families and formerly homeless earning between 30% and 50% of the area median income.

Scheduled speakers at the ceremony include Vice Mayor Annie Campbell Washington, funders, and housing advocates, as well as a ceremonial groundbreaking, refreshments and special guests. The community is invited to attend.

The City of Oakland has a growing need for housing that can accommodate large families, and improve equal access to social, economic, and educational opportunities. Located in the Upper Laurel neighborhood, Redwood Hill Townhomes is less than half a mile from grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, hardware stores, childcare centers, and restaurants. The neighborhood is served by a variety of public transit options, as well as several public, private, and charter schools.

“Redwood Hills will transform a vacant, blighted and underutilized property into a vibrant community asset and increase the geographic equity of our city. Affordable family housing is a welcome addition to the Upper Laurel neighborhood,” says Vice Mayor Annie Campbell Washington.

Family-specific design sets Redwood Hills Townhomes apart from many of the affordable apartments in Oakland. The building features 2 and 3-bedroom units and an on-site shared laundry room. Amenities such as a community room with a full kitchen, a family dining area, playground, community garden, and gathering space for classes and programs provide opportunities to build community and bring families together.

According to SAHA Executive Director Susan Friedland, “The unique building design, combined with comprehensive services will provide low-income families and formerly homeless individuals with a safe home and resource rich neighborhood where they can begin to stabilize their lives.”

Once completed in the fall of 2018, the apartments will be operated by SAHA in partnership with Building Futures (www.bfwc.org) who will provide housing referrals for survivors of domestic violence or family violence and support services. On-site services will include case management & referral services to all residents, wellness programs to manage and prevent physical and mental health issues, as well as on-site social, cultural, and educational activities.

“This is a great opportunity to provide families with what they need to thrive—housing and support services designed for those who have experienced homelessness and/or family violence. This is an incredible example of how housing ends homelessness,” says Liz Varela, Executive Director, Building Futures with Women and Children.

This event is a part of East Bay Housing Organizations' 19th Annual Affordable Housing Week. Visit www.ebho.org for more information.

Funding comes from California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, California Debt Limit Allocation Committee, Citi, City of Oakland, Oakland Housing Authority, Alameda County, U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation, and California Department of Housing and Community Development.

About Satellite Affordable Housing Associates
At Satellite Affordable Housing Associates we believe everyone deserves a home. Everyday we work to provide high-quality affordable homes and support services that empower people and strengthen communities. SAHA’s 60 innovative properties provide almost 4,000 low-income seniors, families, and people with special needs the homes, community and connection they deserve. Please visit sahahomes.org for more information.

Media Contact: Susan Friedland, Executive Director 510-809-2762, sfriedland@sahahomes.org ###