HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez joined community members and local leaders in celebrating the start of construction for a project in Los Angeles that addresses both environmental justice and the critical need for affordable housing. Located on a former oil drilling site, The Arlington will provide 84 supportive homes for low-income residents, with half reserved for individuals and families who are exiting homelessness.

A project of TSA Housing, The Arlington was supported by $22 million from HCD’s Multifamily Housing and Infill Infrastructure Grant programs. The Arlington will provide homes for individuals and families earning half or less of the Area Median Income, and is located near transit, parks, grocery stores, medical services, and other vital amenities. 

In addition to addressing the problem of homelessness and providing much-needed affordable housing, this project represents the state’s commitment to equity and the environment. In 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law the Cleanup in Vulnerable Communities Initiative to address historical environmental injustices in disadvantaged communities. This enabled community and state partners to obtain funding to help support the clean-up of the land. After extensive remediation, the lot is now safe to become housing. 

The Arlington will have common areas, a fitness room, a laundry room and outdoor spaces for residents. The Arlington will also provide on-site supportive services including case management, financial management, parenting education, and employment services. With voter approval of Proposition 1, which will fund HCD’s new Homekey+ program, more permanent supportive homes will be available in the years to come.