Women’s Development Center has outgrown its name. That’s reason to celebrate for local seniors, families – and women – in need of affordable housing.
In 1990, the Southern Nevada nonprofit began administering its Transitional Housing Program for homeless women with children. With 27 furnished apartments and the goal of moving single women toward financial independence and self-sufficiency, Women’s Development Center soon discovered another community need.
“Over the years, as women transitioned out of the program, we wondered where they were going with their families. Our board quickly identified the need for affordable housing programs, so we started buying fourplexes, condos and single-family homes,” said Candace Ruisi, executive director for Women’s Development Center since 1990.
In 15 years, Women’s Development Center has expanded to provide an array of affordable housing programs linked to appropriate social services designed to help clients attain self-sufficiency. Accredited by United Way of Southern Nevada, the organization’s continuum-of-care approach is offered through seven major programs, with each component complementing the next level of service offered. In addition to its flagship transitional housing program, current programs include affordable rentals, independent living, Homeward Bound homebuyer assistance, tenant-based rental assistance and supplemental assistance for facilities to assist the homeless. Women’s Development Center’s newest program, Lindell Harbor Permanent Affordable Senior Housing, was established in 2002.
“Finding affordable housing is a crisis for seniors. We fill the Lindell Harbor apartments immediately because so many seniors are on fixed incomes – incomes that don’t keep pace with rising rental costs,” Ruisi said. The Lindell Harbor community at 3440 Lindell Road provides income-eligible persons 55 years and older with a permanent, clean, safe and affordable apartment. Ruisi called the need for the 19 apartments “astronomical.”
“These seniors have worked hard all their lives. Now they’re retired and might draw from Social Security and a small retirement, but they are so limited in their housing options,” she said. “With exploding property values, they’re out of luck.”
To qualify for Lindell Harbor, applicants must be at or below 50 percent of the median area income, which Ruisi said is less than $20,000 for a single person. Rent for the apartments is below market rate; one-bedroom units rent for $467 and two-bedroom units are priced at $557. Ruisi said the organization is dedicated to providing age-appropriate support services wrapped around its housing programs.
“We developed Lindell Harbor knowing that it would provide easy access to public transportation and shopping,” she said. At Lindell Harbor, a community room plays host to game tables, computer workstations and a television lounge. It also provides space for Women’s Development Center’s social service component, which facilitates health programs, counseling, Meals on Wheels and paratransit for residents.
But seniors aren’t the only population benefiting from Women’s Development Center’s outreach. According to Ruisi, the Homeward Bound homebuyer assistance program is making a profound impact in the community by providing low-income individuals and families with financial assistance for down payments and closing costs. “There’s a fallacy that these people live on the streets. They are long-time job holders who would make wonderful homeowners, but who don’t have $7,000 for a down payment,” Ruisi said. “Those who qualify are thrilled to have stable housing and the opportunity to build personal wealth.”
Eligible first-time homebuyers are offered an interest-free deferred payment loan, forgivable after five years, to cover down payment and qualifying closing costs. Loan funds come from the governments of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Clark County. Approved buyers contribute $500; Women’s Development Center assists with gap financing up to $10,000.
“Our expertise is housing, and we offer support services to a point. We try not to duplicate services, instead relying on the community’s amazing nonprofit network. Our programs work so well because we collaborate with others to really help people,” Ruisi said.
Contact Box:
Women’s Development Center
953 E. Sahara Ave. #201
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 796-7770