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1. Who can I call for emergency housing / shelter?

If you are looking for emergency housing assistance, call 2-1-1 to speak with someone who can assess your situation and housing needs.

2. What is affordable housing?

Affordable housing is housing available to low- and moderate-income households. Households who earn at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI) are considered low-income, and households who earn between 80-120% of the Area Median Income are considered moderate-income. These income limits are determined each year by the State and Federal governments. Rents for affordable households are based on household income. Find a list of all existing affordable housing developments in Poway.

3. Whom do I contact to find out eligibility requirements and/or be placed on an affordable housing interest list?

Each affordable housing development maintains its own interest list. Please contact each property individually for eligibility requirements and to be placed on the interest list for that development.

4. Whom do I contact with questions or concerns about a Poway affordable housing property?

The Poway Housing Authority and City of Poway are not directly involved in the management and operation of these developments. Each affordable housing development is privately operated by a non-profit developer that has dedicated staff to address your needs. See a list of contact information for each property. If you wish to inform City staff of an unresolved complaint, please call (858) 668-4551.

5. Why is affordable housing required in Poway?

State law requires that the City do its part to provide sufficient housing opportunities to meet the existing and projected housing needs of all economic segments of the community. Pursuant to this State law, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), drafts a Regional Housing Allocation Plan which determines the minimum number of affordable housing units the City must accommodate in its Housing Element. Housing needs are reassessed each time a Housing Element cycle occurs, which is every 8 years. California Redevelopment Law also includes additional obligations to provide affordable housing.

6. What is the source of affordable housing funding?

Affordable multi-family housing developments are typically financed by non-profit developers through funding from private banks, federal tax credits and the Poway Housing Authority.

7. Why are most affordable housing units in Poway either apartments or condos?

To be competitive for federal tax credits, a major financing mechanism for affordable housing, these developments must be located near essential services, shops and transportation. The land in Poway that meets this requirement is predominantly zoned for multi-family development. Additionally, it is most cost efficient to build apartment-style homes.

8. I'm concerned about affordable housing being in my neighborhood. What type of person qualifies for affordable housing?

Poway affordable housing communities are home to a variety of households, including teachers, safety services personnel, Poway Business Park employees, and long-time Poway residents. The data shows that the majority of the tenants in Poway affordable housing developments either were already living or working in Poway prior to becoming an affordable housing resident. Anyone that meets the low- or moderate-income limitations, as well as other eligibility criteria, including meeting minimum credit qualifications, minimum income requirements and background checks, can qualify.

9. How does affordable housing affect crime in Poway?

Crime statistics indicate that Poway’s affordable housing developments contribute to Poway’s safe neighborhoods and low crime rate. Poway affordable housing developments are well-maintained and strictly managed.

10. How does affordable housing affect schools in Poway?

Each of Poway’s affordable housing developments provides after-school homework assistance and learning programs for residents. This helps to ensure children have access to resources that will benefit them educationally and contribute to their success. The Poway Unified School District continuously evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of their schools, and has found that the impact of children from affordable housing developments and those from market-rate housing are similar.

11. How does affordable housing affect home values in Poway?

Statistics provided by the San Diego Association of Realtors indicate that affordable housing has little to no impact on Poway home values. Home values in the areas surrounding Poway affordable housing developments have shown fluctuations consistent with the rest of the Poway community.