Introducing the Four Amigos Beloved Community: A New Beacon of Hope and Opportunity in Columbia City

Posted by Alanna.Lopez@beacondevgroup.com on Tue, Mar 25, 2025 at 3:48 PM

Beacon, Construction, Project Openings, Washington

Beacon Development Group is excited to announce the grand opening of the Four Amigos Beloved Community, a transformative affordable housing initiative in the heart of Seattle’s vibrant Columbia City neighborhood. Sponsored by El Centro de La Raza, this community is poised to become a cornerstone of support, growth, and opportunity for families, children, and individuals in the area.

The Four Amigos Beloved Community is not just a place to live – it’s a place to thrive. Spanning 65,000 square feet, the community features 87 beautifully designed, affordable apartments in one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations, providing spacious homes for families of all sizes. The building has been thoughtfully designed with sustainable features such as cement fiber board siding, luxury vinyl tile flooring, solid wood cabinetry, solid surface countertops, and solar panels that power common areas like hallways and corridors. The inclusion of energy-efficient elements like a rain garden to manage stormwater runoff, EV chargers, and solar ban windows further reflects the community’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Named in honor of the Four Amigos – Bernie Whitebear, Bob Santos, Roberto Maestas, and Larry Gossett – this community embodies their legacy of community empowerment, social justice, and collective action. The Four Amigos Beloved Community is a testament to the power of collaboration and the positive impact that affordable housing, education, and social services can have on the lives of families and children.

A centerpiece is the 6,300-square-foot childcare center, which offers high-quality education and care for children ages 1 to 5. The center’s state-of-the-art facilities include a commercial kitchen that provides nutritious meals, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks, to support the growth and development of young minds. In addition to the childcare center, the community features a playground that will become a vibrant gathering place for children, fostering friendships and encouraging outdoor play. A first-floor community event space will host a variety of programs, including job training, adult education, and workshops focused on career development, financial literacy, and wellness. These programs, hosted in partnership with El Centro de La Raza, provide residents with vital resources that can help lift them up and open doors to new opportunities.

The Beacon Development Washington Team visiting the Four Amigos Beloved Community

But the true heart of the Four Amigos Beloved Community lies in its people. At the core of this initiative is a vision of providing more than just housing; it’s about creating a space where residents have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. With a commitment to building healthy, connected communities, the Four Amigos Beloved Community includes a wide range of amenities designed to enhance residents’ lives. Through this project, Beacon Development Group is pleased to be supporting El Centro de La Raza’s commitment to creating a lasting legacy of hope, opportunity, and connection for the families and children who find home in our community. The Four Amigos Beloved Community is also home to Church of Hope, a new neighborhood-based church of the NW Washington Lutheran Synod. The Church of Hope provides worship services, spiritual connection, and community-driven outreach initiatives.

: Church of Hope

: Courtyard/Playground

: Front of Courtyard

: Four Amigos Beloved Community

: Bathroom

: Hallway

: Kitchen

2025 Housing California Conference

Posted by Alanna.Lopez@beacondevgroup.com on Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 9:30 PM

California, Construction, Senior Housing

Beacon Development Group team members—Monalisa, Justin, Peggy, Madeline, Matt, George—attended the Housing California conference in Sacramento, CA.

From March 5th-7th, members of the Beacon Development Group, who work with our communities and development projects in the California geographic footprint, attended the Housing California conference in Sacramento. This year marked the event’s highly anticipated return to the state capital, generating a lot of excitement. Throughout the day, BDG team members participated in workshops covering a range of topics, including the current landscape of the affordable housing industry, insurance, lending and investment trends, construction solutions, and the latest federal housing policy crisis. In addition, staff had the opportunity to network with industry peers, vendors and key investors and lenders. Building these relationships is crucial as we navigate the evolving financial and policy landscape.

Beacon Development Group’s Commitment to Mentoring Future Leaders in Affordable Housing

Posted by Alanna.Lopez@beacondevgroup.com on Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 8:35 PM

Advocacy, Beacon, Construction, Uncategorized, Washington

Since 2021, Beacon Development Group has been proud to participate in the Housing Development Consortium’s (HDC) Housing Development Internship Program (HDIP). This transformative nine-month initiative is designed to empower students of color to become future leaders in the affordable housing sector. Our partnership with HDC through HDIP is pivotal in helping us serve our residents and clients, ensuring their voices are heard, and making a meaningful impact on the communities we support. By offering paid internships, hands-on experience in real estate development, and invaluable networking opportunities, HDIP is cultivating a diverse pipeline of talent and amplifying the voices essential for driving change in the affordable housing field.As Beth Boram, Director of Development, explains, “Beacon’s participation is important because it provides us with a path for creating greater diversity in the affordable housing sector. With this program, HDC is providing a resource that helps us meet our organizational goals.” Programs like HDIP not only give emerging leaders the chance to gain practical experience, but also build the connections and insights they will carry forward in their careers, championing the communities they serve.”

