Wellspring creates much-needed affordable housing for families and formerly homeless, and will include a community health and wellness center run by TCC Family Health
LONG BEACH, Calif. (April 16, 2024) — BRIDGE Housing, the leading nonprofit affordable housing developer and manager on the West Coast, joined Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, Long Beach City Councilmember Dr. Suely Saro, and other dignitaries and community members today to celebrate the Grand Opening of Wellspring, an 88-unit affordable housing community for families and formerly homeless seniors in the heart of the Cambodia Town community in Long Beach.
Wellspring’s one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments are affordable for families earning 30-60% of Area Median Income, with 20 units designated as permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless seniors. Comprehensive resident services will be provided by Mental Health America Los Angeles and the YMCA of Greater Long Beach.
Today’s festive ribbon-cutting was attended by dozens of government leaders, housing officials, financing partners, new Wellspring residents, and other community members.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the completion of this beautiful new community, which is co-located with comprehensive health and wellness services.” said Ken Lombard, President and CEO of BRIDGE Housing. “At a time when the housing shortage has reached crisis levels, we are proud to join our partners in delivering this innovative solution that not only addresses housing needs but promotes community health in Long Beach.”
“Building and maintaining the City’s affordable housing options continues to be a leading priority for Long Beach,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “The Wellspring development is another great project that will provide 88 affordable homes and supportive services, enhancing the quality of life for residents and older adults most in need.”
“Wellspring and its new residents are a welcome addition to the neighborhood,” said Sixth District Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro. “This development activates a vacant site with much-needed affordable housing and supportive services and enhances the livability of the community.”
Wellspring’s affordable units were offered through a lottery that took place last summer and through referrals from the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach, and today the community is 99 percent leased. The supportive units are matched with residents through the county’s coordinated entry system.
Property amenities at Wellspring include a large community room with a kitchen, two resident services offices, free community room Wi‐Fi, an outdoor terrace, a playground, laundry facilities, on-site parking for residents, and bicycle parking.
“Besides providing housing stability to the Long Beach community, Wellspring will seamlessly incorporate supportive housing with accessibility to high-quality integrated healthcare and wellness services,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “The LACDA is pleased to be a partner in this development, which will serve a diverse community of all ages and place their overall well-being at the forefront.”
Wellspring will also feature an 18,000 sq. ft. community health and wellness center on the ground floor, owned operated by TCC Family Health. Opening later this year, this state-of-the-art facility will offer a comprehensive range of services, including pediatric and adult healthcare, women’s health/OB services, dental health services, acupuncture, behavioral health services, and pharmacy. The Wellness Center, designed by Abode Communities Architecture, features flexible meeting spaces, a teaching kitchen, and a large courtyard, fostering an environment that promotes healing and community building.
“BRIDGE Housing and Impact Finance have worked together since 2004. We’ve enjoyed our long-term relationship and the opportunity to bring an increasing amount of affordable housing to California,” said Lisa Gutierrez, U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance Senior Vice President and Director of Affordable Housing. “Our financing helps build a foundation of financial stability for individuals and families. For this project, in addition to providing debt and equity, we were the New Markets Tax Credit investor. With developments like Wellspring, residents can enjoy a place to live and utilize the abundance of services and amenities that are a unique part of the development.”
Financing for Wellspring was provided by the City of Long Beach; Los Angeles County Development Authority; Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach; The Long Beach Community Investment Company; California Department of Housing and Community; Development Multifamily Housing Program; U.S. Bank; Greystone Housing Impact Investors L.P.; Century Housing; California Tax Credit Allocation Committee; and California Debt Limit Allocation Committee. The architect was SVA Architects, and the general contractor was R. D. Olson.