All Souls Episcopal Parish (ASEP) and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) open doors to Jordan Court – 34 new affordable homes for seniors in Berkeley
Berkeley, CA – May 5, 2022 – On Thursday, May 5, All Souls Episcopal Parish (ASEP) and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) will mark the grand opening of Jordan Court – 34 new affordable studios for low-income and formerly homeless seniors at 1600 Oxford Street in North Berkeley. The community is welcome to attend the event, with a program starting promptly at 12:15 pm.
As the site’s owner, ASEP recognized the opportunity to address the housing affordability crisis they saw in their community by transforming their underutilized parking lot in North Berkeley into a vibrant, affordable community for Berkeley seniors.
According to a study by the U.C. Berkeley Labor Center, three out of ten seniors in California do not have enough income to cover their basic needs, and this inequality falls hardest on older seniors, seniors of color, older women, unmarried seniors, and renters.
“From providing shelter after the 1923 fire to offering asylum to immigrants detained by ICE, this small plot of land across from our church has a long history of serving the most vulnerable in our community. Watching the growing housing crisis here in Berkeley, it became clear to us that affordable housing was the most generous re-use of this land. We hope Jordan Court will not only provide housing, but refuge, safety and a sense of home,” says the Reverend Phil Brochard, Rector.
Jordan Court is named to honor the life of Ann Jordan, a poet and parishioner who bequeathed her inheritance to All Souls upon her passing.
Jordan Court provides permanent affordable housing for seniors whose income is between 20 and 60% of area median income. The Berkeley Housing Authority is providing 24 project-based Section 8 vouchers, which enable low income households to pay only 1/3 of their income for rent.
According to SAHA’s Chief Executive Officer Susan Friedland, “Studies have shown that aging in place can improve seniors’ quality of life, including their physical health. That’s why this project in North Berkeley is so important. We’ve seen seniors priced out of this neighborhood, forced to move far from the friends and family that support them. With the land contribution and support from ASEP, Jordan Court ensures senior residents can remain a vital part of this community for years to come.”
Twelve (12) of the 34 affordable studios are set-aside for formerly homeless seniors via the No Place Like Home program. SAHA provides a permanent onsite manager, and supportive services – as well as linkages to community-based services for all residents at Jordan Court.
In addition to 34 affordable studios, the project has a community room, laundry room, two shared terraces with views of the Berkeley hills and San Francisco Bay, and a private courtyard with outdoor seating. The development also includes approximately 4,550 square feet of space for All Souls Episcopal Parish including two three-bedroom apartments for church staff, and 20 parking spaces for staff, visitors and SAHA residents.
“You can’t go back and change the beginning. But you can start where you are and change the ending. Jordan Court has given me the chance to change my ending. Instead of hiding behind the gates of my unsafe home… I now sit in the west side terrace lounge and watch the sunset. And that’s just the beginning of the opportunity that exist within Jordan Court,” says resident Brenetta Fisher.
Funding comes from Silicon Valley Bank, Housing Trust Silicon Valley, the Federal Home Loan Bank’s Affordable Housing Program, the City of Berkeley, Alameda County’s Regional A1 Housing Bond, the National Equity Fund, state and federal tax credits, and the No Place Like Home Program, administered by the California’s Department of Housing and Community Development.
Jordan Court was designed by HKIT Architects, ASEP was the design client, and James E. Roberts-Obayashi, Inc. was the general contractor.
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About Satellite Affordable Housing Associates
Satellite Affordable Housing Associates believes that everyone deserves a home. With a mission to provide high-quality affordable homes and support services that empower people and strengthen communities, SAHA’s innovative properties provide more than 3,000 homes in 75 buildings to low-income seniors, families, and people with special needs.
Media Contacts:
Susan Friedland
sfriedland@sahahomes.org
Alexandra Pony
alexandra@ponycommunications.com
250.858.0656