To date, Beacon has hosted three interns through the program, with Beth overseeing the internship experience. Our 2022 intern-turned-Housing Associate, Amar Halaweh, now mentors our current intern, Ethan Cano, who joined Beacon in October 2024. These talented individuals play pivotal roles in advancing our mission, inspiring the next generation of affordable housing professionals, and reinforcing our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The partnership between Beacon and HDIP allows us to foster innovation and bring fresh perspectives to real estate development, making our housing solutions more responsive to the diverse needs of residents and communities.

Together, we’re amplifying the voices of those we serve and building stronger, more connected communities, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and accepting world.

Beth Boram: Mentoring Future Affordable Housing Leaders

Beth Boram, Beacon’s Director of Development, has firsthand experience with the power of internships. After graduating from Evergreen State College, Beth began her affordable housing career as a Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA). Her experience with the program was transformative, allowing her to gain practical skills while navigating the challenges of a transitioning nonprofit organization.

“Internships provide young professionals with access to opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable,” Beth says. “They also offer organizations like Beacon a chance to bring in passionate, driven individuals who want to learn and grow within the industry.”

Beth’s commitment to mentorship extends to her role overseeing the HDIP internship program at Beacon, where she actively fosters a collaborative learning environment. “Beacon is mission-driven, and our team is dedicated to providing opportunities for young professionals of color,” she adds.

Amar Halaweh: From Intern to Housing Associate

Amar Halaweh came to Beacon in 2022 as an HDIP intern while completing her senior year at the University of Washington. Amar’s passion for affordable housing was sparked when she studied the housing crisis in a market analysis class and saw its impact on Seattle’s rising homelessness rates. “It felt like it was meant to be when I received the internship opportunity. I saw it as a chance to do my part in addressing the housing crisis and start a career in something I was passionate about,” Amar recalls.

After a successful nine-month internship, Amar was offered a full-time position as a Housing Associate. “My internship experience was incredible. I was treated as a team member from day one and involved in a variety of projects. When the full-time opportunity came, it felt like the right move,” she says.

Now a mentor to current HDIP intern Ethan Cano, Amar actively supports the program’s new participants, ensuring that the collaborative, growth-focused environment continues for future interns.

Ethan Cano: The Next Generation of Affordable Housing Leaders

Ethan Cano, currently pursuing a Master of Architecture at the University of Washington, joined Beacon in October 2024 as an HDIP intern. With a background in architecture and sustainability, Ethan was drawn to affordable housing as a way to create positive community impact through design. “Affordable housing is an issue I’ve explored both academically and personally. I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to it,” says Ethan.

Ethan’s previous professional experience spanned various building types, but he knew his true passion lay in affordable housing. His excitement to apply for the HDIP internship stemmed from his desire to make a difference in the community. “Beacon is the first organization where I’ve had the opportunity to work on affordable housing in a professional capacity, and it’s been a fantastic learning experience,” he says.

Ethan’s enthusiasm and drive have made him a valuable addition to the Beacon team. As he embarks on his internship, he’s embraced each day as an opportunity to learn and contribute to the mission of affordable housing.

Words of Wisdom from Amar and Ethan for Future Interns

As experienced HDIP participants, both Amar and Ethan have valuable advice for future interns:

Amar: “Embrace the unknown and take things one day at a time. You don’t need to learn everything at once—everything will come naturally as you progress.”

Ethan: “Approach every day as a learning opportunity and a chance to help someone in need. That mindset has fueled my motivation and made my experience even more rewarding.”

Join the Housing Development Internship Program

Interested in making an impact on the affordable housing sector? Apply for the HDIP internship program through their website to learn more about application deadlines and requirements. To explore career opportunities at Beacon Development Group or our parent company, HumanGood, visit our careers page.

At Beacon, we remain committed to fostering diverse talent and developing the leaders of tomorrow in affordable housing.

