Bay Area Affordable Veterans Housing Breaks Ground

Community Development Partners began construction on the $21 million project slated for completion by year-end. The innovative project’s structure will comprise modified steel shipping containers.

By Ariela Moraru

Rendering of Rocky Hill Veterans Housing

Rendering of Rocky Hill Veterans Housing

Community Development Partners broke ground on Rocky Hill Veterans Housing. As one of the few affordable developments for veterans in Solano County, this $21 million project targets chronically homeless veterans, low-income veterans and families earning 15 to 60 percent of the areas median income.

Located at 582 Rocky Hill Road in Vacaville, Calif., just off interstates 80 and 505 and with easy access to a retail center, the 39-unit community was designed by G7A Gonzales Architects, with an innovative structure comprised of modified steel shipping containers provided by GrowthPoint Structures. Only 29 units will be reserved for veterans, with the remainder having a veteran preference, and 11 will have project-based VASH vouchers, a program that combines HUD Sec-8 rental assistance with Veterans Administration case management services. The 11 units will serve as Permanent Supportive Housing, a solution to homelessness that combines housing, rental assistance and wraparound supportive services.  The project is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification and is slated for completion in December 2017.

The project’s financial partners include Home Depot Foundation, Citibank, National Equity Fund, Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention funding administered by HCD and CalVet, City of Vacaville and California Statewide Communities Development Authority along with tax credits from CTCAC. Supportive Services are provided by CAN-B, the Veterans Administration and LifeSTEPS. Precision General Commercial Contractors will oversee construction and Solari Enterprises will manage the property. Vacaville Community Housing is the non-profit partner and Integrity Housing is the Co-General partner.

“The overall goal of this project is to catalyze a neighborhood renewal. Not only is the project itself designed to promote interaction among residents, a resident services coordinator will work with the nearby Boys & Girls Club and other community partners to coordinate services and strengthen the existing neighbourhood,” said Kyle Paine, president of Community Development Partners, in prepared remarks.

Community Partners Development has expanded its West Coast portfolio last month with the acquisition of three affordable communities in Las Vegas and Salem, Ore.

Image courtesy of Community Development Partners