The much-anticipated opening of Moon Gate Plaza housing complex in Chinatown in Salinas has been a benefit to more than 20 of Interim Inc.’s homeless clients.
The 90-unit complex, owned by MidPen Housing, includes a community room with a kitchen, a courtyard with community gardens, bicycle storage, a library and a multi-purpose room. Interim has an agreement with MidPen Housing for 20 of the units to house homeless clients with mental illness. The tenants for the remaining 70 apartments were determined by a lottery of qualified applicants. Two other Interim clients were chosen for apartments in the lottery.
One of the first residents was Junior Rangel, who moved in on March 16. He says that his studio apartment on the third floor is safe and quiet. He is getting to know his neighbors. “I like that I have an apartment where pets are allowed. I got a puppy. Her name is Diana and she’s a corgi/chihuahua mix. The building has a place where I can walk her and get exercise.” Junior moved into Moon Gate Plaza housing complex from Interim’s Shelter Cove transitional housing.
Since many Moon Gate Plaza residents have a history of homelessness, some will need to relearn how to budget their income, how to cook healthy meals, and other skills to live successfully in the community. With an office space on the third floor, Interim counselors will provide individualized service plans, assessments, case management and care coordination for these residents.
Daniel Fagan, Leasing Director of MidPen Housing stated, “The partnership between Interim and MidPen has been fantastic for the referred residents. The timely action and follow-up by Interim led to the placement of 20 residents. The MidPen and Interim teams communicate and collaborate regularly to better serve the residents, which in turn will likely lead to stabilized housing for the residents and the community as a whole.”
Stable housing is the heart of Interim’s services to our clients. Housing, healing and hope are alive at Moon Gate Plaza housing complex in Chinatown.
