About Mary Erickson Community Housing
At Mary Erickson Community Housing (MECH), we take great pride in providing affordable housing and promoting the well-being of working families in Southern California. As a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation and designated Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), we believe that by increasing and preserving the supply of affordable housing, we positively impact the quality of life for working families in our neighborhoods. Through our Life Skills and Teens Forward programs at selected sites, we promote the well-being and self-sufficiency that encourages an improved lifestyle for families most in need.
In 1991, the Mary Erickson Community Housing Corporation was founded by our namesake, a retired school teacher who was devoted to the principles of community participation and well-being. Mary Erickson Community Housing established the first affordable housing complex in San Clemente and has since grown to include multiple properties and developments serving hundreds of families in Southern California. In addition, Mary Erickson Community Housing rehabilitates and develops new construction single-family homes to provide homeownership opportunities to income-qualified households.
Tenant Testimonial Renter Turned Homeowner -- The American Dream!
Board Officers
Susan E. McDevitt
Executive Director
Gary S. Dunn
President
CRA Officer - Retired
Rich Saeger
Vice President
Senior Vice President, Mechanics Bank
John C. Gould III, A.I.A.
Secretary
Architect, Retired
Hilary Black-Streeter
Treasurer
SVP, Chief Compliance Officer, Banc of California
Board Members
Patsy Brown
Pastor, Member Clergy Champions for Peace
Doug J. Bystry
President, Clearinghouse Community Development Financial Institution (CCDFI)
Michael Gialluly
Pacific Premier Bank, VP Relationship Manager
Barbara J. Isaacs
Comerica Bank-Retired
Karen I. Suarez
Director - Uplift San Bernardino, Making Hope Happen Foundation
Michelle Kerns
Community Activist
Creiselda Terpoorten
Community Activist
Frequently Asked Questions
With only two full-time and a few part-time paid staff members, a small office, and extensive volunteer time, we have minimal administrative costs. Donors frequently earmark donations for a specific project, and that is always honored. Unrestricted donations are placed in our general fund, where they are used to paying for Life Skills Education administrative costs, and to support the expansion of future affordable housing development projects.
The cost of owning and operating affordable rental housing and developing a pipeline of new affordable rental housing may cost more than we earn though rents and developer fees in a typical year. So, our funding depends heavily on the generosity of individuals, corporations, churches, and civic groups to help subsidize our efforts to support working families. We receive long-term, low-interest rate loans typically from City and County jurisdictions, and typically hold an annual or bi-annual major fundraiser to support the work.
We rent to working families with a household income less than 40- 50 percent of the Orange County area median income (AMI) that varies by year. The family must consist of at least one adult or one person per bedroom. Mary Erickson Community Housing maintains a waiting list at all times and is an equal housing opportunity non-profit organization.
Our rents do not exceed one-half of the median rent in Orange County or the Inland Empire. Rents change annually following the update in Area Median Income (AMI) from HUD and the State of California.
We schedule six classes per year on a regular basis for selected properties and programs. Whenever a question or concern arises, we will schedule a special tenant meeting. Our speakers have special skills and expertise and are drawn from the community. Classes are held in both English and Spanish as necessary. The goal is to enhance the self-sufficiency of each family.
There is no set time limit after which tenants must move; however, they are encouraged to improve their job skills in order to increase their income and move into market-rate housing. Income verification takes place annually in order to determine that they still qualify to live in our apartments. All tenants are re-evaluated on an annual basis.
MECH with our property management firm, community managers, facilities staff and residents work together to keep our communities safe and enjoyable -- a place to call home.
Yes, we accept Section 8 vouchers across all MECH owned rental properties.
We have deed restrictions on housing to ensure affordability of at least 30 years.
