BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Affordable housing needs across California continue to outpace supply, but the opening of a new development in Bakersfield is offering a small victory \u2014 and a fresh start for a few families.<\/p>\n
For Lola Robinson and her daughter, it\u2019s the first time in a while they\u2019ve had a place to call home. Living on a fixed income, Robinson said their options were limited when they arrived in Bakersfield.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe house was small. My daughter and I wanted our own place \u2014 somewhere that felt like ours. It all worked out for us,\u201d Robinson said.<\/p>\n
She had been staying with her sister-in-law before applying for the South Baker Street complex in June. She said she didn\u2019t expect to be placed so quickly. \u201cI was really thinking we might not get any low-income housing,\u201d she said. \u201cI didn\u2019t think it would happen this quick.\u201d<\/p>\n
Robinson\u2019s family was one of eight selected out of 2,700 applicants. The demand highlights a growing strain on local housing supply, according to Steven Pelz of Golden Empire Affordable Housing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat shows you how severe the demand is\u2026 We need every type of housing in Bakersfield \u2014 infill, single family, market rate, and affordable,\u201d Pelz said.<\/p>\n
That demand has intensified as affordable housing projects have faced repeated setbacks over the last four years. COVID-19 supply-chain issues made key electrical components difficult to obtain in 2023, affecting this project and others still in development. Pelz said that even with recent improvements from PG&E, completing fully affordable housing projects remains challenging.<\/p>\n
\u201cRising construction prices, increased labor costs, and a shortage of construction workers,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen there aren\u2019t enough workers, demand goes up and prices rise. So housing costs continue to increase, and more needs to be done at the national and state levels to reduce those costs.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Kern County affordable housing report shows more than 2,700 families do not have access to an affordable home, with asking rent increasing 27 percent from 2019 to 2024.<\/p>\n
Still, Pelz said every completed project is a step in the right direction.<\/p>\n
At the grand opening, Robinson said the $799 monthly rent is finally something she can manage. She said she\u2019s grateful to have a stable home for her family \u2014 just in time for Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you have a favorite dish?\u201d she was asked.
\u201cOh, it\u2019s going to be my sweet potato pie,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Pelz said about a dozen more affordable projects are in development across Bakersfield, though rising costs may continue to delay completion. Even this project faced months of delays due to design adjustments and ended roughly $200,000 over budget.<\/p>\n
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