Equa, a new 81-unit affordable and supportive housing community has opened near La Puente in unincorporated Los Angeles County. Thirty-four of the new homes are for people who have experienced homelessness, while the remainder are for low-income households earning 30-70% of the area median income.
One of Equa’s new residents, Carol Martin
Supervisor Hilda Solis joined the nonprofit developer Linc Housing and other partners at the grand opening ceremony. “With 81 units, this new apartment community is providing a safe place for low-income and unhoused residents to call home,” she said. “I am grateful for the compassion Avocado Heights residents have demonstrated with this development, and hope that other communities can open their hearts to increasing our housing supply so we can end homelessness and ensure more people don’t fall into homelessness.”
Equa is named as a tribute to both the area’s equestrian heritage and Linc’s commitment to helping build a more equitable society. The six-story building has 40 one-bedroom, 20 two-bedroom, and 20 three-bedroom apartments, as well as a three-bedroom manager’s unit. There are also two courtyards, a tot lot, and open space for children of all ages to play. The central community area on the ground floor includes a computer lab and flexible space for cooking classes, after-school programs, events, and relaxation. Thirteen apartments are accessible for individuals with mobility or sensory impairments.
Solving homelessness requires more than just housing and, with funding support from LA County, the 34 households that have experienced homelessness will receive intensive case management.
Supportive services include mental health and physical health services, employment counseling and job placement, education, substance use counseling, money management, assistance in obtaining and maintaining benefits, and referrals to community-based services and resources. In addition, Linc will provide all residents with its signature resident services programs, focused on nutrition, exercise, after-school program, economic development, and community engagement.
“Equa brings together new neighbors from different walks of life who are all in need of an affordable home that doesn’t take their entire income,” said Suny Lay Chang, president and COO, Linc Housing. “To see the new residents connecting and supporting each other is inspiring. This new building is far more than housing; it’s the foundation for building healthy, stable lives.”
Funding for the development comes from a variety of sources including construction and permanent loans from Union Bank, $5 million in No Place Like Home funds from the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) on behalf of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH), and tax credit equity from CVS Health and Raymond James Tax Credit Funds Inc. The County of Los Angeles provided a permit fee waiver as well as rental assistance vouchers for 45 apartments.
L.A. County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, third from left, stands with dignitaries at the ribbon cutting at the Equa grand opening for the 81-unit affordable housing development in La Puente, Thursday, April 20, 2023. (Photo/Michael Owen Baker)