San Ysidro Senior Village

Nominated by: National Community Renaissance
Location: San Diego, Calif.
Developer: National Community Renaissance
Architect: Studio E Architects
General Contractor: National Community Renaissance
Photographer: Ryan Beck Photography
Project Website: San Ysidro Senior Village

Project Statement

San Ysidro Senior Village illustrates the collaborative approach that is needed to address the homelessness crisis in the San Diego region. On any given night in San Diego County, 2,000 adults aged 55 or older experience homelessness. As shelters scramble to accommodate increasing demand, the grim reality for many of these seniors are nights spent trying to find safe neighborhood sidewalks or benches on which to sleep. The number of older adults experiencing homelessness is only expected to increase exponentially, as seniors across the nation struggle with poverty, soaring rental costs and the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, National Community Renaissance (National CORE), the city of San Diego, the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) and multiple community partners came together to develop San Ysidro Senior Village as a bright opportunity for a fresh start at life for more than 50 seniors experiencing homelessness in the region. San Ysidro Senior Village provides 51 fully furnished studio apartment homes for seniors, aged 55 or older, who are experiencing homelessness. Nestled along San Ysidro Boulevard, this stunning community places residents near to grocery stores, retail and other community resources. A high-frequency bus line and the Beyer Boulevard Trolley Station in close proximity encourages residents to reduce pollution and choose more climate-friendly transportation options. Striking sustainable urban design and pops of bright color make the development functional and beautiful. The Hope through Housing Foundation works closely with multiple local organizations to offer intensive supportive services catered toward individual resident needs onsite through a 1,300 square-foot community center with private offices. Although the construction of San Ysidro Senior Village may have finished earlier this year, the real building of this community only just began as National CORE and their partners help residents every day to rebuild their lives and restore their dignity.