SHE holds Groundbreaking for Sugar Pine Village

On October 5, 2020, SHE held a small groundbreaking for Sugar Pine Village, a new affordable housing community in Madera that will provide 52 high-quality, affordable apartment-style homes to the region. More than 30% of the new homes will be available for individuals and families struggling with housing insecurity and homelessness.

The community is located off State Highway 99 and convenient to grocery, retail stores, schools and public transportation. It will feature 20 one-, 16 two-and 16 three-bedroom apartments for residents earning between 15 and 60 percent of Area Median Income. Units will range from 720 square feet to 1,195 square feet. Rents will be set according to income, and will range between $168 -$1,012 per month. “Sugar Pine Village will bring much needed affordable housing to Madera that will help individuals and families in need with safe, quality, affordable housing” said Tom Collishaw. “We are proud to work together with Madera County Behavioral Health, and our other funding partners, who have stepped up during these difficult times to invest and support this development that will provide hope to so many for generations to come.”

The units will include fully equipped kitchens with energy efficient appliances, a central laundry facility and in-unit laundry hook-ups, and ample storage space for residents. A spacious community building will include a computer lab with free Wi-Fi, fitness area, kitchen and meeting rooms. Outdoor amenities include picnic areas with grills, a covered playground, community garden and ample parking. A solar PV energy system will provide electricity for common areas and residential apartments.

In a partnership with the Madera County Behavioral Health Department, residents will have access to wrap-around supportive services that include on-site management and counselors to assist residents with health, wellness, and other socio-economic needs. Residents will also have access to children’s after-school programs, fitness and Zumba classes, healthy cooking classes and computer training, among other educational resources. “This project will afford many residents of Madera with affordable housing, especially those families that are most vulnerable to becoming homeless due to the lack of affordable housing,” said Dennis Koch, director of Behavioral Health Services, County of Madera. “This will be “their dream come true.” UnitedHealth Group is the largest private investor in Sugar Pine Village, providing $11.2 million in equity through a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) partnership with Enterprise Housing Credits Investments.

The State of California is providing another $11.2million in permanent loans and grants through its Multi-Family Housing program and No Place Like Home homelessness initiative. US Bank is the construction lender and Central Valley Community Bank is providing a $500,000 FHLB Affordable Housing Program loan. “There is a strong connection between housing and health. If you don’t have a safe place to stay, it may be difficult to feel secure or manage your overall well-being,” said Kevin Kandalaft, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of California. “UnitedHealthcare has invested more than $500 million in affordable housing, and this investment underscores our commitment to housing and support services to drive better health outcomes for our underserved California communities.”

UnitedHealthcare and health services company Optum are both UnitedHealth Group companies.

The investment is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to promote positive health outcomes through greater access to affordable housing. Since 2011, the company has helped build 5,500 new homes and units in 18 states for people in need of affordable housing supportive services, working with investment partners like Enterprise. “The pandemic is disporportionately affecting people on the brink of homelessness and communities of color. By integrating stable, affordable homes with supportive services, people can begin to build a more secure future,” said Scott Hoekman, President & CEO, Enterprise Housing Credit Investments. “Enterprise is proud to partner with UnitedHealthcare and Self-Help Enterprises on this new development.” Research shows that 80% of an individual’s health is determined by what happens outside of a doctor’s office. Housing stability, quality, safety and affordability all impact people’s health, as do physical and social characteristics of neighborhoods. Access to safe and affordable housing is one of the greatest barriers to better health for many people —with nearly 15 million Americans lacking access to stable housing today.

“Creating greater access to housing is critical for our region, particularly among the most vulnerable who need a helping hand,” said Jim Costa, U.S. Representative, CA-16th District. “Sugar Pine Village not only addresses that need, but it invests in important supportive services, such as wellness counseling and childcare, that will help guide residents to a path of success.” Sugar Pine Village is expected to be completed in December 2021. KSA Group Architects, based in Bakersfield is the architect. The construction contractor is BJ Perch Construction, Inc. AWI Management Corporation will manage the property.