News from Coachella Valley Housing Coalition:

The Coachella Valley Housing Coalition (CVHC) is pleased to announce that it will break ground on the rehabilitation and new construction of 140 single-story apartment homes for senior residents in the City of La Quinta, California, known as the Washington Street Apartments. CVHC has obtained the necessary financing to rehabilitate 72 existing apartment units and build 68 new apartment units. Groundbreaking on this development will take place on Tuesday, April 24th, 2018 at 9:00 AM. Address is: 42-800 Washington Street in La Quinta, CA. It is projected to be completed by November, 2019.

“The lack of affordable housing is so severe in the Coachella Valley region that it threatens the stability of thousands of low-income households. This challenge is even greater for low-income seniors who live on fixed incomes. Despite the competition for financial resources that affect how much we can build, CVHC remains committed to working hard to create safe, decent and affordable housing,” said Julie Bornstein, Executive Director of the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition.

“The Washington Street Apartment Project has been a long time coming for both the residents and the City. We are thrilled to be able to bring new life to this property and hope that the residents will continue to thrive in this new environment. It’s a great day for the seniors, veterans and those with disabilities who call Washington Street Apartments their home,” added La Quinta Councilmember and Housing Authority Chair, Steve Sanchez.

Residents will have access to two brand new community rooms. Each room will include a computer learning center, complete with laptop computers, educational software and internet access. The community rooms will also provide access to local service providers offering residents services such as healthy living programs, exercise classes, nutrition programs, art classes, and other enrichment programs. Residents can also use the community rooms for special events since each is equipped with a full kitchen with access to an outdoor courtyard equipped with barbecues for indoor/outdoor events and activities. All services will be provided free of charge to the residents. To promote health and fitness, the site features two fitness rooms equipped with treadmills, exercise bikes, exercise balls, pull up/chin up station, abdominal board, exercise bands and exercise mats that will be constructed as part of the community center. Formal outdoor recreation areas include roughly 2 acres of parkway/green belt for recreation and social gatherings, a walking track, a dog park, and two swimming pools. Ample space and free flowing paths provide opportunities for informal social interactions. “CVHC recognizes the

need to connect affordable housing with effective resident services programs, which give residents the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives. Our seniors are now enjoying very active lifestyles and these services will add to their health and fitness needs,” said Javier Lopez, Director of Community Relations at CVHC.