Casa Querencia

SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA

Goal: Build upon the success of The Orchard by creating a ground up development targeting chronically homeless in further pursuit of our mission to end homelessness in Orange County.

Casa Querencia, formerly known as The Aqua, is dedicated to serving individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, including those with mental and physical disabilities. Located within walking distance of over two dozen public, social, and health service providers, it ensures residents have easy access to essential support systems. On-site property managers, case managers, and community service providers offer classes, services, and programs tailored to the residents’ needs. Its proximity to public transit further connects residents to resources that promote stability and wellness.

The property features thoughtfully designed outdoor community spaces that address the emotional and social needs of its residents. Amenities include a community building with shared dining and living areas, and spaces for physical and mental exercise. A podium deck provides a gathering area for social activities, such as yoga, while a lawn area supports sports and leisure. Residents can also enjoy community garden beds and a barbecue area, fostering a sense of belonging and active engagement.

Casa Querencia comprises three buildings—two primarily housing units and the third hosting community amenities, on-site management, and service spaces. These structures are connected by open walkways, staircases, and an elevator, emphasizing natural light, fresh air, and strong visual connectivity throughout the community. The landscape design harmonizes lush greenery with the local semi-arid climate, incorporating drought-tolerant and California-native plants to create a sustainable and welcoming environment.

DEVELOPMENT

Financing includes multiple layers of subsidies including project based vouchers from the City of Santa Ana, SNHP funds from the County of Orange, and an Infill Infrastructure Grant from the State of California in addition to low income housing tax credit and tax exempt bond financing.

DATA
  • Completion Date: 2020
  • Total Development Cost: $31.3M
  • Affordability: 30% - 60% AMI
  • Total Units: 57
  • Unit Mix: 12 0BD, 45 1BD
  • Sustainability: LEED Gold
TEAM
  • Developer: CDP & Mercy House
  • Architect: Architecture Design Collaborative
  • Design Concept: CityFabrick
  • Contractor: Walton Construction Services
  • Property Management: FPI
  • Resident Services Partner: Mercy House & Telecare
WEBSITE

PARTNERS

CDP is proud to partner with these organizations, dedicated to bettering the lives not only of Casa Querencia’s residents, but of those lower-income residents in surrounding communities.

Mercy House

Mercy House was founded by Father Jerome T. Karcher with a vision to serve the local homeless and at-risk communities. Since beginning services in 1990, Mercy House has grown from a single transitional housing program to a complete system of care designed to span the spectrum of services. These range from outreach and homeless prevention programs to emergency shelters and permanent housing, which incorporates both Housing First projects serving chronically homeless populations and affordable housing serving very low to low-income populations. On an annual basis, Mercy House programs and services touch the lives of over 7,000 adults and children across Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, and Kern Counties in California as well as Maricopa County, Arizona. Their growth over our 30-year tenure has been tied to clarity of vision and purpose, always bearing in mind the organization’s ultimate goal: to end the homelessness of all who enter their unique system of care.

Telecare

Founded in 1965, Telecare  serves the community with the mission to deliver excellent and effective behavioral health services that engage individuals with complex needs in recovering their health, hopes, and dreams. Telecare has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the people it serves, yet its core mission remains unchanged: providing exceptional care for individuals with serious mental illness and supporting them in realizing their full potential.

Faces of Santa Ana

Led by founder Brian Peterson, Faces of Santa Ana is a passion project where he set out to befriend and paint portraits of the homeless community in Santa Ana, CA. He then sells the artwork and uses proceeds to help in rehabilitating his newfound friends. The mission of Faces of Santa Ana is to locally help those in need in cities around the world while also inspiring and activating creatives and supporters of the movement. Brian believes that the creativity he’s been given is meant for the outward pouring of love. Brian led the art planning and execution at Casa Querencia.