Homeless

State Supported Housing Development Will Help Some Homeless but Beyond Reach for Many Oaklanders

Published

7 years ago

August 24, 2019

Six affordable housing developers have been awarded a total of $30 million to build 413 housing units in Oakland, which will include 168 units of “permanent affordable housing” designed for the homeless and people with disabilities.

However, the other 345 units are classified as “affordable” for “low income households” require incomes from $75,000 to $99,000.

Most of these units are not connected to Project-Based Section 8 vouchers (PBVs) from the Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) that subsidizes the rents and will be beyond the reach of most Oakland residents who live below Highway 580, and earn on the average about $40,000 for a family of four.

The 168 units of permanent supportive housing will be built on a model that combines housing that is affordable to families and individuals experiencing homelessness with supportive services.

Supportive services can include case management, aid for those with physical disabilities, mental health assistance, and support with daily life activities. These units require Oakland Housing Authority Section 8 vouchers (PBVs) subsidies.

The six projects are:

Fruitvale Studies with 24 units, including 15 units for the homeless, 12 PBVs, plus nine “affordable” units
Brooklyn Basin (Project 3) with 130 units, 26 for the homeless, 65 PBVs, plus 104 “affordable” units
Ancora Place with 77 units, 15 for the homeless, 31 PBVs and 62 “affordable” units
7th and Campbell with 79 units, 39 for the homeless, persons with disabilities and formerly incarcerated, 39 PBVs, plus 40 “affordable” units
West Grand & Brush (Phase I) with 59 units, 30 for the homeless, persons with disabilities and vets, 28 PBVs, plus 29 “affordable” units
Aurora apartments with 44 units, 43 for homeless and persons with special needs, 43 PBVs, plus one “affordable” unit

The six developments, which include a mix of new construction and rehabilitated buildings, are being funded through the State of California’s recently approved Proposition 2 — “No Place Like Home Program” – and the “Supportive Housing Multifamily Housing Program” – funded from Propositions 46 and 1C.

These developments are also funded by voter-approved Measure KK for affordable housing. Project completion date will vary from late 2019 through 2022.

“This is a great example of how city resources can leverage state funds to advance critical projects that will have a significant impact on our communities,” says Maraskeshia Smith, Interim Director of Housing & Community Development.

“These housing developments are incredibly important for addressing the needs of our most vulnerable populations,” noted Sara Bedford, Director of Human Services. “They are part of our overall strategy to address homelessness. Getting more projects like this funded and operational is critical to addressing this regional housing and homeless crisis.”

“However,” said James Vann of the Oakland Tenants Union, “without Oakland Housing Authority vouchers – which are in short supply – the housing will be out of the price range of most Oakland residents. A family of four would have to pay 60 percent of Alameda County Average Median Income (AMI), which would be an annual income of at least $74,340, well beyond Oakland families who earn about $40,000.”

According to the Oakland Housing Authority, currently, there are a total of 2,018 applicants remaining on the Section 8 wait list, which was last opened in 2011, and there are currently 228 voucher holders searching for units. The number of available Section 8 vouchers is limited by available federal funding.