By TR Robertson
The 85-unit affordable senior community, La Sabila Apartments, is now open and in the process of filling the apartment complex and interviewing prospective tenants as they marked the occasion with an Opening Ceremony last Wednesday featuring a number of dignitaries from Wakeland Housing and officials from local, county and federal governmental agencies. La Sabila is located near the San Marcos and Vista borders on County property, 2357 S. Santa Fe Drive. This $48.5 million development addresses the issues of affordable housing for older adults 55+. The two story 85-unit complex also features 42 apartments for seniors exiting homelessness and working on becoming independent individuals and has designated some apartments for seniors 62 and older. The apartments are fully furnished move-in ready and pets are allowed. The complex has a landscaped central courtyard with outdoor seating, walking paths, BBQ and games spaces as well as a 1,015-square-foot community room with a kitchen, computer lab, large screen T.V., and space for meetings, workshops, classes and community events, all on 5.5-acres. A flyer for the week listed activities like Community Bingo, Painted Pots and Tiny Plants, Seated Yoga and a Friday Ice Cream Birthday party for those having birthdays in February. The complex was designed by DAHLIN Architecture and built by Sun Country Builders.
Wakeland Housing has more than 9,000 homes across 70 properties and they take pride in creating high-quality, attractive communities that serve the unique needs of the people who live there. Each development is unique, assisting low-income working families, seniors, veterans, or people who have experienced homelessness. La Sabila assists 55+ seniors and people transitioning from homelessness.
The Opening Ceremony began with remarks from President and CEO of Wakeland Housing, Rebecca Louie. Rebecca spoke about the cooperation they have received from a variety of agencies and organizations who helped bring this 85-unit complex to completion. She spoke about the homeless problem in the county and the difficulty many have in stopping their cycle of going in and out of shelters and never getting guidance on what they need to do to stop. She said La Sabila is a place of healing and offers “on-site health and wellness programming, educational classes, social activities, case management and behavioral health support offering help in manage chronic conditions”. They have partnerships with West PACE and San Diego County Behavioral Health. She pointed out those who have helped with funding the complex including the County of San Diego, California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, Wells Fargo and Fredie Mac. Rebecca also thanked Vista Mayor John Franklin, who was in attendance, for his dedication and commitment to working with the homeless in Vista and homeless placement.
Speaking next was William Spencer, Regional Administrator of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Mr. Spencer spoke about the importance of facilities like La Sabila and the hard work everyone has put into bringing about the completion and opening of La Sabila. Following Spencer was District 5 County Supervisor Jim Desmond. Supervisor Desmond presented Rebecca Louie a Certificate of Commendation for the opening of La Sabila and its importance in providing an approach to assisting homeless with affordable housing. He said there is a definite affordable housing shortage and an even more definite need for affordable senior housing. He said seniors on fixed incomes are especially hurting and with rising prices of everything, staying in an affordable home has become harder.
The next speaker was David Estrella, Director of Housing and Community Development Services, County of San Diego. He said the County of San Diego has invested $334 million in building 3,445 homes for affordable housing for homeless and seniors since 2017. He said the problem is more homes are needed and complexes like La Sabila are one approach to helping with the homeless problem. Following Estrella was Christian Von Merkatz, Director of Community Lending and Investment for Wells Fargo. Christian spoke on behalf of Wells Fargo and talked about their willingness to assist in any way possible with projects like La Sabila. The final speaker was John Sugden, Project Manager of Wakeland Housing and the La Sabila Apartment Project. John was thanked by Rebecca for helping keep the project on task and time, responding to any and all issues that arose during construction. He was the go-to person for any answers needed and any updates requested.
Ed Welch, a resident of La Sabila Apartments, agreed to be interviewed about is experience while homeless and how he arrived at La Sabila. Ed has been in La Sabila for a month. He had applied for one of the apartments set aside for homeless individuals who want to transition to something permanent, went through the interview process at La Sabila, and was accepted. He had formerly been in a homeless shelter in Old Town and before that had bounced around between living in cars, hotels and a small trailer in the mountains. While in the Old Town shelter he was able to get help from Housing for the Homeless – PATH Making It Home, and he said they were amazing in the help and assistance they gave him to get into La Sabila. As far as the La Sabila employees and facility, Ed said they are fabulous and all are very kind and helpful in making him feel welcome. He said the complex is safe and secure, pointing out what it takes to enter into the main entrance and then the courtyard. They also have separate mailboxes that take individual keys and secure boxes for larger packages. He said if he needs help with transportation, arrangements are made. Ed did have a car, but he is having car trouble, and he said they are trying to help him get the car fixed if possible. Because La Sabila receives assistance from PACE, Ed is able to get rides for medical treatment. He has had back surgery and is having some issues as well as continuing counseling for his PTSD caused by a traumatic event in his life. Ed said he likes to bake and was happy to see he has a stove with an oven. He said all of the other places he stayed only had hot plates. There is also a microwave in his apartment. On his windowsill are photos of his family, a son, daughter-in-law and grandson as well as his Bible. Ed said he is looking for a church in the area. As we left, we took a look at the brand-new washers and dryers, also requiring an electronic entrance. He was especially happy that a large load for washing only costs around $1.75 as compared with $3-$4 or more at a laundromat. Ed’s only source of income is a small Social Security check. As we took the elevator back down to join the ceremony, Ed felt this is the break he needed and the place that offers a chance for him to get back on his feet with people like him who have chosen to take the next step needed to move out of living in different shelters or on the streets. He is especially happy with all of the help La Sabila offers.
Wakeland Housing CEO Rebecca Louie said, “More than one-third of the nearly 10,000 people experiencing homelessness in San Diego are seniors, many of whom are struggling with rising housing costs, medical expenses, food insecurity, and profound loneliness. La Sabila is truly a game changer for seniors in North County. With on-site, A-Z medical services, opportunities for connection through workshops and classes, including cooking and exercise, and a built-in community where residents can get to know and support one another, this development will help seniors maintain their independence, age with dignity, and truly thrive”.
For more information go to www.wakelandhdc.com. To apply for La Sabila go to www.LaSabilaApts.com or call 619-625-3470. More information at Housing for the Homeless San Diego – PATH Making It Home www.epath.org .
