Two nonprofits have blended the rehabilitation of existing homes with new construction to increase affordable housing opportunities in San Diego.
Wakeland Housing and Housing Innovation Partners (HIP) recently opened Serenade on 43rd, transforming a 0.68-acre site into a unified community of 65 affordable homes, combining 45 new apartments with the rehabilitation of 20 existing units of naturally occurring affordable housing.
The development tackles two of the city’s pressing challenge—rising housing costs and homelessness—integrating 33 affordable homes for low-income working families with 32 supportive housing apartments for individuals exiting homelessness. Rents range from $1,737 to $2,481, and residents pay roughly 30% of their income toward rent.
“Affordable housing has the power to transform lives and neighborhoods,” said Wakeland Housing president and CEO Rebecca Louie. “At Serenade on 43rd, we’re not just providing homes—we’re building opportunity. By preserving existing affordable housing and adding new homes with integrated services, this development gives residents a foundation for health, stability, and hope while strengthening the City Heights community for generations to come.”
Residents will receive a wide range of support services provided at no charge by HIP and County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services, including on-site health care, behavioral health care, and case management. The development’s human-centered design features midcentury-inspired architecture, open courtyards, a community room with kitchen and computer lab, and family-friendly amenities such as a tot lot and a grilling area—all designed to foster connection and well-being.
“Housing is just the first step in successfully breaking the cycle of homelessness and housing insecurity. We see real transformation when residents can access meaningful services where they live,” said Jon Walters, associate director of HIP. “At Serenade on 43rd, residents are offered person-centered care, counseling, skill-building, and community connection in a beautiful environment they can truly call home. This is what recovery and stability look like in practice.”
Financing partners in the $40 million development include the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, California Community Reinvestment Corp., Wells Fargo, California Department of Housing and Community Development, San Diego County, city of San Diego, and San Diego Housing Commission.
The community was designed by Dahlin Group Architecture and built by Sun Country Builders, creating a modern, welcoming environment that encourages connection among residents.