New affordable housing in Yuma brings relief to working-class residents
YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) — Finding affordable housing continues to be a challenge for many working-class families in rural Arizona, but a new development in Yuma is offering hope.
Vistara is opening its doors to hundreds of residents, offering affordable two and three-bedroom apartments. More than 200 families will be able to move in once all the project phases are complete.
Frank Gonzalez, a retired agricultural mechanic, was among the first residents to move into phase one of Vistara, which includes 80 apartment units. He had been living with his sister for over a year before making the move.
“I lived with my sister for over a year, so you can imagine how hard that was and trying to find a place,” Gonzalez said.
He decorated his new two-bedroom apartment with a photo of his great-granddaughter, who can now come and visit him.
“I am very thankful because some of the places in town you don’t want to bring a little girl to. This is awesome,” he said.
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The apartment’s developer, Bethel Development Inc., said the project became a reality through collaboration with the city of Yuma and the Arizona Department of Housing.
“The tax credit allocation is really the financial backbone to make something like this happen,” Scott Lauinger with Bethel Development said.
The Arizona Department of Housing provided $25 million in federal low-income housing tax credits, ensuring rents in the community will remain well below market rates for the next 30 years.
“The tax credit program is really designed to serve affordability needs for households making 60% or less of the household median income,” said Lauinger.
With a median income of around $60,000 in Yuma, families earning between 40% to 60% of that may qualify to rent an apartment at Vistara, where rents start at just $600. Yuma Councilman Chris Morris said rural communities need more affordable housing and that the city has been collaborating with developers to help make projects like this easier to build.
“We want to provide opportunity for our community and opportunity starts with having a home that you can afford that is safe and that you can raise your family in,” said Morris.
Gonzalez, who lives alone, said his only other option would have been a cheap mobile home, as he struggled to find affordable housing. He feels fortunate to call Vistara home.
“It’s awesome, I’m thankful,” said Gonzalez.
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