HDIP Website: HDIP Information for Students – Housing Development Consortium

HumanGood Careers: Careers | HumanGood

Introducing Tahoma Place: A New Affordable Housing Community in Tacoma, WA

Posted by beacon on Wed, Nov 27, 2024 at 6:57 PM

Beacon, Construction, Senior Housing, Washington

Beacon Development Group is excited to announce the opening of Tahoma Place, a newly developed affordable housing community in Tacoma, Washington, in partnership with the Korean Women’s Association (KWA). This six-story, 88-unit apartment building offers a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments designed to provide safe and affordable housing for seniors and veterans. Of the 88 units, 20 are designated as HUD-assisted for seniors aged 62 and older who are experiencing homelessness. The community includes 48 studio apartments, 39 one-bedroom units, and one two-bedroom apartment, offering a range of living options to meet the needs of the residents. In addition to its housing offerings, Tahoma Place emphasizes sustainability with solar panels that generate 25.2 kW of energy, helping to reduce environmental impact and keep energy costs low for residents. A key feature of Tahoma Place is the on-site services coordinator provided by KWA, offering residents access to a variety of senior-focused programs, including in-home care, healthcare referrals, and food assistance resources. The building also includes an industrial kitchen and learning center, providing opportunities for residents to engage in social, educational, and community-building activities. Indoor amenities at Tahoma Place include a welcoming lobby, a community room for gatherings, a fitness center, and a secure laundry room. Additionally, the building provides on-site staff offices for daily support and management. Outdoor amenities include two resident decks on the 2nd and 6th floors and two courtyards, providing green spaces for relaxation and recreation. Tahoma Place reflects our commitment to providing quality affordable housing for seniors and veterans, while also fostering a supportive community that promotes well-being and independence. With the partnership of the Korean Women’s Association, this new community is more than just housing – it’s a place where residents can thrive with access to essential services and a variety of on-site amenities designed to enhance their quality of life. For more information or to inquire about available units, please visit Tahoma Place Apartments.

Construction Completion of Morgan Hill Senior Housing

Posted by beacon on Mon, Sep 16, 2024 at 8:38 PM

California, Construction, Senior Housing, Sustainable Buildings

We are excited to celebrate the recent completion of the Morgan Hill Senior Housing community. This community is a partnership between HumanGood Affordable Housing and Sunnyvale Life, Inc and is our second project collaboration together in the South Bay Area. This new construction 3-story apartment building consists of 81 one-bedroom apartment units which will serve low-income seniors 62+ and with disabilities.

The community is also partners with Santa Clara Health Plan (SCHP), a community-focused health plan committed to improving health and wellness. Fourteen (14) units are reserved for Special Needs residents who are transitioning from skilled nursing facilities to independent living.

Morgan Hill Senior Housing offers a range of amenities designed to enhance the lifestyle of its residents. Interior features include a welcoming lobby, offices for the manager and service coordinator, a community room, a secured laundry room, a media room, a fitness center, and a third-floor roof deck with open space. Outdoor amenities include a meditation court, a beautifully landscaped courtyard with raised planters managed by residents, and an outdoor BBQ area.

Coming Soon: 234 Units of Affordable Housing

Posted by beacon on Mon, Apr 8, 2024 at 10:42 PM

Beacon, Construction, Family Housing, Urban/Mixed Use

Beacon is proud to announce the 50% completion for 3 Washington projects with 3 different sponsors! Korean Women’s Association’s Tacoma project, Shiloh Baptist Church’s 13^th and I Street projects, and El Centro de la Raza’s Four Amigos project are all halfway done!

Korean Women’s Association will provide 87 units of affordable housing project for low-income seniors with affirmative marketing towards AAPI seniors. This project includes a 1,200 square foot learning center where residents and community members can benefit from the programming offered by KWA.

Shiloh Baptist Church’s 13^th and I Street project consists of two building which in total offer 60 one- and two-bedroom units for residents making 30%-50% of area median income. The project offers on-site services such as GED, financial literacy, parenting, 12-step, and afterschool/homework help to residents.

And El Centro de la Raza’s Four Amigos Beloved Community will provide 87 units of affordable housing for families. The site will house a bilingual early childhood education program and classrooms, an office for Consejo Counselling and Referral Services, and a new home for the Church of Hope.

Stay tuned for their completions and grand openings in late 2024 and early 2025!

Canterbury Village & The Gardens Construction Completion

Posted by beacon on Fri, Dec 22, 2023 at 7:14 PM

California, Construction, Occupied Rehabs, Senior Housing

Following several years of advocacy and the historic overhaul of HUD’s RAD for PRAC (Rental Assistance Demonstration for Project Rental Assistance Contracts) program, Beacon is happy to announce the completed redevelopments of one of the first RAD for PRAC (LIHTC) funded projects in the nation. Canterbury Village and The Gardens which provide 64 and 75 units respectively, have both reached construction completion! Canterbury Village in Santa Clarita, CA completed construction in June 2023 after a 13-month rehab. Meanwhile, The Gardens in Glendale, CA finished rehabilitation a few months later in August 2023 after 14-months.

Both projects included renovations of their property management offices, laundry rooms, libraries and community rooms. The building’s plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems were completely overhauled. New mailbox locations and elevator shafts work has been completed as well. On the exterior; window framing, paint, egress and parking pavement have been updated. Residents enjoy remodeled kitchens, new bathroom, flooring, and windows.

