This project began with a problem. Interim’s Soledad House in Salinas was sinking. It also needed a new roof. Originally, the facility had been used as a crisis residential facility for adults with mental illness. More recently, it was used as a transitional home for clients who have been homeless or are at severe risk of homelessness. Interim had remodeled the residence several times over the years. and it would have been very expensive to rehabilitate again. So,in partnership with the City of Salinas, Interim, Inc. developed a plan to maximize use of the property by expanding the number of units on the site.

Since federal and state funding was available for both permanent and transitional housing for our clients, it was decided to provide both types of housing in the same building. The building was designed around the various funding sources’ respective use restrictions.

Sun Rose has nine studio and one-bedroom units of permanent, affordable, supported housing for adults who are homeless, chronically homeless, or at-risk of homelessness. In addition, one floor of the complex will contain transitional housing for eight residents, in a shared housing configuration where each resident will have a private bedroom and share the common living areas, kitchen and bathrooms. This project has been specifically designed to meet the special needs of homeless single disabled adults.

The complex will also include offices and meeting rooms for counselors and residents. Designed by Wald, Ruhnke & Dost Architects, the building will be handicapped-accessible with an elevator to the upper floors. All tenants of Sun Rose will be offered mental health and case management on-site by Interim staff with the goal of helping residents to maintain housing and develop skills to be successful in the community. Tenants will be encouraged to use other services in the community, including those provided by Interim, at the nearby Pajaro Wellness Center.

The recent pandemic delayed the start of the project, which broke ground in August of 2021 and is expected to be completed the summer of 2022. This delay and the ensuing material shortage and labor cost increases have impacted construction of Sun Rose resulting in final project costs several hundred thousand dollars above the original estimates. Because the need for housing is so great, Interim, Inc. began construction and is actively seeking funding to complete the project.

The Sun Rose project was made possible through a partnership with the Monterey County Behavioral Health Bureau. “We have a long and successful history of partnering with Interim Inc., to provide needed services to the most vulnerable seriously mentally ill individuals in our community,” said Katy Eckert, bureau chief at Behavioral Health.

Interim acknowledges support from the City of Salinas, the County of Monterey, and the local Coalition of Homeless Services Providers. Funding commitments have been received from the County of Monterey and the City of Salinas, including Community Development Block Grant Program funding, Whole Person Care funding, County Inclusionary Housing Funds, and Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention funds. Interim was successful in obtaining competitive funds through the California Housing and Community Development No Place Like Home Program through a joint application with the County of Monterey. In addition, local foundations and donors have also provided financial support.

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