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St. Peter’s Place opens in Richmond: supportive affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities
Summary
The Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church celebrated the grand opening of St. Peter’s Place (20 Ninth Avenue Apartments), a new affordable supportive housing project partly funded through HUD programs and local partners that includes project‑based Section 8 and disability‑support services.
A new mixed‑use affordable housing development aimed at providing long‑term supportive housing for people with developmental disabilities formally opened on May 3 at St. Peter’s Place (20 Ninth Avenue) in the Richmond District.
Rachel, executive director of Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center (BHNC), and William Ho, BHNC housing director, described a multi‑year collaborative effort with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, architects, contractors and funders to complete the building. Father David Rickey of St. Peter’s said the project grew from a 14‑year effort to convert church assets into a lasting community resource.
HUD representatives said the project includes a project‑based Section 8 contract and features green and efficiency measures; HUD’s development director described the development as creating ‘‘supportive community’’ housing intended to last for decades. HUD staff and the mayor’s office were listed among the funders and partners; the transcript identifies funding and financing partners including Bay Area LISC, Enterprise Green Communities, the Federal Home Loan Bank and Silicon Valley Bank.
Resident testimony underscored the project’s impact. Sarah Hoffman, a new resident and client of the Golden Gate Regional Center, said she had been on a housing wait list for six years and that having an apartment in the Richmond meant she could live near family and supports and ‘‘continue in how I see myself.’’ Golden Gate Regional Center staff and other service providers described ongoing supportive services to help residents live independently.
Speakers at the opening included BHNC leaders, Father David Rickey, HUD staff (including Larry Ferguson, Development Director for HUD’s Section 202/811 and 811 programs), Mayor Edwin Lee and Supervisor Mar, among others. Project partners and contractors acknowledged the building’s LEED‑Gold or similar green features (the transcript cites LEED gold) and durable materials, drought‑resistant landscaping, solar water heating and high‑efficiency fixtures.
The ceremony included acknowledgments of funders, architects and contractors and a resident open house. No board vote was required for the opening event; the item is recorded in the meeting as a ceremonial presentation.
Speakers quoted in this article are identified in the meeting record.
