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Casa Familiar's Groundbreaking Project: A New Chapter for San Ysidro
Casa Familiar is making waves in San Ysidro as it breaks ground on an $87 million affordable housing project known as Avanzando. This unique initiative, designed to provide a rent-to-own opportunity, aims to reshape the narrative of homeownership in a low-income community where ownership rates are strikingly low—only about 9% of residents currently own homes.
Innovative Rent-to-Own Arrangement: A Unique Approach to Affordable Housing
The Avanzando project stands out because it integrates a rent-to-own model, setting itself apart as one-of-a-kind in California. Georgette Gomez, the Community Development and Strategy Officer at Casa Familiar, highlighted that this approach allows families to not just rent but ultimately own their apartments, enabling them to build generational wealth. The initiative recognizes the traditional barriers to homeownership and seeks to dismantle them through community governance via a Community Land Trust.
Community Engagement: Empowering Voices in Decision-Making
Democracy in action is at the heart of Avanzando. The Community Land Trust model is governed by community members themselves, giving residents a voice in the management and future of their housing. This resident-centered approach aims to foster greater community involvement and decision-making power, which is crucial in a neighborhood vulnerable to displacement and the threat of rising rents.
Environmentally Conscious Design: Building for the Future
As climate change continues to pose challenges worldwide, Avanzando incorporates sustainable features to counteract the environmental footprint. The project will consist of all-electric units equipped with energy-efficient appliances and rooftop solar panels. Addressing the high air pollution levels identified by the California Air Resources Board, the design includes enhanced air filtration systems and drought-tolerant landscaping. This commitment not only enhances the living conditions for future residents but also prioritizes environmental health.
Residential Diversity: Tailored for Low-Income Families
The design envisions a mix of apartment sizes—26 one-bedroom apartments, 25 two-bedroom apartments, and 52 three-bedroom apartments—targeting residents with incomes ranging from 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income, currently at $103,800 for 2025. Such inclusivity ensures that the project mirrors the diverse needs of San Ysidro’s demographic, catering specifically to those who often struggle to find affordable housing options.
Building Community Ties: More Than Just Apartments
Avanzando is more than brick and mortar; it’s about building a community that thrives. As Gomez stated, homeownership leads to stability, and providing residents with the capability to own their homes gives them a stake in the vibrant and growing village of San Ysidro. Moreover, with additional community amenities such as playgrounds, splash pads, and outdoor spaces, the project aims to foster social interactions within the community.
Future of Housing in San Ysidro: Challenges and Opportunities
As the project gears up for completion by the summer of 2027, it paves the way for similar initiatives that address the critical need for affordable housing in California. Housing experts indicate that such projects could inspire other communities facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of innovative solutions that put residents first. The goal is to create not just housing, but a thriving community that stands against the challenges of economic displacement.
Finally, for those interested in where housing policy and community-driven solutions are headed, Avanzando demonstrates a promising model worth emulating across California and beyond. As Casa Familiar continues its mission, this project serves as a beacon of hope for low-income families committed to staying rooted in their community while taking advantage of the benefits of ownership.
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