JAMBOREE’S ARBOR AT WOODBURY EARNS AFFORDABLE HOUSING AWARD AS PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Irvine, CA – April 26, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — The organizers of Orange County’s annual Affordable Housing Award (AHA) selected Jamboree Housing Corporation’s The Arbor at Woodbury community as the 2010 Project of the Year. The Affordable Housing Award presentation is co-hosted by the Kennedy Commission, Orange County Housing Corporation, and the Affordable Housing Clearinghouse, three of the county’s leaders in the affordable housing industry.

Jamboree’s newest community in the City of Irvine, The Arbor at Woodbury, is home to 90 working families who earn between 30% and 60% of the area median income. For example, a family of four earning $46,500 (50% of area median income) will pay about $1,140/month in rent for their three-bedroom home. The community’s floor plans offer one-, two- and three-bedroom garden-style apartments.

The Arbor is Jamboree’s sixth community for working families in Irvine, bringing the total number of affordable homes developed by Jamboree in the city to 800 homes.

Mary Ann Gaido, chair of the City of Irvine Planning Commission and a member of the Irvine Community Land Trust board of directors, presented the award to Laura Archuleta, president of Jamboree. “The City of Irvine is proud that Jamboree calls Irvine its home,” she stated. “From the perspective of the City of Irvine, we couldn’t be more proud of Jamboree’s newest housing project. It has been developed using sustainable design and energy-efficient features. It is certainly a beautiful development.”

Developed by a public/private partnership that includes Jamboree the City of Irvine, The Irvine Company, Union Bank and U.S. Bank, The Arbor at Woodbury exemplifies Jamboree’s commitment to family-oriented design and high quality finishes and materials, Archuleta said.

“We believe The Arbor represents the state-of-the-art in workforce housing design and development and we are honored that our community has been singled out for this prestigious award,” she said. “We are also honored to have these outstanding partners who understand and appreciate the importance of developing quality workforce housing and the economic and other benefits it brings to the city and county.”

Embracing Smart Growth principles, The Arbor’s central location allows residents access to local parks, nature trails, and shopping and other amenities that are within walking distance. Jamboree is also providing complimentary shuttle service to residents during commuter hours from the new community to the Irvine Transportation Center.

The Arbor homes are also designed with contemporary and sustainable features that include central heating and air, Internet and cable access, granite counter tops, and green components such as low-flow showers, dual-flush toilets, and energy-efficient lighting and appliances, including ENERGY STAR refrigerators and dishwashers. In addition, Jamboree’s resident services group, Housing with HEART, effectively utilizes The Arbor community center, computer-learning center, and tutoring room to provide customized programs and services to enrich the quality of residents’ lives.

Additionally, the construction of workforce housing is proving to be instrumental in generating jobs in California. Jamboree will start construction on six new communities in Orange County this year, creating 532 affordable homes and generating $48 million in construction work, which translates to 400 jobs in the first year alone.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Irvine, CA-headquartered Jamboree Housing Corporation is a broad-based, nonprofit housing development company that develops, acquires, renovates and manages permanently affordable rental and ownership housing for lower-income families and seniors throughout California. A year-long commemoration of Jamboree’s 20th elevates the ripple effect of providing high quality affordable housing that generates more jobs, creates supportive housing for seniors and those with special needs, promotes healthy living and builds stronger communities. A leading nonprofit developer, Jamboree’s portfolio includes the development of and/or ownership interest in more than 6,500 affordable homes and apartments in more than 56 California communities.

Housing with HEART (Helping Educate, Activate and Respond Together) is a 501 (c)(3) organization and Jamboree’s resident services group. Currently, Housing with HEART programs and services are offered at 32 Jamboree communities with designated staff at each location.

For more information, go to www.jamboreehousing.com.

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