A new affordable housing community celebrated its grand opening in San Ysidro today, adding 100 new apartment homes to the region for low-income families and individuals.
Called The Iris, it is located at 1663 Dairy Mart Road, across the street from a trolley stop and the newly renovated Howard Lane Park. It features 42 one-bedroom, 32 two-bedroom, 25 three-bedroom apartments along with a manager’s unit.
Residents at The Iris are considered extremely low, to low income making anywhere from 25 to 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).
The new apartment homes include 15 permanent supportive housing units for individuals who have experienced homelessness. Additionally, 50 apartments are designed to support residents with mobility challenges and five homes for people with hearing loss.
“I am proud to support The Iris at San Ysidro because it reflects the kind of thoughtful development our region needs,” said San Diego County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre. “It is housing that is affordable, sustainable and connected to parks, transit and community services.”
Developed by National CORE, The Iris is the result of successful public/private partnerships including a County investment of $5 million in the IHTF (Innovative Housing Trust Fund) and $6.5 million in No Place Like Home (NPLH) funds. County Behavioral Health Services will also provide supportive services to residents for the next 20 years.
Onsite amenities include a large community room with office space, a laundry room, and a courtyard play area with outdoor seating.
The Iris is a pedestrian friendly community next to the trolly station and bus lines and within walking distance of a family health clinic, shops, a park and elementary school.
Learn more about availability at the National CORE website.
Since 2017, the County has invested more than $334 million into affordable housing, using excess land, its Innovative Housing Trust Fund alongside other state, federal, and local funding sources administered by the County. Those funds have helped open doors to over 3,300 homes with 2,700 more on the way.
The County’s Housing Hub has more information about its efforts to meet the needs of the community.
