Agency Overview

Awards and Recognitions

• Recognized by the National Alliance to End Homelessness as national model for progressive engagement. Same as ESG RRH innovative best practice recognition?
• SHRA has implemented the largest regional assessment of fair housing in the country.
• Awarded one of only 22 Promise Zone designations in the country.

SHRA’s Recognized for Its Investments in Preserving Historical Resources in the Delta

The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (“Delta”) was defined in its early years by successive waves of immigrants from China and Japan to work on the transcontinental railroad, Sacramento River levees, and nearby farms. Their contributions not only had an impact on the Delta, but also California and beyond. The railroad opened up California to the rest of the country and development of the levees allowed for development of the fertile agricultural land in California’s Central Valley. Over the decades a bifurcated land and building ownership structure resulted in deteriorated housing stock, a depressed commercial sector, deferred maintenance, and vacant buildings. Many residents did not have the financial means to rehabilitate their buildings. SHRA has made significant investments in the Delta with the sole intent of halting the decline of historic communities and preserving them for future generations. By preserving these historical resources, SHRA also preserved the historical character of the Delta.

Walnut Grove

In Walnut Grove, early on SHRA used its powers to create a redevelopment area allowing for SHRA to generate income and reinvest in the community. SHRA implemented a commercial façade revitalization program (CRP) where property owners could apply for grants and loans to rehabilitate their buildings. SHRA also led the effort in establishing three historic districts dedicated to the history of Walnut Grove including a Chinese Historic District and a Japanese Historic District.

SHRA is currently invested in fixing Walnut Grove’s failing sewer system that is impacting buildings within the historic district and is also funding and managing construction of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant restroom that serves the historic district.

Locke

In the 1990’s, SHRA led the effort to preserve the entire town of Locke by purchasing the land beneath the town, subdividing it, and making it available for property owners. Subsequently, SHRA repaired the failing sewer system with the use of United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and help from the United States Department of Agriculture and the County of Sacramento. SHRA also invested CDBG funds to stabilize buildings and install a fire suppression system to protect the predominantly wooden structures. The local fire department credited the fire suppression system for saving the entire town in 2016 when one of the wooden buildings caught on fire. All other buildings were spared.

SHRA was awarded a federal Save America’s Treasure’s grant and a California Cultural Historical Endowment grant for the Locke Boarding House. SHRA also provided financial resources and served as the project manager for the $2 million restoration project which also included replacement of the town’s historic water tank structure.

SHRA also led the effort for the designation of the Locke National Historic Landmark District.

Isleton

SHRA has provided financial resources and serves as project manager for the restoration of the historic Bing Kong Tong Building. Built in 1926, the building served as a Chinese language school and meeting hall. Upon completion it will serve as a museum that tells the story of the role of Chinese immigrants and how the town impacted the development of California.

SHRA has also provided financial support for public services for youth and seniors and improvements to parks, fire stations and equipment, water and sewer infrastructure and facilities, and waterfront and dock facilities.

SHRA continues to work to address the needs of Delta Communities. SHRA recently performed an income survey, with the support of HUD and RSG, in an effort to correct skewed United States Census statistics that were impacting CDBG funding eligibility of the area. The survey was completed in October 2017 and determined that census tract 99, which most of the Delta communities sit in, is eligible.

List of Awards and Recognition for SHRA’s efforts in Delta Communities

• Recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2016 for saving the historic Bing Kong Tong Building in Isleton
• 2015 Sacramento Valley Section American Planning Association Local Vision Award for the Bing Kong Tong Restoration Project, City of Isleton
• SHRA recognized by HUD in 2011 for its efforts to preserve the town of Locke
• Recognized by the California Redevelopment Association (CRA) in 2010 for successful redevelopment project area termination of Walnut Grove as main purpose of redevelopment had been satisfied
• Acknowledged by the Delta Protection Commission (DPC) for assisting the DPC with the Walnut Grove Community Action Plan (November 2016)
• SHRA and the Historic American Buildings Survey (1970) acknowledged by the County of Sacramento as a resource in development of the Locke Special Planning Area (SPA)
• Acknowledged by the Delta Japanese Community Association for preserving the historical Gakuen building in Walnut Grove

Neighborhood Stabilization Program

In 2008, SHRA on the behalf of the City and County of Sacramento was awarded $31 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Program 1 (NSP) funds to address the foreclosure crisis in Sacramento. SHRA received a second award known as NSP3 in 2011 of over $8 million. SHRA has successfully used these two allocations of NSP funds to transform previously vacant and foreclosed properties into homeownership and rental housing. The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) and its partners through NSP have been responsible for the rehabilitation of 349 units of housing in the City and County of Sacramento. Other impacts include investment of over $10 million from private and non-profit partners, home sales of over $28 million, and program income of over $12 million put back into the program, resulting in a total direct economic impact of $90 million in the City and County of Sacramento.

