To create affordable housing that truly and wholly accommodates people from all circumstances, there must be sincere purpose behind every decision made. Creating safe and equitable housing for those with disabilities requires many necessary considerations by all parties involved, throughout every step of the process. From investment and development to construction and management, it takes a team of dedicated individuals and advocates to create housing that affords the same safe harbor and opportunities to everyone. CREA partner Pacific West Communities, Inc. understands this reality well.
Pacific West’s Bridgeway Community Housing in Wasilla, AK is a purpose-driven home that serves as an important example proving that affordable housing for those with disabilities is not only possible, but necessary. With 24 efficiency and one-bedroom units, this single-level development provides not only a safe place to call home, but also important community functions and on-site supportive services.
“The need for safe, affordable housing developments like Bridgeway are further amplified in locations like Wasilla, where cold and snowy weather are more commonly experienced,” said Brad Bullock, Managing Director of Originations at CREA. “In consideration of a resident base of individuals who formerly experienced homelessness, coupled with the variety of significant services provided through Bridgeway, we’re honored to be involved in this development and are confident that it will be a great addition to the community.”
A new ground-up development, Bridgeway has been designed with the most updated accommodations for those with special needs. A shared community space offers several amenities to enhance the lives of residents, including a computer workstation, an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant kitchen space, as well as ample room for residents and loved ones to gather in a safe and supportive environment. Residents at Bridgeway, as with all TPC properties, also benefit from the TPC Resident Rewards program. This initiative allows tenants to earn points for various actions, such as paying rent on time or keeping their new home in excellent condition, as well as through educational videos aimed at fostering a strong and safe community for all residents. This continued commitment to resident growth and support is key to what makes Bridgeway special.
Those living with disabilities may require care from educated and experienced individuals or organizations in order to live life comfortably. For this purpose, Pacific West Communities has partnered with property manager Valley Residential Services (VRS), a local organization with over 15 years’ experience and a proven track record of providing effective housing solutions for individuals with developmental disabilities.
With an office less than 5 miles away from Bridgeway, VRS will offer specialized services to residents as needed throughout the day and night, 7 days a week. In addition, a 24-hour maintenance line will ensure that repairs or other maintenance services are received and processed around the clock. VRS will also be working closely with Mat-Su Health Services, Inc. (MHS), a medical and behavioral healthcare organization with over 30 years of experience to instill important life skills to ensure a positive environment for all residents.
Pacific West Communities also spoke on the importance of this project. “We are pleased to be able to provide affordable permanent supportive housing to the City of Wasilla. The residents we will serve face challenges that most of us cannot understand which is why all of our partnerships in financing, management and supportive services are critical to insure the long term success of the project. Bridgeway is designed to serve and support this targeted population and provide residents with the support, services and a stable home with a goal of preventing the cycle of homelessness, reducing the use of shelters and the strain on community resources. Wasilla, like much of Alaska experiences a long cold winter so the addition of 24 units of housing is critical to the health and safety of residents and the community. We are grateful for our partnership with CREA, which has enabled us to provide this much needed housing.”
The rent model at Bridgeway ensures that this important housing facility is reserved for those with the most need. 100% of the units are aimed towards those making 30% or less than the Area Median Income (AMI), and six of the 24 units will benefit from HUD’s Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program. Section 811 provides funding to subsidize rental housing with the availability of supportive services for very low‐ and extremely low‐income adults with disabilities. Finally, Bridgeway residents will also benefit from sponsor‐based, rental assistance on 17 of the 24 units administered through Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s Public Housing Division in connection with HUD’s Move‐to‐Work (MTW) demonstration program.
Access to affordable housing should not be withheld from those with disabilities. Often, it is this very population who is in the most severe need of safe and secure living opportunities. Bridgeway Community Housing provides this promise and more, as developer Pacific West Communities, Inc. has proven their commitment to go the extra mile in providing specialized services for residents in need. CREA is honored to play a part in the development of this housing community, and we thank all involved for their dedication in creating purpose-driven homes for those from all walks of life.
“Bridgeway Community Housing is a development that provides a safe home and an opportunity to grow for those with the most serious need,” said Eli Kahan, Vice President. “We are thankful for the commitment of both our investor and developer partners in making this transformative community a reality.”
Financial Support & Partnership:
Bridgeway Community Housing was developed using LIHTC equity provided by Aetna, a CVS Health company, through CREA Corporate Tax Credit Fund 78, LLC. Additional financing was provided through a $2.7MM construction loan from Northrim Bank, a $1.0MM Affordable Housing Program (AHP) loan from Federal Home Loan Bank, as well as $600k combined cash flow loans from the Mat‐Su Health Foundation and Rasmuson Foundation.
The Pacific Companies / Pacific West Communities, Inc.:
Since 1998, The Pacific Companies has successfully completed more than 160 multifamily and charter school projects in the western states, with a special focus on California.
“We listen carefully to the desires of residents, local governments and other stakeholders to build communities and schools that truly satisfy. Every year since 2007, our commitment to affordable workforce and senior housing has placed us proudly in the top 50 nationally in affordable housing production.”
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