By Joseph Pangalinan, Analyst, and Dima Galkin, Associate
June 14 marked the grand opening of The Depot at Santiago, a 70-unit affordable housing complex with 15 one-bedroom units, 24 two-bedroom units, and 31 three-bedroom units, with 10 units reserved to house formerly homeless families. The project, three-and-a-half years in the making and developed by long-time, well-renowned affordable housing developer C&C Development, is located across the street from the Santa Ana Transportation Center. The Kennedy Commission, a group advocating for families in need of affordable housing, helped secure community approval for the project. The complex holds a community room, a laundromat open to the broader community, an outdoor play area for children, and a dance studio programmed by The Wooden Floor.
We attended the grand opening with Greg. The momentous occasion featured speeches from Santa Ana council members and award presentations with state and national legislators. The Depot at Santiago houses families who make 30% and 60% of the area median income (AMI). The exterior seems indistinguishable from newer market-rate housing in the area. The model unit that was made available for tours during the event showed that the families occupying these units will be able to reside in spacious, dignified housing that provides the same amenities as market-rate housing.
With 70 units and more than 1,800 applicants, the project represents a step in the right direction in addressing Southern California’s affordable housing shortage, but also highlights the long road ahead in providing an affordable place to live for those who need it. If you know of other great examples of new affordable housing developments, share them with us!
