Investing in Affordable Housing: Housing Authority Approves $3.5 Million in Loan Commitments

The Santa Rosa Housing Authority has approved conditional loan commitments totaling over $3.5 million to support the rehabilitation and development of affordable housing across the city. These recommendations follow a competitive application process in response to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for affordable housing projects.

Funding Sources

As communicated in the NOFA, the available funding is comprised of:

• Approximately $2.21 million in local funds
• $273,738 from the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA)
• $1.08 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The NOFA prioritized rehabilitation projects, aligning with community feedback gathered during the HUD-required Consolidated Plan process and direction from Housing Authority Commissioners. Of the four applications received-two for rehabilitation and two for new construction-three projects were recommended for funding based on readiness, affordability, bedroom size, special needs set-asides, and other key criteria.

Recommended Projects

Zane-Wolff Veterans Village

• Funding Recommendation: $489,228
• Location: 665 Russell Avenue
• Developer: Community Housing Sonoma County

Originally completed in 2019, Zane-Wolff Veterans Village is a 14-unit community of tiny homes serving formerly homeless Veterans. Thirteen units are restricted to households earning 30% of Area Median Income (AMI), with one manager's unit at 80% AMI. All homes are wheelchair accessible and include built-in furniture, kitchenettes, and roll-in showers. Residents benefit from on-site services provided through the HUD-VASH program, including case management, health care, and peer support.

The recommended funding will support the conversion of the project's temporary use permit to a permanent multifamily use permit, ensuring long-term viability. The County has extended the site lease through 2041.

Apple Valley Scattered Sites

• Funding Recommendation: $1,238,310
• Location: Various addresses on West Steele Lane, Papago Court, Apple Valley Lane, and Zinfandel Avenue
• Developer: Apple Valley Olive Grove, LP (Burbank Housing)

This scattered-site project includes 228 affordable rental units across five properties, some dating back to the 1960s. Four of the properties are located within the City's Apple Valley Neighborhood Revitalization Program area and all have previously received Housing Authority support.

The rehabilitation will address $22.9 million in capital needs, including upgrades to flooring, cabinetry, appliances, HVAC systems, roofing, fire safety systems, and site improvements-ensuring safe, quality housing for hundreds of residents.

Ridley Family Apartments

• Funding Recommendation: $2,000,000
• Location: 1801 Ridley Avenue
• Developer: Ridley Avenue Apartments, LP

Ridley Family Apartments is a 50-unit new construction project designed for families and transitional youth. Forty-nine units will be affordable to households earning between 30% and 60% of AMI, with six units set aside for emancipated youth exiting foster care.

The development will offer robust resident services, including after-school programming, adult skill-building classes, and support for food cultivation. Located near transit, parks, schools, and essential services, the project is well-positioned to support long-term resident success.

Looking Ahead

These recommended investments reflect Santa Rosa's continued commitment to expanding and preserving affordable housing opportunities. By supporting both rehabilitation and new construction, the Housing Authority is helping ensure that residents-especially those with the greatest needs-have access to safe, stable, and supportive housing.

Learn More

• Visit 2025-2026 NOFA Awards on the City's Legistar webpage for more information about this year's awards.
• Visit SRCity.org/HCS for more information about the City's Housing and Community Services Department and its affordable housing programs.