San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed and community leaders today celebrated the grand reopening of 436 units at Hunters Point East West (HPEW) and Westbrook, two former public housing properties that were originally built in the 1950s and together comprise nearly 35 acres of land. These are two of 28 sites previously owned by the San Francisco Housing Authority that were renovated under the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which allows for a voluntary, permanent conversion of public housing to privately-owned, permanently affordable housing.

“Thanks to the rehabilitation of these homes at Hunters Point East West and Westbrook, hundreds of families have a new, safe place to live,” said Mayor Breed. “For too long, our public housing units have been left behind and have fallen into disrepair. The RAD program enables us to improve the conditions of our City’s public housing, and ensure that our most vulnerable residents can remain in their neighborhood with a place to call home.”

This project is part of the City’s commitment to preserving and revitalizing nearly 3,500 distressed public housing units across San Francisco. To date, more than 3,200 apartments have been converted and renovated under the RAD program.

The substantial rehabilitation of HPEW and Westbrook focused on safety and accessibility improvements, and the modernization or replacement of original building systems. These improvements include roof and window replacement, a new automatic fire sprinkler system, exterior painting, landscaping, washer/dryer additions, replacement of sewer system, apartment renovations and energy use reductions. A new playground was added, along with improved sidewalks, parking, and renovation of the community space at 90 Kiska Rd.

“Completing the much-needed renovation of 436 affordable homes marks a significant milestone in the City’s work to transform its public housing assets,” said Daniel Adams, Acting Director of the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development. “We are thrilled so many deserving families can now thrive in safe, high-quality and permanently affordable apartments with essential on-site services.”

Related California, The John Stewart Company, the San Francisco Housing Development Corporation, and Ridge Point Non-Profit Housing Corporation collaborated to complete the $127 million comprehensive rehabilitation.

“This public-private partnership with the City is providing new life for long-neglected public housing, enabling over 430 low-income families to have state-of-the-art homes,” said Bill Witte, Chairman and CEO of Related California. “Rehabilitating San Francisco’s public housing stock is critical for making inroads in the Bay Area’s affordable housing crisis, especially when it comes to providing homes for the most vulnerable families.”

“We are pleased to have partnered with the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, the San Francisco Housing Authority, Related California, San Francisco Housing Development Corporation, and Ridge Point Non-Profit Housing Corporation on the recapitalization and renovation of this crucial housing,” said Jack Gardner, Chairman and CEO of The John Stewart Company. “This project wonderfully demonstrates the City’s commitment to leaving none of its residents behind, and we are incredibly proud to have played a part in dramatically improving the quality of life for our residents.”

“It has been extremely gratifying to witness the transformation of this dilapidated housing into beautifully renovated apartment homes that are cleaner, safer and healthier for the families who reside here, while also ensuring long-term affordability,” said David Sobel, CEO of the San Francisco Housing Development Corporation. “We have also greatly enjoyed and felt the positive impact of working closely with all residents throughout this multi-year process to ensure that they participate in the rehabilitation of their homes and help build community through successful engagement and service connection.”

As part of the City’s Fiber to Housing program and Digital Equity initiative, the City is providing free, high-speed internet and a variety of onsite technology trainings for residents at HPEW and Westbrook. Through partnerships with local Internet provider Monkeybrains and local nonprofits Community Tech Network and Dev/Mission, among others, the City works to eliminate the digital divide in San Francisco by bringing free high-speed internet to residents living in affordable housing.

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