Residents have begun moving into a new supportive housing development in Oakland, California.
The Phoenix is the second affordable housing community that the East Bay Asian Local Development Corp. (EBALDC) and Abode Housing Development have partnered on in the city. The nonprofit organizations also teamed on Margaret Gordon West Port, a 58-unit property that opened about 2 miles from The Phoenix last year.
“EBALDC has worked steadfastly for over seven years to reknit this site into the Prescott neighborhood of West Oakland,” said Janelle Chan, CEO of EBALDC. “We're so excited that residents are moving in as we continue our commitment to delivering permanent, community-driven solutions such as affordable housing.”
The Phoenix adds 100 homes, bolstering Alameda County’s affordable homes and providing supportive services to residents.
“Housing ends homelessness, and buildings come to life when people struggling to survive in this housing economy can breathe a sigh of relief as they move into their new homes. So, we are very pleased that residents in need of a home are moving into this new housing site," Abode CEO Vivian Wan said. “Adding 100 units of affordable housing at The Phoenix eases Oakland's housing shortage, builds stronger neighborhoods, and helps Oakland residents thrive.”
In addition, the development features three murals completed by the Bay Area Mural Program. The artwork includes a mural in homage to captain William T. Shorey, a renowned and skilled whaler who was the only African-American ship captain on the West Coast in the late 19th century. Another prominent mural features the Pullman Railroad Porters and Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first African-American labor union to be affiliated with the American Federation of Labor.
Partners in the $73.5 million development include Alameda County Health Housing and Homelessness Services, Bernards, city of Oakland, Community Vision, California Department of Housing and Community Development, California Department of Social Services, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, Lowney Architecture, Oakland Housing Authority (OHA), J.P. Morgan, and NeighborWorks America.
“The Phoenix demonstrates how innovative housing tools can expand access to stable homes for Oakland residents,” said Patricia Wells, executive director and CEO of OHA. “By providing funding from our new rental assistance subsidy program to The Phoenix, OHA ensures that extremely low-income households have access to a community they enjoy and can access meaningful, supportive services and resources that lead to life-changing housing stability.”