SAN DIEGO, CA - Affirmed Housing and its development partners broke ground on The LINK, designated primarily for people who have experienced homelessness. The project is located in the downtown San Diego community of East Village at 707 17th Street. The LINK is one of numerous developments by Affirmed Housing, which are designed to provide solutions for the homeless population in Southern California.
Located on an 11,318-square-foot site, The LINK will provide 72 permanent supportive housing units to people who have experienced homelessness, and 14 affordable studios for households earning 50 percent or less of the area median income (86 total resident units). Each apartment will be approximately 250-300 square feet, with a living space, kitchen, and bath. The five-story, 50,000-square-foot project will feature a glass-encased lobby, a community room, supportive services by Father Joe's Villages, laundry facilities, and large terraces.
Last year alone, The LINK investment partner, Bank of America, financed a record $4.7 billion in loans, tax credit equity investments and other real estate development solutions nationwide for new affordable housing.
"Lifting people out of poverty and onto the path to economic stability is one of the most important things we can do as a bank, so we are particularly proud to finance over $48 million for The LINK. Working closely with Affirmed Housing and Civic San Diego, this public-private partnership has created a truly transformative community for our most vulnerable San Diegans," said Rick Bregman, San Diego market president, Bank of America. "Bank of America's approach to addressing homelessness is twofold – financing quality permanently affordable housing units, combined with supportive services that enable people to have sustainable success. The LINK brings all of this together to help set people up to make meaningful change in their lives."
Designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE with a dramatically sharp angle, The LINK will be a striking presence downtown. Because the site belongs in the Makers Quarter/Idea District, the design pays homage to the area's tradition in creative fabrication. The building will have a metal façade, reminiscent of the raw steel materials of Makers Quarter. Communal spaces will have exposed concrete to highlight its beauty.
James Silverwood, President of Affirmed Housing, states, "The LINK will provide quality housing and on-site supportive services, designed to enrich the lives of our residents. This comprehensive approach will offer this vulnerable population a high level of support, which we have seen lead to success in addressing homelessness. It's our responsibility as a community leader to raise the standard of living for those who truly need it most."