Carol Galante, deputy assistant secretary for HUD, lauded the complex’s staff for maintaining a high quality of living environment decades after it opened.
“I am just thrilled to see the incredible quality of the environment,” she said.
Officials singled out 92-year-old Blanca Melendreras and 91-year-old Martha Martinez, who have lived there since the building first opened its doors.
“Thirty years ago, they moved into Casa De La Paloma, and now they are here to celebrate,” said Sally Little, vice president for affordable housing at Southern California Presbyterian Homes, which runs several of the city’s affordable housing communities for seniors.
Close to noon Tuesday, more than 100 of the building’s residents walked down the street to the banquet hall on Kenwood Street. Dressed in their finest, residents were greeted with colorful flower boutonnieres to wear for the event.
The large banquet hall was decorated with gold balloons, and residents toasted with glasses of sparkling apple cider.
Later in the event, many made their way to the dance floor.
While the mood was celebratory, officials were quick to point out that the demand for affordable housing, especially for the elderly, was massive. Waiting lists for projects under development remain in the hundreds.
“The demand is so great, we’ll probably never be able to meet it,” said City Councilman Dave Weaver.
When the city recently opened up waiting lists for several of its affordable housing units, several thousand applications flowed in a matter of weeks, Little said.
With HUD representatives in the audience, Little emphasized the importance of continuing funding to support current and future projects.
“We’re hoping desperately that HUD continues to provide funds,” she said.
