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In Palm Springs, a new apartment building called Aloe Palm Canyon is nearing completion, offering hope in California's affordable housing crisis. The complex features 71 one-bedroom units designed for lower-income seniors over 55, with amenities like tall windows, a fitness room, and laundry facilities. This development is part of the Coachella Valley's growing affordable housing stock, addressing a significant need in the region.
A decade ago, the Coachella Valley produced only 38 affordable housing units annually. Today, thanks to efforts by organizations like Lift to Rise, there are 9,300 affordable housing units in the pipeline, with 1,405 completed. Lift to Rise, a Palm Desert-based nonprofit, aims to reduce the rent burden by nearly a third by 2028 by adding almost 10,000 affordable housing units. The organization has built a network of over 70 partners, including residents, officials, and developers, to achieve this goal.
The Coachella Valley faces unique challenges in affordable housing due to its suburban layout and limited public transportation. Despite these hurdles, Lift to Rise has developed innovative solutions like the We Lift: The Coachella Valley’s Housing Catalyst Fund. This $44-million revolving loan fund supports developers by bridging financing gaps. The Aloe Palm Canyon complex benefited from over $11 million in loans from this fund.
The success of Lift to Rise's initiatives has sparked interest in replicating their model in other regions. The organization is seeking a $20-million allocation in the next state budget to expand its efforts further.