April,2020 (ESCONDIDO, Calif.)— Integral Communities, a California real estate developer with several successfully built projects in San Diego County and others to come including the proposed Palomar Heights community, today announced a partnership with Rais Case, an Oceanside-based handmade goods artisan shop, to fund the manufacturing of 500 protective face masks for Palomar Hospital. The facility announced last week plans to house a federal field hospital for COVID-19 specific treatment, as surges of patients are anticipated in the coming weeks among a limited supply of personal protective equipment.
Integral, which prides itself on building communities designed for local connection, answered Palomar Health Foundation’s call for assistance in securing washable face masks by reaching out to Rais Case, a local business they’ve worked with over the years.
[The first batch of eco-cotton reusable face masks is expected to be delivered early next week. The masks will be provided to Palomar Health employees who are working in non-patient areas. Although these masks are not the equivalent of an N95 mask, they are extremely helpful in limiting exposure for employees who are interacting with members of the public.
“We’ve been working closely with Palomar Hospital and the City of Escondido for years on the development of Palomar Heights, and, like so many in our community, we wanted to show our gratitude and help healthcare workers while supporting local businesses during this global health pandemic,” said Lance Waite
Principal of Integral Communities. “We’re proud to be partnering with Rais Case to help protect the healthcare workers who are selflessly putting themselves in harm’s way while giving so much during this crisis.”
Lance Waite, Principal of Integral Communities (right) dropping off a supply of donated masks to Palomar Hospital along with PaulSas, VP of Supply Chain, Purchasing and Construction Management at Palomar Health (left).
“We’re incredibly grateful that Integral Communities reached out to us to make 500 protective face masks that are critical shields for the healthcare workers in our community,” said Julie Rais Ellis, owner of Rais Case. “Partnerships like these help small businesses like ours shift our efforts where they are most needed at this time and support those on the COVID-19 frontlines.”
In addition to donating face masks, Integral Communities is also providing hand sanitizer in bulk to local restaurants. Currently, the company is in talks with the County of San Diego and Palomar Health about using the site of the old Palomar Hospital for additional hospital space if needed during this crisis. For more than two years, Integral has been is in the process of buying and redeveloping the former hospital into Palomar Heights, a dynamic, mixed-use residential building that will revitalize Escondido and serve as a gateway to a burgeoning downtown community.
About Integral Communities
Integral Communities is a leading real estate developer with projects located throughout California and locally across San Diego County. For more than 15 years, Integral’s local team has been based in Encinitas, California. By perfecting or changing land entitlements, pursuing alternative land planning, resolving property issues, and investing in and marketing well-executed real estate projects, Integral Communities provides new housing, retail, and office opportunities that fulfill the needs of the broader community
