Long Beach Local News: City of Long Beach Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Affordable Housing Community for Veterans

Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach joined with nonprofit developer Century Affordable Development, Inc. (Century) and other partner organizations to celebrate the groundbreaking of The Cove, a new affordable housing development located at the 27-acre Century Villages at Cabrillo community in West Long Beach. The development will offer 89 affordable studios for veterans who have very low-income, earning 30-60% of area median income, and veterans who are experiencing homelessness.

“This project reflects our commitment to creating housing for all Long Beach residents,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “The Cove is another great addition to Century Villages at Cabrillo that will provide 89 permanent homes and services to help ensure the security, dignity and well-being of our veterans.”

The morning event, on Aug. 17, attended by City and Century officials as well as representatives from local and federal partner agencies, including The Long Beach Community Investment Company (LBCIC) and the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach (HACLB), featured a ceremonial groundbreaking for the four-story apartment complex to be located at 2121 W. Williams St.

The Cove will feature a common space area, consisting of a visitor’s lobby, computer room, study area, classroom, community room and bicycle storage as well as a courtyard. The project will also include one unrestricted manager’s unit. Residents will have access to a variety of supportive services through Century Villages at Cabrillo and a network of 30 service providers, including U.S. VETS and the local Veterans Administration.

The project is slated for completion in late 2023 with anticipated occupancy in spring 2024. For eligibility and leasing information, individuals may visit centuryvillages.org.

“The Cove is a wonderful project that will add to all that Villages at Cabrillo has to offer for our veterans in need,” said Councilmember Roberto Uranga. “We are very grateful to Century for their partnership and investment in the Seventh District community and in our veterans.” 

Since 2020, more than 880 affordable units have been completed or are currently under construction or proposed throughout the city. In April, the City’s comprehensive Housing Element update, which guides the City’s policies and programs related to housing through 2029, was certified by the State. Earlier this year in Midtown, the City celebrated the groundbreaking of Long Beach Senior, a 67-unit affordable housing development for older individuals and veterans who have experienced homelessness; and commemorated the grand opening of nearby Vistas del Puerto, a new 47-unit affordable housing project.

In February 2022, The LBCIC approved a $4 million loan to provide gap financing for The Cove. Additionally, HACLB awarded the project 60 project-based Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers for prospective residents.

“The LBCIC is proud to continue investing in supportive housing communities like The Cove that create safe, healthy environments for our beloved veterans,” said The LBCIC Chair Mary Castro. “This development demonstrates our commitment to an array of housing options that honor the city’s diverse population.”

Century is an award-winning affordable housing organization participating in the development, preservation, management and/or financing of affordable, program-enriched housing with a long history of investing in Long Beach. In 2017, the City and Century celebrated the grand opening of Anchor Place at Century Villages at Cabrillo, a 120-unit supportive housing project for extremely low-income households and veterans experiencing homelessness; and in 2015, Cabrillo Gateway was completed, providing 80 affordable homes for families and individuals with mental health disabilities.

“Century is immensely grateful for our partnership with the City of Long Beach in addressing the needs of our nation’s veterans, in particular those experiencing homelessness. The Cove will expand upon housing opportunities for veterans at the Villages at Cabrillo by providing 89 dignified, supportive homes for those that have valiantly served our country,” said Century Housing Senior Vice President Brian D’ Andrea.

For more information on the City’s affordable housing efforts, visit the Long Beach Development Services Department webpage. 

Read the original article here.