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Housing Authority unveils two tiny‑home infill projects for seniors, disabled residents in Los Banos
Summary
The Housing Authority of Merced County presented two infill tiny‑home developments in Los Banos — Mirador (860 F St., six 1‑bed units) and Lehi Villas (840 D St., five 1‑bed units) — targeting residents aged 62+ and people with disabilities, with completion expected late December–early January and an upcoming wait‑list opening.
The Housing Authority of the County of Merced on Nov. 19 presented two infill tiny‑home developments planned for Los Banos that will provide 11 one‑bedroom units for older adults and people with disabilities.
"My name is Rosa Vasquez. I'm the executive director for the Housing Authority of the County of Merced," Vasquez told the council, outlining the agency's portfolio and programs. The projects include Mirador at 860 F Street (six one‑bed, roughly 500‑square‑foot units) and Lehi Villas at 840 D Street (five one‑bed units). Vasquez said the units will feature full kitchens, living space, full baths, washer/dryer hookups, private patios and communal areas; the designs are ADA‑compliant and include solar power and energy‑efficient appliances.
Maria Alvarado, director of development for the housing authority, said the Mirador and Lehi Villas sites are infill locations near existing public‑housing sites and emphasized the units are intended for "elderly and or disabled individuals." When asked about eligibility, staff confirmed the age threshold is 62 and older, with disabled applicants eligible regardless of age.
Developer Vernon Hill described the construction and durability of the homes: "These homes are built... they're stick built home foundation, and they'll... last 100 years," he said, adding that the units are not prefabricated “boxcars” and are designed for long‑term use. Hill said his team expected interior work such as flooring to be completed soon and that the homes should be ready in about two months, with final fit‑out near late December to early January and a grand‑opening to follow.
Vasquez said the housing authority is coordinating with county human services (HSA) on referrals and plans to open a wait list so interested applicants can sign up. Staff said families who currently receive short‑term motel vouchers through HSA are referred to the housing authority for longer‑term Housing Choice Voucher assistance when their motel vouchers expire; continued placement depends on applicants meeting program requirements.
The council and attendees welcomed the developments and indicated interest in attending the projects' grand‑opening. The housing authority did not identify specific rental amounts at the presentation; wait‑list and application details will be released when staff opens the list.
