A unique project providing affordable housing opportunities to military veterans and their families, as well as adults with developmental disabilities, is moving ahead in Poway. Poway City Council unanimously approved a 60-unit project on Monte Vista Road at the Nov. 19 council meeting.
The combined project was the idea of former city councilmember John Mullin following the 2020 opening of Villa de Vida, a 54-unit complex on Oak Knoll Road for adults with developmental disabilities. The city had also been looking for ways to offer affordable housing for military veterans and, after learning about the tremendous need for supportive housing for people with development disabilities, he requested the city look into a project to help both underserved communities.
Councilmember Caylin Frank described it as a “much needed and much desired project.”
“I think this project reflects the values of this community,” Councilmember Peter De Hoff said. “I think the design looks really nice and it was very innovative to put the parking underground, and to have parking that is significantly greater than what is required by code.”
Reflecting on why the Monte Vista project is so important, Mayor Steve Vaus pointed to the success of Villa de Vida: “It has been a gift of hope and life for those it serves.”
The $38 million housing complex being developed by the nonprofit Wakeland Housing will have 15 units guaranteed for developmentally disabled adults, 44 units targeting military veterans and their families, and one unit for an onsite manager.