The Santa Ana City Council, in November, unanimously approved $2.2 million to Habitat for Humanity for the development of six “for-sale” affordable housing units on Washington Avenue.

The project is expected to be completed in 14 months from when the project developer receives building permits.

“We appreciate and applaud the City of Santa Ana for their resolve to provide affordable homeownership opportunities to their working families beyond affordable rental units,” said Monique Davis, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. “This public/private partnership is an example of the creative ways we are exploring to bring increased affordable home ownership to our communities.”

Davis said homeownership strengthens communities because it helps build generational wealth.

The current structures on the land have been abandoned for over a decade, and the building is uninhabitable, according to the city.

The Habitat for Humanity project  at 1921 W. Washington Ave. will result in three “farmhouse-style” duplex buildings for six low-income families who earn up to 80% of Orange County’s median income, with a preference for families who live or work in Santa Ana. Each unit will have approximately 1,430 square feet of interior living space, three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a private yard and a two-car garage.

The Community Development Commission first asked the City Council in August to approve $1.98 million in funding for the Habitat for Humanity project. However, that number was increased to $2.2 million after the project was revised to include one unit that complied with Americans with Disability Act provisions.

Funding for the project will come from Santa Ana’s Inclusionary Housing Fund, HOME Investment Partnerships program, Home American Rescue Plan program, Project-Based Voucher program and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program fund.

Santa Ana currently has multiple affordable housing projects underway that, all together, are expected to provide more than 5,000 affordable housing units once the projects are completed.

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