Linc Housing, one of California’s leading nonprofit developers of affordable housing, has officially broken ground on the Seaglass housing community in the Willowbrook neighborhood of unincorporated Los Angeles County. This groundbreaking project will deliver much-needed affordable housing to residents struggling with homelessness, offering a total of 51 units for low-income individuals and families.
The Seaglass development is part of a larger initiative to address homelessness and improve housing opportunities in South Los Angeles, a region where affordable housing is in short supply.
Key Takeaways
Linc Housing has commenced construction on the Seaglass affordable housing community in Willowbrook, Los Angeles County, aimed at providing homes for low-income seniors.
- Seaglass will offer 51 units of affordable housing, including one-bedroom homes and a two-bedroom manager’s unit, catering to individuals earning below 30% of the area median income.
- The development includes various community spaces and supportive services such as mental health care, employment training, and financial counseling to help residents thrive.
- Seaglass is part of a broader initiative to address homelessness and improve housing opportunities in South Los Angeles, funded by state, local, and private sources.
Transforming Willowbrook with Seaglass
The Seaglass development represents an essential addition to the Willowbrook neighborhood. Located at 12611 S. Willowbrook Ave., the new community will consist of 50 one-bedroom homes for individuals earning at or below 30% of the area median income (AMI), along with a two-bedroom manager’s unit. The project is expected to be completed by late 2026.
This development is being built on the site of the former Drew Child Development Center, which relocated to Linc Housing’s nearby Springhaven community in 2022. The availability of this land presented Linc Housing with an opportunity to continue its commitment to the Willowbrook neighborhood by creating additional affordable housing and supportive services for those most in need.
Building on the success of Mosaic Gardens (61 units) and Springhaven (100 units), Seaglass adds 51 more affordable homes, bringing the total to 212. It will connect to Mosaic Gardens through a shared outdoor space, promoting community and interaction among residents.
Seaglass will also be an ideal option for low income senior homes, providing those in need with housing for elderly low income and further expanding the availability of affordable homes for seniors in the region. This development will help address the growing demand for affordable independent living for seniors, giving them an opportunity to live independently while accessing supportive services.
Key features of Seaglass supportive housing
This three-story development meets residents’ needs with indoor and outdoor community spaces that promote social engagement, physical activity, and well-being. Features include a community garden, meeting rooms, a dog run, secure bicycle parking, and office spaces for case management and resident services.
In addition to these amenities, Seaglass offers a range of wraparound services for long-term stability, including mental health care, substance use counseling, employment training, job placement, financial counseling, and help with government benefits.
These services support residents in rebuilding their lives and moving out of homelessness. Seaglass is a perfect choice for low income housing for seniors, providing housing for seniors based on income with tailored services to ensure long-term stability for senior residents.
A model for supportive housing in Los Angeles
The Seaglass project is a significant part of a broader effort by Los Angeles County and its partners to address homelessness and the shortage of affordable housing. The county’s Housing for Health program, which is supported by funding from the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, will play a key role in providing intensive case management for residents.
Housing with supportive services has proven to be an effective model for helping individuals transition out of homelessness. By offering comprehensive services, Seaglass will not only provide a safe, stable environment but also the support necessary to help residents thrive and integrate back into the community.
Linc Housing’s Seaglass supports the county’s efforts to address homelessness. This project contributes to several affordable housing developments in Los Angeles, tackling the growing homelessness crisis. Seaglass will also serve as a new hub for assisted living for seniors low income, expanding housing options for elderly low-income individuals and offering solutions to the growing demand for senior affordable housing.
A symbol of resilience and transformation
The name Seaglass was carefully chosen to symbolize resilience, transformation, and the beauty that can emerge from adversity. Just as sea glass is created by the tumbling of glass fragments in the ocean, which smooths and reshapes them over time, Seaglass represents the potential for healing and personal growth for residents who have faced significant hardship.
Additionally, the name honors the legacy of Pastor Deloris Glass, a key figure in the revitalization of the Willowbrook area. Pastor Glass’s work in the community reflects the values of resilience and transformation that are central to the Seaglass project. Aiming to meet the needs of low income elderly apartments, Seaglass offers housing for seniors and disabled individuals, with services to support independent living and improve quality of life.
Financial and funding support for Seaglass
The Seaglass development costs around $28.6 million, funded by a mix of state, local, and private sources. The California Department of Housing and Community Development contributed $8 million from the National Housing Trust Fund, vital for low income housing for seniors.
An additional $6.2 million came from the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), and Raymond James added Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity. California Bank & Trust also provided a permanent loan, all forming a key funding strategy for affordable housing for seniors.
The Los Angeles County rental subsidy program will provide project-based vouchers, helping to keep low-income housing for seniors affordable for residents with limited financial resources.
Community impact beyond housing
Seaglass is more than just a housing development—it’s a catalyst for positive change in the Willowbrook community. The project is designed to foster connections among residents and integrate them into the broader community by offering accessible services, outdoor spaces for recreation, and opportunities for community involvement.
In addition to offering safe housing, Seaglass provides opportunities for residents to improve their lives and regain independence. Community spaces and resident services ensure that individuals have support, not just a roof over their heads.
Ideal for low-income seniors in need of assisted living, it provides access to essential services while allowing residents to maintain their independence. Surrounding amenities ease the transition for those facing physical or mental health challenges.
Expanding affordable housing in Los Angeles
Seaglass is contributing to a growing trend in Los Angeles, where affordable housing projects are becoming a priority for both public and private sectors. Linc Housing is helping address the critical shortage of homes for low-income residents, particularly those at risk of homelessness.
Recent data from Yardi Matrix shows over 10,000 fully affordable units in the Los Angeles Metro pipeline, with more than 7,000 expected to be completed by 2025. This increase in affordable housing will help meet the rising demand for housing.
Other developments by Thomas Safran & Associates and EAH Housing are further expanding affordable housing stock in the region. These projects are part of a larger effort to tackle homelessness and create sustainable communities for all.
These efforts are not only focused on young families but also on low-income seniors with specific housing needs. By expanding low income housing for seniors based on income, communities like Seaglass can provide a safe, stable environment for aging individuals, particularly those on fixed incomes.
Challenges in affordable housing development
While the Seaglass development is a major achievement, it highlights the challenges of building low income housing for seniors. High costs and competition for funding make it difficult to secure support, especially in areas like Los Angeles.
Despite these obstacles, projects like Seaglass are vital in addressing the housing for elderly low income crisis. Continued investment in low income housing for seniors and disabled helps create communities where residents can access both shelter and essential resources.
Linc Housing’s Seaglass project is a prime example of how assisted living for seniors low income can positively impact communities. Seaglass offers more than just a home, it provides a pathway to stability and a brighter future for individuals experiencing homelessness.