SHRA’s success with NSP was recognized in 2010 by the Urban Land Institute in its report “Maximizing the Neighborhood Stabilization Program Opportunity: Six Guiding Tenants for Implementation”.

Meals on Wheels

SHRA, through the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, supports vital public services including the Meals on Wheels program run by the ACC. The program serves over 350,000 meals a year to over 3,800 seniors a year at congregate sites and with home delivered meals. CDBG funds result in leverage of almost $4 million a year with almost a 4 to 1 leverage ratio.

Emergency Repair Grant Program

SHRA administers the ONLY emergency repair program in Sacramento. The program provides financial assistance, through the use of CDBG funds, for emergency/health and safety repairs and accessibility modifications to income-eligible owners of single family homes or mobile homes in the City and County of Sacramento. SHRA also provides financial assistance to its partner, Rebuilding Together, for its Safe at Home Program which provides free minor modifications and repairs that improve accessibility and safety within the home. Between 2013 and June 2017 these programs have helped 1,100 homeowners with vital emergency and minor repairs to income-eligible homeowners.

Free Car Share Pilot Program Launched at Alder Grove and Edgewater

The Sacramento Air Quality Management District, in partnership with the City of Sacramento, ZipCar, California Air Resources Board, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Mutual Housing, Policy in Motion, and SHRA; launched the Country’s first subsidized electric car share program. SHRA, with the use of CDBG funds and funding support from SAQMD and ARB, built electric car charging stations at Alder Grove and Edgewater and ZipCar has provided free cars to use at both sites. To sign up or for more information please visit ourcarshare.org.

Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program

The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) was a one-time, short-term program funded by the 2009 Federal stimulus bill. HPRP focused on rapidly transitioning households out of homelessness and preventing at-risk house households from entering homelessness. In slightly more than two years of operation, the program exceeded expectations; the original goal was to house or assist 1,800 families. The goal was met only 15 months into the program. At the completion of the program in May 2012, a total of 2,400 households were assisted.

Land Park Woods Apartments

On September 7, 2017 SHRA and Mercy Housing California Celebrated the Re-dedication of Land Park Woods Apartments. The renovations and new services will bring new life to this affordable Sacramento community—ensuring years of use and a safe, quality home for hard-working families for years to come. For many hardworking families in Sacramento County—making well-below the $19.92 hourly wage needed to afford a two-bedroom apartment in the area—a safe, decent, affordable home is often out of reach. But, for more than 20 years, residents have found stability and hope at Land Park Woods—a community of 75 affordable homes acquired and rehabbed by Rural California Housing Corporation / Mercy Housing California in 1996. On Thursday, September 7th, Mercy Housing California joined these residents, neighborhood leaders, and the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency in celebrating the completion of its most recent 2016-2017 renovations— upgrades that will ensure Land Park Woods’ viability as a vibrant, affordable community for at least another 15 years. “The high quality improvements that Mercy Housing California has completed at Land Park Woods show the value of investing in preserving affordable housing into the future and the significant impact that public-private-nonprofit partnerships can make for residents in the entire community,” said La Shelle Dozier, Executive Director of Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency. “Of greater importance is the fact that we must continue to champion efforts for a legislative sustainable funding source to meet the affordable housing needs of Sacramento residents.” Thursday’s re-dedication event marked the completion of a year-long renovation process including updates to the property’s major systems, energy-efficiency upgrades that will result in a 30% more efficient community, and a completely renovated community building. New low-water use landscape line the several walkways that meander through the 11 residential buildings at Land Park Woods and added outdoor picnic areas provide new gathering places for its residents. In addition to outdoor improvements including new windows, porches, and roofing, the interiors of the one, two, and threebedroom apartments received new floors, countertops, appliances, and new green plumbing and lighting fixtures. Adding services and additional staffing to the family-oriented 5.5 acre community, Mercy Housing California also updated and expanded the community room to accommodate office spaces for resident services, a large conference room, and a computer lab. The new resident services coordinator will connect Land Park Woods residents to the resources and amenities central to the lives of families while adding community-building programming onsite. ”At this moment of seemingly unconquerable odds, the renovations at Land Park Woods shows that we can make a difference in our community,” says Stephan Daues, Regional Director of Real Estate Development at Mercy Housing California. “With the help of our public agency partners, Land Park Woods is a demonstration of Mercy Housing California’s commitment to bring together affordability, quality, and sustainable housing with services that will help families continue to build on a strong foundation.” Financial partners for Land Park Woods include The Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, Merritt Community Capital, and Bank of America.

