High-end apartments in Southern California house homeless people, with monthly rents as low as 60 yuan

In Los Angeles County’s Southern California, a new permanent supportive housing development tailored for older homeless individuals has opened its doors—Heritage Square South (HSS). This three-story community features 69 spacious, beautifully decorated units, along with amenities like an outdoor courtyard, gym, and an indoor activity center. According to property management, residents can rent their units for as little as $60 a month.

Located at 710 N. Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena, HSS is specifically designed for individuals aged 55 and older who have faced homelessness. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 14, developers, city officials, nonprofit representatives, and banking professionals discussed the project’s importance in tackling the housing crisis, as well as the obstacles they encountered during its development.

Developed by BRIDGE Housing, HSS comprises multiple three-story buildings connected by walkways. The facility includes public amenities such as a gym, community activity center, courtyard, laundry facilities, 24-hour security, controlled access, and around 37 parking spots. The first floor also offers 2,200 square feet of retail space at the corner of Fair Oaks and Orange Grove avenues. The project’s total cost reached $28 million and was made possible through collaboration with various partners, including the City of Pasadena, Wells Fargo, and JLL Real Estate Capital.

The journey to bring HSS from concept to completion took nearly 20 years. Mayor Victor Gordo highlighted the numerous challenges faced along the way, emphasizing the need for support from government, local communities, and funding partners. “By providing permanent housing for the homeless, we not only transform their lives but also benefit the entire community,” he stated.

Since leasing opened on April 29 of this year, the apartments have filled up quickly, with the last tenant moving in on June 28. The resident demographic includes African American, White, and Hispanic individuals, primarily sourced from Pasadena’s local homeless population. Some residents were even identified directly by social workers on the streets, who also helped them apply for monthly General Relief payments and food stamps. Once settled, some residents pay as little as $60 in rent, a stark contrast to the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Pasadena, which exceeds $2,000, as noted by a property manager.

Congresswoman Judy Chu mentioned that HSS has offered homes to nearly 70 senior individuals, supported by dedicated case management teams. The project utilizes a project-based voucher system, enabling eligible applicants to move in quickly, bypassing the often lengthy wait for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. However, she stressed the critical underfunding of supportive housing.

“At its core, housing is about people,” said William Huang, director of Pasadena’s Housing Department. He pointed out that 28% of the city’s homeless population is aged 65 and older, and that HSS has significantly changed the life paths of its residents. Additionally, he highlighted how HSS benefits the local economy by improving public facilities and creating job opportunities, while advocating for increased project-based rental assistance, as the current allocation of 35% remains insufficient.

During the ceremony, resident Keith Dickson shared his story, reflecting on his difficult journey. After relinquishing his business to care for his ailing mother, he found himself living in his car. “Thank God for giving me the chance to live in such a wonderful place,” he expressed with deep gratitude.

Importantly, HSS goes beyond just providing housing. The nonprofit Union Station Homeless Services offers supportive services tailored to the unique needs of senior residents, helping them reintegrate into society and reconnect with family. Howard Kahn, interim executive director of Union Station, remarked, “Housing is more than just a place to live; it’s a home where people can realize their potential.”