Hundreds of local families were moving into a new affordable housing complex in downtown San Diego after it was unveiled Wednesday morning.
The complex, dubbed "Atmosphere," is located in the 1400 block of Fourth Avenue. Amid an affordable housing crisis and increased homelessness in San Diego, the new housing units are helping low-income families find a new home.
One woman, Vikki Lozano, told NBC 7 how much this means to her family after they lost their entire business during the 2008 financial crisis and have been struggling ever since. She and her husband have also struggled with serious health problems.
"The last 10 years have been really, really hard on us," said Lozano, who was formerly homeless. "This place is just amazing -- and I'm very, very grateful to Wakeland and all the people that have helped us to get to this point."
#WakelandHousing non-profit unveils 200+ affordable housing complex in downtown. How it will help needy & homeless families #NBC7 @ 11-1130a pic.twitter.com/JSclO7YJwC
— Liberty Zabala (@LibertyNBC7SD) May 31, 2017
More than 200 families will be able to live in the complex with monthly rents ranging from $525 to $1,250. The 12-story building offers 205 units, with many rooms including gorgeous views of downtown San Diego.
But this isn't a luxury high rise. The affordable housing complex is part of the city's effort to help families who struggle with homelessness. Some of the units in the complex are specifically designated for those dealing with mental and physical disabilities.
The non-profit Wakeland Housing Development and Corporation developed the complex. According to the corporation, this took a decade to build as well as $79 million.
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Fifty-one units are dedicated to homeless families to help them rehabilitate to the community and connect them with supportive services.
Wakeland Housing Development officials say the funding came from a mix of sources including the county, state tax credits, the housing commission and Civic San Diego.
Earlier this month, another affordable housing complex opened in Lincoln Park. The developer told NBC 7 there were 1,600 people on the waiting list for a unit in Ouchi Courtyards.
Also, Father Joe's Villages is working on developing housing in under-used motels that will be acquired and renovated for affordable housing.
Project managers say about 800 housing units will go up in buildings downtown at 5th and Ash, and along Commercial Street between 14th and 17th Streets. Those units are expected to be available in 2018.
