By: Robyn Wong
Life Course Scholar
During the second week of class, we went on a tour of various subsidized housing facilities in San Diego. They were not all specifically for elders, as some also serve homeless individuals, transitioning foster youth, and people with mental or physical disabilities. Many of the facilities were in East Village, including the Potliker Family Senior Residence, Father Joe’s Village, and Celadon. The area became a hub of services for vulnerable people because it is very close to the heart of downtown. It also has public transportation access from the trolley and various bus lines, though it is arguable that the bus service does not cover all parts of the area. This is definitely an important resource for homeless, elder, and other transient persons who do not own cars.
The first facility we visited in East Village was the Potliker Family Senior Residence, a for-profit facility opened in 2003. It is located in the southern half of the neighborhood, which has experienced a significant amount of development in recent years. In fact, the center is directly across the street from a new apartment building. The second in the area was Father Joe’s Village, a center that has a wide variety of services but is mainly a provider of transitional housing. Lastly we passed Celadon, an award-winning project that houses seniors, foster youth, people with mental illness, and many others. From the outside, Celadon looks like the rest of the new, modern apartments going up in the area.
As East Village has developed and is becoming more geared towards young professionals, artists, and families, the fate of these senior/homeless facilities is definitely a question mark. Of course there are downsides to the “gentrification” of the area; for instance, the (rejected) proposal for the Chargers stadium was planned basically on the site of Father Joe’s Village. If it had passed, Father Joe would have had to find another facility. But in San Diego, the only way to get cheap property is to move away from Downtown, making it impossible for people to access its services.
However, I put the word “gentrification” in quotes earlier because East Village is simply developing and evolving as a city should. It is only natural that people want their neighborhood to have better housing, or more shops and services to fit their needs. This can benefit the centers as well, not necessarily push out existing residents like what people who cry “gentrification” like to believe. For example, the Potliker Family Senior Residence is now integrated in the neighborhood, where they have access to more stores and can interact with younger people and families. It can also be argued that area has also become safer with the increased activity. Additionally, East Village’s upgrade can make public/affordable housing developers in the area step up their game. Celadon is up in the top corner of East Village, where there are many high rise apartment towers. It is LEED certified and has an attractive, modern design. Because the area is becoming more upscale, developers of affordable housing may be encouraged to make higher-quality projects.
It is true that senior and homeless service centers are always vulnerable and face increased pressure when development occurs around them. However, I believe centers such as those in East Village can use the changes to their advantage.
Life Course Scholar
During the second week of class, we went on a tour of various subsidized housing facilities in San Diego. They were not all specifically for elders, as some also serve homeless individuals, transitioning foster youth, and people with mental or physical disabilities. Many of the facilities were in East Village, including the Potliker Family Senior Residence, Father Joe’s Village, and Celadon. The area became a hub of services for vulnerable people because it is very close to the heart of downtown. It also has public transportation access from the trolley and various bus lines, though it is arguable that the bus service does not cover all parts of the area. This is definitely an important resource for homeless, elder, and other transient persons who do not own cars.
The first facility we visited in East Village was the Potliker Family Senior Residence, a for-profit facility opened in 2003. It is located in the southern half of the neighborhood, which has experienced a significant amount of development in recent years. In fact, the center is directly across the street from a new apartment building. The second in the area was Father Joe’s Village, a center that has a wide variety of services but is mainly a provider of transitional housing. Lastly we passed Celadon, an award-winning project that houses seniors, foster youth, people with mental illness, and many others. From the outside, Celadon looks like the rest of the new, modern apartments going up in the area.
As East Village has developed and is becoming more geared towards young professionals, artists, and families, the fate of these senior/homeless facilities is definitely a question mark. Of course there are downsides to the “gentrification” of the area; for instance, the (rejected) proposal for the Chargers stadium was planned basically on the site of Father Joe’s Village. If it had passed, Father Joe would have had to find another facility. But in San Diego, the only way to get cheap property is to move away from Downtown, making it impossible for people to access its services.
However, I put the word “gentrification” in quotes earlier because East Village is simply developing and evolving as a city should. It is only natural that people want their neighborhood to have better housing, or more shops and services to fit their needs. This can benefit the centers as well, not necessarily push out existing residents like what people who cry “gentrification” like to believe. For example, the Potliker Family Senior Residence is now integrated in the neighborhood, where they have access to more stores and can interact with younger people and families. It can also be argued that area has also become safer with the increased activity. Additionally, East Village’s upgrade can make public/affordable housing developers in the area step up their game. Celadon is up in the top corner of East Village, where there are many high rise apartment towers. It is LEED certified and has an attractive, modern design. Because the area is becoming more upscale, developers of affordable housing may be encouraged to make higher-quality projects.
It is true that senior and homeless service centers are always vulnerable and face increased pressure when development occurs around them. However, I believe centers such as those in East Village can use the changes to their advantage.