Early last month, a Construction Celebration was held for Mercy Gardens, now being converted to 23 apartments for disabled persons who are HIV-positive or living with AIDS. The event was hosted by the faith-based sponsor/developer, Mercy Housing California.
 | The units are being developed with HUD 811, CDBG, and HOPWA funds. They will be located in a building constructed in 1926 as a convent for the Sisters of Mercy, who served the adjacent Mercy hospital (now Scripps-Mercy) and local clinics. |
| Sister Amy Bailey of Mercy Housing California joined in the wall breaking ceremony, symbolizing the rehabilitation of the historic building. |
| Speakers at the event included County of San Diego Supervisor Ron Roberts; Jane Graf, President of Mercy Housing California; and San Diego HUD Senior Community Builder Charles Wilson. Mercy Housing California was started by a group of Catholic nuns, and the speakers noted that this group brings both expertise in developing housing as well as a faith-based commitment to serve the needs of the residents. |  |
| | San Diego HUD Senior Community Builder Charles J. Wilson thanked the partners and supporters for making this a successful venture. |
 | The 150-plus persons who attended the event understand that next year's grand opening will bring a much needed resource to the community - because of the residents it will serve and also the historic stature of the building. |
| The President of Mercy Housing California, Jane Graf, praised the individuals and groups that provided key support. |
![[logo: Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity]](/images/fheo50.gif){kind=small}