Curtis Park Senior Apartments
On August 18, 2017 a ribbon cutting celebration was held at the Curtis Park Senior Apartments with officials from Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency, City of Sacramento hosted by Domus Development marked the official completion of the Curtis Park Court senior apartment development. Located at 2315 10th Avenue, the property is the first development within the Crocker Village Master planned community on the site of the former Union Pacific Railyards. Featuring 90 units with one and two bedrooms in the three story complex, Curtis Park Court is the first transit oriented, green-efficient affordable housing for seniors in Sacramento. The community has on-site parking for vehicles and bicycles, elevator, property management office, laundry rooms, landscaped courtyard, community gardens and community space for resident services and activities. Rents are affordable to senior residents with incomes at or below 30% to 60% of the area median income. The building is LEED Silver certified and includes a number of green components such as energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and rooftop photovoltaic panels. The project was financed with $4 million in assistance from SHRA, Proposition 1C TOD funds, and 9% tax credits in addition to a variety of other sources. Officials lauded the joint effort to find solutions to address the affordable housing crisis in Sacramento, including housing for a growing number of seniors that accommodates their needs and lifestyles. “These types of collaborations between developer and city and financial institutions really are what it’s going to take, along with a lot of creativity to continue to meet the need that is before us and the need that we know is only going to grow,” said District 5 Councilmember Jay Schenirer. SHRA Executive Director La Shelle Dozier stressed the need to continue to advocate for resources at the state level to address affordable housing issues. “There really is a crisis in Sacramento but people need to know that we’re working hard and we’re still trying to deliver with the resources we have, but we still need to make our voices heard.” One resident said he appreciates the amenities and conveniences at Curtis Park Court after moving from a studio apartment when his former landlord sold the building and he could no longer afford the rent. “We have a lovely park to walk around in with lots functions, and with the bus and light rail nearby, I can ride to my doctor’s office in Folsom so it’s very convenient.”

Mutual Housing at Foothill Farms Apartments
On April 27, 2017, Sacramento-based Mutual Housing California and the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) celebrated the grand Green re-opening today of the $8.6 million renovation of Mutual Housing at Foothill Farms, one of the local nonprofit’s affordable housing developments located at 5324 Hemlock Street, Sacramento. Originally built in the 1970’s, the energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable upgrades should decrease the energy consumption of the complex by 10 percent, an estimated savings of 34,462 kWh per year. Mutual Housing Executive Director Rachel Iskow said federal, local and nonprofit support is key to preserving affordable housing. “I felt very proud that Mutual Housing was committed to purchasing this property; that congress had come up with a plan to save properties like this and keep them affordable, to allow resident groups and nonprofits to purchase federally assisted affordable housing like this; that the SHRA and Neighborworks America were also supportive and understanding the importance of preserving affordable housing across the country,” said Iskow. SHRA assisted the renovation project by financing a $14 million bond for the work. Executive Director La Shelle Dozier said balancing rehab and new construction are essential to providing affordable housing. “We talk a lot about new construction but there’s always the balance of what do we do with those projects that were financed a long time ago to make sure they remain vibrant and kept up to the standards that are necessary for our residents. Mutual Housing has done an excellent job in terms of understanding that balance between new and preserving housing,” said Dozier. During the renovation, at least 25 percent of the construction and demolition waste was recycled. Ductless, mini-split heat pumps were installed in all apartments as well as new interiors with products and paints that use fewer chemicals. Energy Star appliance and light fixtures were used in all residences. All plumbing fixtures now are low-flow, including the shower heads that save energy on hot water. Two-thirds of the landscaped beds were designed with drought-tolerant plants instead of the original water-thirsty turf and a smart irrigation system was installed throughout. As a result of the renovation, Mutual Housing at Foothill Farms became the nonprofit’s first existing community to receive a green-point rated whole-house label from Build It Green, the Oakland-based nonprofit that uses higher California energy standards as a the basis of its rating system. Other funding came from NeighborWorks America, U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, California Deb Limit Allocation Committee, California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Merritt Community Capital Corporation, River City Bank, California Bank & Trust, Sacramento Bank of Commerce, BBVA Compass, Comerica Bank and El Dorado Savings Bank.

Agency Overview

SHRA Success Stories

Federal Programs Management Division Success Stories

Development Finance Division Success Stories

Housing Choice Voucher Program Success Stories

Finance Division Success Stories