PSCDC, Chelsea Investment Corporation, Imperial Valley Celebrates Opening of New Affordable Housing Community: Miraluz Apartments

HEBER, CA – On Monday, December 15th, PSCDC joined our housing development partner Chelsea Investment Corporation, Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, and Imperial County Supervisor Martha Cardenas-Singh in celebrating the grand opening of Miraluz, a 63-unit affordable housing community for Imperial Valley farmworkers.

According to a statement from Chelsea, agriculture in Imperial County contributes over $4.5 billion of Imperial County's economy, and employs nearly 13,000 direct employees, or about one out of six jobs in the county. As a result, farmworkers, many of which are found in Heber, have become the backbone to the county's economy, and providing them with enough affordable housing has become of paramount importance to PSCDC, Chelsea, and the California government.

"Miraluz is more than new housing; it's an investment in the families and farmworkers who are the backbone of Imperial Valley," said Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez. "Projects like this strengthen our communities, support our workforce, and give people the stability they need to thrive."

Miraluz Apartments is made up of four 2-story residential buildings and one community building spanning 2,213 square-feet. There are 16 1-bedroom units, 32 2-bedroom units, and 16 3-bedroom units for residents to occupy. Six units have also been set aside specifically for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities. Included in the community is a BBQ area and a Tot Lot.

As Chelsea's non-profit development partner, PSCDC will be offering free, on-site resident services for the Miraluz community. According to Juan Arroyo, Executive Vice President of PSCDC, planned residential services include adult educational and skill-building classes such as computer literacy, ESL, financial literacy, job counseling, health and wellness workshops, and much more. Furthermore, an after-school program will be developed for school-aged children that includes after-school tutoring, homework help, mentorships, arts and crafts, and a reading program.

PSCDC Board of Directors member Tom Dubose invited those in attendance to view an on-site painting honoring Daniel Hernandez for his tireless support to the farmworker community.

"Today's celebration highlights what is possible when local, state, and federal partners work together to meet the needs of our residents," said Imperial County Supervisor Martha Cardenas-Singh. "Miraluz will provide dozens of Imperial County families and farmworkers with high-quality homes and access to important community resources. I am proud to support this project and look forward to the continued progress it brings to Heber and the entire Valley."