As part of its ongoing commitment to address the affordable housing shortage, the City of San Diego is recommending the allocation of $15 million in Bridge to Home funding to support the development of 528 new affordable homes. This funding is part of Round 6 of the gap-financing program, which has already invested nearly $108 million to expedite the construction of 2,148 affordable homes across 24 projects.   

“We’re fighting every day to make housing attainable for all San Diegans,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “With this new round of Bridge to Home funding, we’re driving forward hundreds of affordable homes and sending a clear message: San Diego is building a future where everyone has a place to live and a chance to thrive.” 

In July, the City issued a notice of funding availability (NOFA), which allows qualified developers to submit proposals for how they would use the funding to create low- to moderate-income units. Bridge to Home provides gap financing to make affordable housing developments a reality, as these projects typically require a combination of funding sources, including local, state and federal programs.  

The City received nine responses, totaling $46.2 million in requested funding. Of those, the City recommends four projects that would create a combined 528 affordable homes: 

• Global Village by Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans / Hitzke Development in Redwood Village – 137 homes for individuals and families, with 41 of those homes dedicated to those who make 40% or less of the area median income, which means they are at risk of homelessness. It will also include a 2,000-square-foot childcare center, a global market and a community open space.
• The Joule by Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation / Citythinkers, Inc. in Grantville – 208 homes for individuals and families, with 55 of those homes set aside for those at risk of homelessness. It is located in a high-resource area, which is a neighborhood with a high concentration of opportunities, including quality schools, jobs, transit and lower environmental hazards. The project is on County-owned land and is another example of how the City and County are partnering to leverage public land to support affordable housing development. 
• Promenade Apartments by CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development / Community Revitalization Development Corporation in Hillcrest – 94 homes for small to large families, with 11 of those earmarked as permanent supportive housing (PSH) units that provide supportive services for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Eighteen homes will be for those at risk of homelessness. This development is located in a highest-resource area.
• Salvation Army Rady Center by Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation in East Village – 89 homes for seniors, with 55 of those homes set aside as PSH units with supportive services. The PSH units would help those experiencing or a risk of homelessness and those with serious mental illnesses. This development is part of a larger campus project that will bring a health clinic, supportive services and other resources to our most vulnerable populations downtown. 

“Affordable housing is foundational to a thriving, inclusive city,” said Economic Development Director Christina Bibler. “These investments would not only create much-needed homes, but they would also bring community benefits, like an on-site childcare center and locations in high- and highest-resource areas with access to quality schools, jobs, transit and cleaner environments. These investments will lead to stronger economic, educational and health outcomes for the San Diegans who need them most.” 

The City evaluated development submittals based on feasibility, the project approach and concept, including alignment with the community plan, and its community support and benefits. Projects also received bonus points if they were located in moderate, high and highest resource areas or had an on-site daycare. Developers must have also been a part of the City’s pre-qualified developers list, which helps the City attract and select qualified development teams promptly.  

Of the $15 million in this round of Bridge to Home funding, $10 million comes from former redevelopment funds that are restricted to creating new housing, including site improvements and construction. $5 million came from the federal Community Development Block Grant Program, which supports the nonprofit community as key stakeholders in the development of affordable housing.  

City staff will present its recommendations in an informational update to the Economic Development and Intergovernmental Relations Committee on Wednesday at 2 p.m. Each of the project’s loan agreements will then need to be approved by City Council. 

Since Mayor Gloria launched the Bridge to Home program in 2021, City Council has approved 24 project loan agreements, with one project loan agreement awaiting approval, totaling 2,148 affordable homes. This includes 421 units with proposed supportive services for people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.   

To date, 390 affordable homes have been built, and an additional 392 homes are currently under construction, with 286 of those homes anticipated to be completed by spring 2026.