Gilroy-based South County Housing, an active longtime developer of affordable housing in the South Bay and South County region, announced this week they have partnered with Hayward-based Eden Housing to provide property management, resident and asset management services for SCH’s four-county service area.
The new alliance will combine the two companies’ existing property management and resident service staff rolls, according to SCH staff. A new company will be formed to pursue future development opportunities, and SCH’s current real estate and construction division will complete the build-out of existing unfinished projects in Marina and Hollister.
“Eden and South County Housing share many important values – a commitment to community building, long-term affordability, professional and compassionate service to our residents, and excellence in our property management operations,” said Linda Mandolini, President of Eden Housing.
Dennis Lalor, President and CEO of SCH added, “Given the loss of funding resources in affordable housing at a national, state and local level, it is critical that we enhance operating efficiencies for both Eden and South County Housing. This decision is the result of a thoughtful collaboration between the organizations and increases our capacity to serve residents and their communities for the long-term.”
The two nonprofit development companies will implement the plan in several steps, including transferring SCH’s property management and services staff to Eden’s management and services companies, according to SCH staff. Over the next 12 months, SCH will also transfer ownership of its rental portfolio to a new affiliate, Eden South County, which will have joint board representation from Eden and SCH. Two of SCH’s Board members will also join Eden’s board.
“The City of Morgan Hill has had a long, successful partnership with South County Housing in creating housing opportunities for many needy residents,” said Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate. “Eden Housing has a fantastic record of accomplishments and is recognized as one of Northern California’s leading affordable housing providers. We embrace the opportunity of adding Eden Housing as a partner in our community.”
The alliance with Eden will provide SCH residents with greater resources such as access to additional residential services programs not currently available, sources added.
“With the changes to local and state funding, it is noteworthy that South County and Eden Housing are joining forces to find ways to maximize economies and efficiencies,” said Gilroy Mayor Don Gage. “Eden will add value to our community. Like (SCH), Eden has a long tradition of working in close partnership with local government to provide high quality, permanently affordable housing.”
SCH is a private nonprofit community development corporation that operates in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. For more than 30 years, SCH has been in the business of affordable housing development, property management and neighborhood development. Since 1979, SCH has built 2,873 units, including 1,559 affordable apartments.
Eden Housing is celebrating 45 years in business as an affordable housing developer, according to staff. The company has provided a home for more than 65,000 people, and is the long-term owner-operator of its developments, and is committed to preserving and maintaining its buildings as community assets and supporting residents with a range of services. Since its founding in 1968, Eden Housing has developed or acquired 7,450 homes and 73,069 square feet of adjoining commercial/retail space in nearly 100 properties. Eden provides professional property management and supportive resident services to families and individuals living in its portfolio of 5,500 apartment homes in 80 communities.
For more information about Eden Housing, visit www.edenhousing.org. For more information about SCH, visit www.scounty.org.
