More East Palo Alto families can find affordable places to live after a new housing complex opened on May 20 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by city and community leaders.
The project brings 136 affordable apartments to East Palo Alto to help families struggling with high living costs.
Occupant Kimberly Owen said the apartments allow residents to create a home in a city where housing is often unaffordable. Colibri Commons serves households earning between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income, with annual incomes ranging from about $40,620 to $116,040 depending on household size, according to the Midpen Housing Property Page.
“It [the apartments] have a good impact,” Owen said. “This is mainly a low income housing building, so it’s giving people a chance to have a home.”
The new building features a mix of different unit sizes to accommodate individuals and larger families. It also includes shared spaces for residents, such as a community room and outdoor playground for children. The project was built on city-owned land through a partnership between local housing organizations and government officials as reported by the companies that aided in the construction of the complex, Midpen Housing and EPACANDO.
Owen said the new complex feels welcoming and playful.
“It’s a very safe place,” Owen said. “There’s a lot of kids here, which makes it fun. But all in all, it’s just a really clean building, and I love that, and the staff is really great, and so I couldn’t be happier.”
Many shared similar opinions to Owen about the quality of the complex. According to resident Josh Flores he enjoys the vibes the apartment complex brings.
“It feels good. … I like the aesthetic of the apartment, and the area is very nice,” resident Josh Flores said. “[It] impacts East Palo Alto in a good way because it’s a very nice apartment complex.”