Finding affordable housing in downtown San Diego can be a challenge, especially for low-income seniors and families struggling to make ends meet.
That's why COMM22, a new housing development in Logan Heights, is attracting national attention from U.S. Housing Secretary Julian Castro.
On Friday, Castro toured one of 69 new apartments designed for seniors, and paid for in part through a federal grant program. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development invested nearly $9 million into the development, and helps provide rental subsidies to make them affordable for very low-income seniors.
The project on the corner of 22nd Street and Commercial Avenue took 12 years to complete and also includes 128 additional units for low-income families and young people aging out of the foster care system.
Arnulfo Manriquez, president of San Diego nonprofit, MAAC Project, said it was funded through community development partnerships.
Castro, who's only been on the job for six months, knows the challenges the administration faces in trying to end homelessness within five years and provide communities with more affordable housing options.
"When we talk about getting folks off the streets they need somewhere to live and they need a place to live, that has supportive services," Castro said. "This is a great example of that."
Castro was also in town to speak at the National Conference To End Youth and Family Homelessness.
