Bellflower Senior Citizens Enjoy Comfortable Surroundings

In 2004, low-income senior citizens began moving into 180 new housing units known as Bellflower Terrace in Bellflower. For many, this provided them with safe, decent and sanitary housing previously not available to them in that area. It also allowed them a way out of the isolation to which so many of them had become accustomed.

For 91-year old Maria Valentin, her new home allowed her to move from San Diego to be near to her son. For others, like Marjorie Moore and Martha Nakken, the new housing meant a safe, quiet, peaceful place to live, where they could make new friends and renew old acquaintances.

The project included a 6,000 square foot senior center including a large fireplace and full kitchen. Last year's holiday party had over a hundred participants. The center is primarily for the residents. Seniors in the community are also invited to various programs arranged by social workers and health care providers.

Private investment, $9 million in tax credits and $1 million in City redevelopment funds funded the $17 million project. In addition, the City spent over $1 million in HOME funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The project provides the area with permanent, sustainable, affordable housing for lower-income senior citizens.

The development is also the cornerstone of a major revitalization effort in the area. A vacant, blighted warehouse was demolished. That warehouse had discouraged private investment. Across the street, two new single-family infill projects have now been completed. One is the Palm Vista modular housing project, where three of the fifteen units are subsidized. The other development is a gated, market-rate, planned unit development. It is privately financed.

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