Construction is complete on a significant $15 million refinance and renovation of Providence House in Oakland, California. Opened in August 1991 by the Sisters of Providence, Providence House provides 40 units of subsidized housing for people with disabling HIV and AIDS.
The renovation effort was primarily financed with $4.2 million loan from Barings Multifamily Capital and Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity from U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation.
The preservation of affordable housing is rarely greeted with the same excitement as new construction, but is absolutely essential to ensuring that affordable units are not lost to communities. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 8 rental assistance is a key factor for enabling preservation, as well as ensuring ongoing affordability.
“The value of Section 8 rental assistance cannot be overstated. Federal rental assistance is limited while demand has grown sharply. We are fortunate to have this resource at Providence House Oakland,” said Shirley Bekins, Providence Supportive Housing Development Director.
“In so many ways the building is almost brand new and it’s beautiful,” noted Providence House Housing Director Barbara Cook.
New siding, windows, roof, landscape, entry, insulation and common areas and the addition of solar panels on the roof ensure that the ministry will not only remain in service for many years to come, but will also operate more efficiently and sustainably. Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN), Low Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) and Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) provided over $120,000 to incentivize the installation of solar photovoltaics and energy saving upgrades.
When it opened and for many years to follow, Providence House was the largest subsidized independent living program for people with AIDS in the entire San Francisco Bay area.
“That the Sisters willingly stepped into the devastation of the AIDS crisis with the development and construction of Providence House was beyond courageous. It remains a profound and concrete expression of the Sisters’ desire to serve those who are marginalized and vulnerable,” noted Tim Zaricznyj, Director of Housing, who began his Providence career many years ago at Providence House.
The Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, Bishop of Oakland will preside over the blessing and rededication of Providence House Oakland at a special ceremony in June 2018.
Providence House Oakland is one of 16 housing ministries that comprise the Providence Supportive Housing Ministry providing safe and affordable housing and service coordination to promote independence and aging in place.
About Providence Supportive Housing
The Providence Supportive Housing Ministry is comprised of 16 apartment buildings in Washington, Oregon and California. Each facility offers quality, independent and affordable housing in an apartment setting along with services coordination for residents. The disabled and elderly adults who call these apartments home enjoy a sense of well-being, independence and more fulfilling lives as a result of living in a safe and affordable apartment and welcoming community.
About the Author
More Content by Timothy Zaricznyj, Ed.D.
