Media Advisory: LINC Housing Transforms Vacant Motel Into 24 Affordable Family Homes

HUNTINGTON PARK, CA--(Marketwired - Feb 26, 2014) -

When:
Wednesday, March 5, 2014 - 3:30 p.m.

Where:
Mosaic Gardens at Huntington Park, 6337 Middleton St., Huntington Park, 90255

What:
A vacant 55-room motel that stood empty and gated up for years is now 24 affordable apartments for low-income families, including transitional age youth -- ages 18-24. Huntington Park Mayor Mario Gomez and Dr. Marvin J. Southard, D.S.W., director, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, will join residents, neighbors and development partners to celebrate the grand opening of Mosaic Gardens at Huntington Park.

Fifteen of the homes are for transitional age youth, including former foster youth, who are currently being served by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. These young adults, many with children of their own, already live in the neighborhood, often "couch surfing" at friends' homes or living in crowded, unhealthy conditions. The goal is to give these individuals stable, healthy homes so they can continue to move forward with their education, employment or whatever path to independence they've chosen. These homes are the first in Huntington Park for these underserved neighbors.

The former layout of the motel included a parking lot that was partially under the building and partially exposed. Part of the renovation included creating a courtyard on an elevated deck above the parking area. The courtyard also includes a playground, landscaping, benches, and a barbeque, providing a comfortable area for residents to relax and connect. A community room, private counseling rooms, and a computer lab provide the space for residents to participate in social, education, and skill building opportunities. Families will also enjoy a variety of resident services coordinated by LINC Cares. Mosaic Gardens at Huntington Park is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council and is pursuing a LEED for Homes Platinum certification.

Funding for the $10-million development came from a number of sources including the City of Huntington Park, Los Angeles County General Fund/Homeless Service Center Funds, Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles Project Based Vouchers, the Los Angeles County and California Departments of Mental Health through the Mental Health Services Act program, the Federal Home Loan Bank's Affordable Housing Program, The California Endowment, the Ahmanson Foundation, a grant from JPMorgan Chase, a construction loan from U.S. Bank, and tax credit equity from Raymond James Tax Credit Funds Inc. Construction began in January 2013. Residents started to move in February 1.

Who:
Mario Gomez, Mayor, City of Huntington Park
René Bobadilla, City Manager, City of Huntington Park
Dr. Marvin J. Southard, D.S.W., Director, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
Richard K. Shea, Senior Vice President/Market Manager, U.S. Bank Commercial Real Estate
Community Lending Division
Kevin Kilbane, Vice President - Director of Acquisitions, Raymond James Tax Credit Funds, Inc.
Hunter L. Johnson, President and CEO, LINC Housing Corporation
Shonn, Resident, Mosaic Gardens at Huntington Park (former foster youth/formerly homeless)

Visuals:

• City officials, new residents, the LINC Housing team and other partners participating in a ribbon cutting ceremony and community celebration. Carnival-like atmosphere
• Interview opportunities with development partners and residents