In 2020, PCF partnered with Habitat for Humanity San Gabriel Valley (HHSGV), Union Station Homeless Services’ (USHS), and the City of Pasadena for a unique project that will serve as a model in affordable housing and rapid rehousing. Prior to the pandemic, the City purchased a three-bedroom house from CalTrans with the intent to convert it to house women who are participants of the Rapid Rehousing Program at USHS.
Envisioning the property with an additional unit, the City and USHS partnered with HHSGV to construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Also known as “granny flats,” ADUs are small attached or detached units built on the same plot of land as single-family homes and are a cost-effective tool in the fight against homelessness.
As part of its Affordable Housing Initiative launched in 2019, PCF stepped in to fund the full cost of building the 300-square-foot ADU studio, which will serve as a model to demonstrate to the entire county how permanent affordable housing can be provided quickly and efficiently for persons experiencing homelessness. HHSGV broke ground on the ADU in April 2021 and completion is expected this summer. USHS will provide services to the 4-5 tenants on the property, and the City will maintain ownership.
Frances Hardy, HHSGV’s Director of Resource Development, sees important benefit to this model, which she compares to the shared housing concept, like boarding houses, that was popular in the early 20th century. “It is exciting that we can take a house and rehabilitate it to make it a shared space. It lets people share a support system and built-in family structure.”
“We are thrilled that the ADU has broken ground, and we are beyond grateful that Pasadena Community Foundation believed in this project when it was still just an idea. Thank you for helping pilot this new and creative way to help end the housing crisis.”
The HHSGV Accessory Dwelling Unit that PCF helped fund, shown under construction in Spring 2021
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To help address California’s housing affordability crisis, Pasadena Community Foundation continues to prioritize the creation of housing for individuals and families. PCF’s Affordable Housing Initiative was launched in 2019 with a goal to fund projects that add much-needed shelter and beds, permanent supportive housing, and affordable housing options for renters and those able to pursue […]
PCF announced today that it will make grants totaling more than $500,000 to address the crisis of homelessness in Pasadena and its surrounding communities. San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army will receive grants to build new permanent supportive housing in Pasadena for people experiencing homelessness. PCF worked closely with the City […]
To help address California’s housing affordability crisis, Pasadena Community Foundation continues to prioritize the creation of housing for individuals and families. PCF’s Affordable Housing Initiative was launched in 2019 with a goal to fund projects that add much-needed shelter and beds, permanent supportive housing, and affordable housing options for renters and those able to pursue […]
PCF announced today that it will make grants totaling more than $500,000 to address the crisis of homelessness in Pasadena and its surrounding communities. San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army will receive grants to build new permanent supportive housing in Pasadena for people experiencing homelessness. PCF worked closely with the City […]