These 139 units, which have provided housing to low-income seniors for over 30 years, will now be able to continue to serve the community for the next 30 years.

MORGAN HILL SENIOR HOUSING REACHES 50% COMPLETION

Posted by beacon on Thu, Dec 7, 2023 at 5:53 PM

California, Construction, Senior Housing

In the South Bay Area of Northern California, Morgan Hill Senior Housing, the partnership community between HumanGood Affordable Housing and Sunnyvale Life, Inc. has reached its 50% construction completion milestone. This 3-story apartment’s new construction consists of 82 large one-bedroom units which will be serving low-income seniors 62+ and adults with disabilities.

On the building’s interior, the rough mechanical, electrical and plumbing are being completed along with the roofing and window installation. In the coming months, the building exterior stucco and paint, outdoor, drought tolerant landscaping, and a covered walkway to the drop-off area and resident parking lot will be completed. Solar stanchions have been installed throughout the entire roof top to accommodate for the photovoltaic solar panels to power this fully electric building. Interior features include a welcoming lobby, manager and service coordinator offices, community room, secured laundry room, fitness center and lounge on the 3^rd floor with roof deck open space.

This is the second affordable housing partnership project between HumanGood Affordable Housing and Sunnyvale Life, Inc. with their first being a rehabilitation of Life’s Garden community in Sunnyvale, CA back in 2016. Construction completion of Morgan Hill Senior Housing is scheduled for summer 2024.

Ethiopian Village Grand Opening

Posted by beacon on Tue, Sep 5, 2023 at 4:30 PM

Beacon, Construction, Project Openings, Senior Housing, Urban/Mixed Use, Washington

Members of Ethiopian Community in Seattle, Beacon Development Group, and HumanGood Affordable Housing celebrated the grand opening of Ethiopian Village over traditional Ethiopian food, coffee, and wine. Ethiopian Village is made possible by Ethiopian Community in Seattle and HumanGood Affordable Housing partnering to provide 90 units of culturally appropriate, affordable senior housing. This new project synergizes with the existing community center which was renovated and expanded to meet the current and future needs of the Ethiopian Community in Seattle.

One of the most prominent features of Ethiopian Village is the large vinyl prints which grace the sides of the Ethiopian Village with murals of Ethiopian traditions, motifs, and values. These murals were designed by a local artist from the community.

The building is connected to the renovated ECS headquarters and a coffee shop to recognize the social tradition of meeting over coffee, and the beginning of a community. Ethiopian Village welcomes all residents who meet the income qualifications, and residents do not need to be Ethiopian to live in the community.

Ethiopian Village is currently accepting applications from low-income seniors 55 years and older.

HumanGood provides clean, renewable energy for residents and communities

Posted by beacon on Fri, Jul 7, 2023 at 5:16 PM

Acquisition/Rehab, California, Construction, Sustainable Buildings, Washington

Solar panel installation reduces carbon footprint and costs for affordable housing sector.

HumanGood has been making strides in our efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and costs for our properties and residents. Beacon Development Group, HumanGood’s development arm, has been installing solar panels on new affordable housing communities and rehabilitation projects using two solar technologies: solar photovoltaic, which uses sunlight to generate electric currents, and thermal, which uses sunlight to heat water used in the communities. Currently, more than a dozen affordable housing communities own their own solar system whether it is solar electric or solar hot water. Outside ownership, there are also other options to provide these technologies for our communities.

The Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) and Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) programs help provide clean energy and save costs for residents at no cost to the property. The programs are offered to select California utility providers and present financial benefits, improve environmental sustainability, and offset the costs of climate change for communities. Approximately 50 percent of the solar produced will reduce residents’ energy bills while the other 50 percent benefits the communities themselves.

“We have the footprint across our portfolio to use the sun to power our buildings and in some cases, heat the water used by our residents,” said George Sousou, construction management director, Beacon Development Group. “There are many benefits to solar whether it’s the reduction in our buildings’ carbon footprint, the cost savings to daily operations and residents, or just doing our part of being responsible building owners.”

Beacon’s construction management department installed solar technology on four HumanGood affordable housing communities across California through the SOMAH program: Valley Vista, Judson Terraces Homes, Life’s Garden, and Sycamore Terrace. Fern Lodge is also 75 percent complete with its installation. Beacon plans to complete installation at six more communities in the next year under a contract with SunRun.

“I hope to one day see solar and other renewable energy alternatives across our entire portfolio of affordable housing and life plan communities,” said Sousou. By the end of 2024, Beacon plans to install solar panels in a total of 23 HumanGood affordable housing communities in California.

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