This summer, our teams in California and Washington came together for an unforgettable series of events that celebrated collaboration, innovation, and community spirit.
In California, the BDG summer outing in San Francisco was a true highlight! The day began with an intriguing visit to Alcatraz Island, where the team explored the infamous old federal prison and soaked up its rich history. Following that adventure, they enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf, culminating in a delightful lunch at Scoma’s Restaurant. It was a perfect blend of fun, food, and exploration!
Meanwhile, our WA team embraced a beloved Seattle tradition by attending a Mariners game. The festivities kicked off with tasty game day bites at Hatback’s restaurant, and the excitement continued as we headed to T-Mobile Park to cheer on the Mariners in their victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. With sunshine, thrilling baseball, and the camaraderie that defines our team, it was a day to remember.
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.
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.
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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.
Beacon Development Group was honored as LifeWire’s Community Partner of the Year at their Hope Starts Here Luncheon, held on May 25th in Bellevue, WA. Beacon has been working closely with LifeWire to develop affordable housing for individuals and families escaping domestic violence. We are in the final stages of renovating an existing apartment building with 25 one- and two- bedroom units as well as the new construction of a 2,900 square foot resident service building.
“It is an honor to partner with LifeWire to build housing for survivors facing the impossible choice of staying in an abusive relationship or becoming homeless,” shares Alberta Bleck, the project manager. “We encountered unique challenges in developing this housing, but the strength of the team allowed us to overcome barriers, adding needed shelter and transitional housing units in an area rich with amenities and opportunities for survivors and their families to heal and thrive.”
LifeWire is Washington State’s largest provider serving survivors of domestic violence, offering holistic support, including homelessness and housing stability services, legal assistance, and advocacy. In 2022, LifeWire provided life-saving services to 3,300 survivors across Washington State. Since its formation in 1982, LifeWire has served 160,000 survivors, more than the population of Bellevue.
LifeWire’s Hope Starts Here fundraising campaign is not over yet. Donate today to support their work at https://www.lifewire.org/donate/
Beacon is proud to announce the financial closing of KWA 15th & Tacoma for the Korean Women’s Association. The new building in downtown Tacoma will include 88 units of deeply affordable housing for seniors, with a focus for seniors with limited English proficiency. To support residents’ ability to age in place, an onsite social services coordinator will assist residents identify, access, and coordinate services. The building will also include a 2,300 square foot Learning Center where residents and community members can benefit from events and programs of the Korean Women’s Association, including an onsite meal program.
Rendering of Korean Women Association by Environmental Works
Korean Women’s Association’s 15th & Tacoma project is made possible through funds from the City of Tacoma, Tacoma Community Redevelopment Association, Pierce County, Pierce County Community Development Corporation, the Washington Housing Trust Fund, the HUD 202 program, Key Bank, Key Community Development Corporation, Heritage Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank, and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Design and construction partners include Environmental Works and Marpac Construction.
In December 2022, Filipino Community Village was recognized by the Senior Housing News Award for excellence in affordable housing. The 95-unit affordable senior housing development features a 5,000 square foot Innovation Learning Center for seniors and students to access Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) programming. The highlight of this project is a commissioned set of four murals in the new plaza by an internationally renowned Filipino artist. This artwork educates the community about the history of Filipino Americans from pre-Spanish occupation to Seattle’s present day Filipino community.
Filipino Community Village is the result of a partnership between HumanGood Affordable Housing, Beacon Development Group’s parent company, and the Filipino Community of Seattle (FCS). FCS has provided services to Filipinos in Seattle for decades and for many years has had the goal of building affordable senior housing. The site is adjacent to the existing Filipino Community Center, where residents have access to programming including a food bank, health screening, and cultural programs.
Beacon and HumanGood Affordable Housing are honored to receive the national 2nd place award in the Affordable Housing category from Senior Housing News Award and look forward to future projects with the Filipino Community of Seattle.
Beacon Development Group is proud to be the recent recipient of two different awards for exemplary service to the community: the Award of Excellence from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO).
Beacon and Hopeworks Social Enterprises are proud to be the recipients of ULI’s “Award of Excellence 2022” for Hopeworks Station North. Hopeworks Station North provides 65 units of housing for homeless and low-income individuals, with 57 dedicated to those facing homelessness. On the ground floor, multiple job-training programs provide pathways to employment and economic stability. Hopeworks additionally offers an internship program for 75 low-income individuals annually. Internships include their culinary food service program called FoodWorks, a retail training center, and a youth career center.
Additionally, Beacon and the Yakima Housing Authority are proud to be the recipients of the “Award of Merit 2022” for Community Revitalization from NAHRO for Chuck Austin Place (CAP). CAP provides 41 supportive housing units focused on ending veteran homelessness in Yakima through affordable housing and multi-faceted social services. These services include a full-time Resident Services Coordinator which works closely with residents to establish goals and connect resident to their goals, a weekly food pantry, and Veterans’ Benefit Coordinators who work with veterans to secure their VA benefits. CAP’s holistic model is unique to Yakima, to veterans, and to service collaboration.
Beacon Development Group is proud to be recognized for their service to those facing homelessness and housing instability in our communities.
On Saturday, August 6th, staff from HumanGood Affordable Housing, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and local elected officials came together to celebrate the grand opening of Northaven West. The festivities included a community picnic and music from The West Seattle Band.
Northaven West was built in partnership with Northaven Senior Housing and HumanGood Affordable Housing. The original Northaven property was developed under the Section 236 program 50+ years ago. The new NHW building was built on the surface parking lot and brings 82 additional units of affordable housing for independent living seniors while offering amenities including an outdoor garden area, library, and campus-wide wellness activities.
Those living at Northaven West enjoy walkable access to shopping, medical facilities, parks, and the Northgate Light Rail Station.
On June 2022, the Filipino Community of Seattle (FCS), local community leaders, and HumanGood Affordable Housing staff celebrated the grand opening of the Filipino Community Village. This new development brings 94 units of affordable housing to Rainier Valley for low-income seniors earning up to 30%, 50%, and 60% of area median income.
Situated adjacent to the FCS Community Center, residents and visitors to the space have access to the FCS’s food bank, community activities, and other programming. This project additionally brings to the community an Innovative Learning Center to provide resources and a space for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) programs for young people in Rainier Valley. The project also incorporates a spectacular multi-panel mural by artist Eliseo Silva which depicts in great detail extensive elements of Filipino history, culture, and the local immigrant experience.
The work doesn’t stop. FCS looks forward to breaking ground on Filipino Community Phase II adjacent to this space very soon, bringing 50 – 60 more units of affordable housing for low-income families to Rainier Valley.
Groundbreaking took place in December. Anticipated completion date for the rehabilitation is September 2022 and new construction is January 2023.
Beacon is proud to announce funding for 25 units of emergency and transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence and their children who are coming out of homelessness or are at risk for homelessness. The project includes rehabilitation of residential housing and new construction of a building to provide services. The site is located close to transit, parks, medical services, and other amenities. Funding awards includes $4.3M Housing Finance Program loan and a $2M award from the State Housing Trust Fund. The project team include Environmental Works and Buchanan General Contracting and the client has a stated priority for Minority Business Representation on the project.
