3 Massive Affordable Housing Complexes Open Throughout San Diego
More than 550 new affordable apartments opened in San Diego this month, adding units in downtown, Clairemont Mesa and the Midway District. City and county leaders say the projects — aimed at extremely low‑income households, veterans and people exiting homelessness — expand permanent housing and on‑site services at a critical moment.
Where the new housing is and who it serves
Harrington Heights — Downtown (East Village)
Harrington Heights is a 15‑story building with 270 apartments targeted to people with extremely low incomes, including formerly homeless residents. The building reserves 40 units for people with developmental disabilities and offers on‑site supportive services administered by the nonprofit Alpha Project. Chelsea Investment Corporation developed the project using a mix of local, state and federal financing. Units are set to remain affordable for at least 55 years.
Mt. Etna Campus — Clairemont Mesa
On county land near Genesee and Balboa, Mt. Etna added two towers with 228 apartments, on top of an earlier seniors building opened this year. More than 70 units are permanent supportive housing for residents who need ongoing services. Serving Seniors will provide case management and supports. Like Harrington Heights, Chelsea Investment Corporation led development using layered public funding and long‑term affordability requirements.
Pacific Village — Midway District
Pacific Village repurposed a hotel into 62 studio apartments designed for veterans, young adults and people who have experienced homelessness; 15 units are for homeless veterans. The county allocated millions to cover behavioral‑health services, including mental‑health and substance‑use treatment, as part of the renovation funding.
Context: why these openings matter now
San Diego faces a persistent gap between the number of people who become homeless and the number who move into housing. In September, more than 1,100 people countywide became homeless for the first time, while 1,032 people received housing — a shortfall that has persisted in most recent months. The 560 units opened across these three projects help, but officials and providers caution they won’t solve the crisis alone.
Mayor Todd Gloria framed Harrington Heights as a demonstration that the city “refuses to give up on its people,” while county health officials noted that affordable housing creates safer, more stable environments for residents. The projects also tie services directly to homes — a proven model for improving health and housing stability among people exiting homelessness.
Funding, vouchers and risks to long‑term stability
The developments rely on complexes funding from city, county, state and federal sources plus rental vouchers such as Housing Commission vouchers and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) subsidies. Local leaders warn that federal funding uncertainties could undermine some voucher programs in coming years. If voucher streams shrink, residents who depend on rent subsidies could face higher housing costs or displacement.
Developers and agencies structured long affordability periods — typically 55 years — to protect units. Still, ongoing operating dollars and supportive‑services funding remain essential to keep residents housed and healthy.
Other policy moves and what to watch next
Beyond large developments, the county recently decided tiny homes on wheels can count as standalone houses or accessory dwelling units in unincorporated areas. These units must be under 430 square feet and used as permanent residences, not short‑term rentals. That policy could increase low‑cost housing options more quickly than ground‑up development.
Watch for several signals in the coming months:
- Federal voucher program decisions — any cuts to VASH or similar programs would affect rent affordability for many residents.
- Funding for supportive services — agencies must secure operating funds to keep case management and health services in place.
- Opening of the fourth Mt. Etna building for low‑income families early next year and the pace of tenant move‑ins across all three sites.
| Project | Location | Units | Primary residents | Affordability term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrington Heights | Downtown (East Village) | 270 | Extremely low‑income, formerly homeless, developmental disabilities | 55 years |
| Mt. Etna Campus | Clairemont Mesa | 228 (new towers) | Low‑income seniors, supportive‑housing residents, families (upcoming) | 55 years |
| Pacific Village | Midway District | 62 | Veterans, young adults, people with homelessness history | Long‑term (projected) |
FAQs
- Who is eligible for these units?
Eligibility varies by project but focuses on extremely low‑income households, veterans, seniors, people exiting homelessness and residents with disabilities; income limits are tied to Area Median Income thresholds. - How long will apartments remain affordable?
Most units have affordability covenants of at least 55 years, protecting rents and eligibility for decades. - Will residents get on‑site services?
Yes — nonprofits like Alpha Project and Serving Seniors will provide case management, health supports, and other services; the county funds behavioral‑health care in some projects. - Are vouchers required to move in?
Not always, but many residents will rely on rental assistance (housing vouchers, VASH, or other subsidies) to afford rent. - Will this end homelessness in San Diego?
No. These projects add important capacity but the region still needs more units, stable funding for vouchers and services, and prevention strategies to reduce new entries into homelessness.
Practical takeaway: if you or someone you assist is seeking affordable housing, contact the San Diego Housing Commission, the county’s Health and Human Services Agency, or the nonprofits operating these sites to learn about waitlists, voucher options and on‑site services. Continued funding for vouchers and support services will determine how many residents stay housed long term.
Three Affordable Housing Complexes Open in San Diego
