By Ken Magri

As the need for more affordable rental units continues, developers in the Sacramento area work to complete new affordable housing projects across the city. 

Less than half of all living units in Sacramento are renter occupied, and according to Apartments.com, the median cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment is $1,511 per month. While that runs slightly below the national average for rent, it is still too high for people with extremely low incomes.

According to Sacramento County’s 2024 Affordable Housing Needs Report, the amount of extremely low-income households paying rent with more than half of their monthly income is 83%, compared to 1% of moderate-income households.

At the same time, Gov. Gavin Newsom is moving toward clearing out homeless encampments, which furthers the need for more affordable housing as municipalities are no longer responsible for providing alternative shelter to displaced persons per the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in June. Gov. Newsom’s executive order issued in July stressed the need to “use all available resources, including those provided by the state’s historic investments in housing and intervention programs, to address encampments within their jurisdictions.” 

With an ongoing need for more housing resources for local residents, here are several upcoming, recently completed or open waitlist affordable housing projects in the Sacramento area with information on how to apply for each one.

On Broadway

To help revitalize the Broadway corridor, a new 140 unit, 100% affordable two-structure housing complex called On Broadway is under construction at the corner of 19th Street and Broadway. Built by nonprofit EAH Housing, this gated-entry, five-story complex will include retail space on the ground floors, two residential community centers, exterior courtyards, playgrounds, bicycle storage and secured parking. The complex is also close to the Broadway light rail station.

Last March, a three-alarm fire damaged the project’s structural work. In May, the original framework was dismantled and construction started again with a projected 2025 completion date. 

According to the EAH Housing website, “the units will be available for residents making between 30% and 60% of the area’s median income.” Thirty-seven units (26%) will be designated for permanent supportive housing available to at-risk individuals living with mental illness. 

EAH Housing has a portal on its website where applicants can see EAH affordable housing projects throughout the state and apply for residency. Applications may be requested through the “Contact Us” page on the same website.

The Heights on Stockton Boulevard

Next Phase Construction out of Walnut Creek is in the final stages of building a 200-unit affordable housing project in partnership with Mercy Housing California at 4995 Stockton Blvd. Twenty-three buildings ranging from two to four stories will feature one, two and three-bedroom apartments. One of these buildings is complete and rented, with the rest expected to open in the coming months.

Each apartment comes with heating and air conditioning, a built-in refrigerator, microwave,

traditional oven and a combination shower/bathtub.

The amenities for this non-smoking and no-pets community include on-site parking with EV charging stations, a community center with kitchen, terrace, laundry room, two outdoor play areas and resident services. Shopping, schools and a library are a short walk away from this garden-style complex.

Those interested can apply for residence at the Mercy Housing website.

West Gateway Place Phase II

Located in West Sacramento’s Bridge District, the second phase of West Gateway Place will provide 60 apartments, from one to three-bedrooms. The development is designed for households earning 30% to 60% of the area median income (AMI). Six units are designated for at-risk families or families already experiencing homelessness and mental illness earning 20% AMI.

West Gateway Place II is located near mass transit and within walking distance of several outdoor recreation spaces including Sutter Health Park, River Walk Park and Mill Street Pier. A secured outdoor playground complements the building’s ground floor, which includes a community room with a kitchen, laundry room, a teen lounge, fitness room, and a space for resident services. 

West Gateway is being built by the West Sacramento Housing Development Corporation and Jamboree Housing Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to affordable housing. The project is set to be completed this winter. Application forms can be downloaded from the West Gateway website.

Sunrise Pointe

The first affordable housing project approved in Citrus Heights in 20 years is Sunrise Pointe housing, located at 7424 Sunrise Blvd., north of Oak Avenue. All units are available for income-qualified persons at this 47-unit multi-family complex built on a former Christmas tree lot.

A collaboration between Jamboree Housing Corporation and nonprofit Hope Cooperative, the grounds will include an outdoor picnic area with tables, playground, laundry building and after-school program. On-site community services like job training and budget management will be offered by Hope Cooperative and HeartLand Child & Family Services. 

Sunrise Pointe is also pet-friendly and situated close to mass transit. A live-in property manager will oversee the complex and be available for residents while ensuring they are in compliance with occupancy rules. 

According to Jamboree Housing, these units “cater to a diverse mix of families, individuals navigating mental health challenges, and those transitioning from homelessness, specifically aimed at those earning between 25%-45% of the area median income.” 

For specific eligibility guidelines and leasing information, go to the Jamboree Housing’s Sunrise Pointe website or call (916) 561-0323, extension 4088.

The Huddle on 5th

Built by Brinshore Development and in partnership with housing nonprofit Raise the Barr, this unique 18-unit residential property at 221 5th St. in West Sacramento is designed for eligible single parents enrolled in higher education. 

The space-saving development consists of three conjoined six-plexes that occupy a single lot, with parking in front. According to the Raise the Barr website, The Huddle on 5th project “places significant emphasis on peer-to-peer support, mental health and wellness, healthy relationships, job training, career development, and financial empowerment.”

“It’s a pretty cool niche and the first of its kind in the region,” said West Sacramento City Manager Aaron Laurel. The Huddle on 5th is slated to open its doors by the end of 2024. Those wishing to check eligibility and apply can visit Raise the Barr’s website.

Sonrisa 

Sonrisa, located at 1322 O St., is a mixed-use development with 58 micro apartments of 267 square feet each, combined with 1,300 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor. Except for a manager’s unit, all units are affordable to those earning 40-60% AMI.

Developed by the Capitol Area Development Authority (CADA) and CFY Development Inc., this five-story building was among the first projects approved after the governor’s 2019 executive order that prioritized development on excess land on state-owned properties. 

Completed in April 2023, Sonrisa’s amenities include a built-in sofa/wall bed, central heating and air conditioning, high ceilings with fans, window blinds, an electric stovetop, microwave and refrigerator. There is a community kitchen, work room, resident lounge, a terrace on the top floor and a lobby with on-site management. Using sustainable materials and a 100% electric utility, the developers worked to qualify Sonrisa for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s Smart Homes program that reduces the need for fossil fuels.

Because of the small square footage, Sonrisa apartments are limited to two people. To learn more and to apply, go to the Sonrisa website.

Who else can help find affordable housing? 

For those actively seeking available units, the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) provides free information in multiple languages. Applications can be made with the SHRA using any device with internet access and an email address at sacwaitlist.com/home. 

The SHRA can also be reached by phone, (916) 440-1390, and those who are hard of hearing can TTY 711. For those who wish to submit a written application, the SHRA address is 630 I St., Sacramento, 95814. Write “Attn: Application forms needed” on the envelope. 

Additionally, CADA regularly puts out apartment listings that can be accessed on its website. 

Residents in Sacramento County who are in danger of homelessness can also call 211 or (916) 498-1000 to be assessed for shelter opportunities and homeless services. Individuals who are hard of hearing can call 711 and ask for a 211 connection.

This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative. Solving Sacramento is supported by funding from the James Irvine Foundation and James B. McClatchy Foundation. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Observer and Univision 19.