Community Stories, Eden Updates, Media Alerts

City of Watsonville and Eden Housing Break Ground on Affordable Housing Project in Watsonville

May 27, 2022

– 53 rental apartments will be available to Santa Cruz County farmworker households, the unhoused, and individuals with developmental disabilities –

What

Eden Housing is hosting a groundbreaking celebration alongside the City of Watsonville for its newest low-income, high-quality affordable housing development in Watsonville. Conveniently located close to public transportation, the project will offer 53 large-family units for farm worker families, the unhoused, and individuals with developmental disabilities.  The community will serve residents earning between 25 to 50% of the area median income, equivalent to an annual income of $28,000 to $56,000 for a two-person household.

The project is designed with sustainability in mind, with solar panels over carports, low-flow water fixtures, Energy Star appliances and dedicated indoor bike parking. It will be Green Point Rated certified. The 1.77-acre parcel, which was previously used as a plant nursery, also includes a computer room, community room, laundry facilities and an outdoor barbecue and play area.

Event Photos

When

Wednesday, May 25, 2022, 11:30 a.m.

Who

Quote

“Watsonville remains committed to supporting the development of housing in our community. The local housing market has been out of reach to most in our community, where the median income is $61,496,” said Mayor Parker. “We are thrilled to work with Eden as we begin construction on these units that will provide much-needed housing to our farming families and vulnerable neighbors.” 

“One of our team’s most rewarding moments is when we hand the keys to a family in desperate need of housing. It’s an incredibly satisfying conclusion after the hard work invested in procuring sites and designing these high-quality developments,” said Linda Mandolini, president and CEO of Eden Housing. “We are very grateful to all our partners, including the City of Watsonville and Santa Cruz County, for their ongoing support to make this crucial project in Watsonville a reality.”

Funding and sponsors of 1482 Freedom:

City of Watsonville, Central Coast Community Energy, California Housing and Community Development, Union Bank, Housing Authority of County of Santa Cruz, Housing Trust Silicon Valley and California Tax Credit Allocation Committee.

About Eden Housing

Eden Housing is a non-profit organization with more than 50 years of experience providing safe and affordable housing that helps families stay secure, allows communities to thrive, and solves many of the most pressing housing challenges facing California cities. Since its inception, the Bay Area-based organization has developed more than 10,000 affordable homes and is a leader in making its residential communities environmentally sustainable and efficient through integrating energy conservation. Eden is also known as a champion of housing policy advocacy at the local, state, and national level, supporting practices that both create and preserve affordable housing for diverse communities. Learn more at: www.edenhousing.org.

Media Contact:

Birgit Johnston
Johnston Communications for Eden Housing
(408) 656 8025, birgitjohnston@me.com