EL DORADO, Calif. By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (March 21, 2025) — Local officials and community partners gathered today to celebrate the groundbreaking of El Dorado Haven, a new affordable housing project set to provide 65 rental apartments for families, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. The development aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing in El Dorado County.
The 4.6-acre site, located east of Pleasant Valley Road/Highway 49 in El Dorado, will feature five two- and three-story buildings comprising 20 one-bedroom, 27 two-bedroom, and 18 three-bedroom units. Indoor amenities will include staff offices, community spaces, and laundry facilities, while outdoor features will offer patios, open green areas, and recreational spaces. The project also provides 136 parking spaces, with 45 covered spots for residents and visitors.
Mercy Housing California, a leading nonprofit affordable housing developer, is spearheading the project. The organization has developed and manages over 160 affordable communities statewide, including more than 40 in the Sacramento region.
“Multi-generational families and veterans deserve a place to call home,” said Tiffany Bohee, president of Mercy Housing California. “We are honored to provide stable housing that not only keeps residents rooted in their community but also opens doors to a brighter future.”
El Dorado County Supervisor Brian Veerkamp emphasized the project’s significance for the community.
“Through a great partnership with Mercy Housing California, these apartments will make housing affordable to very low and low-income residents in our communities who desperately need this type of housing,”
The development is made possible through a collaboration of various partners. El Dorado County Federated Church donated the land for the project, reflecting the community’s commitment to addressing housing challenges. Financing is supported by a construction loan from Wells Fargo. Eric Leimbach, Senior Relationship Manager at Wells Fargo, expressed the bank’s dedication to affordable housing initiatives, saying,
“We believe access to a quality, affordable place to call home is something everyone should have. We’re excited to help find innovative housing solutions that create more access to quality places to call home.”
Additional funding and support come from various sources, including the California Department of Housing & Community Development’s programs, El Dorado County Planning & Building, and the El Dorado County Public Housing Authority, which is providing Project-Based Section 8 and VASH vouchers.
The project is designed by Sacramento-based architecture firm Anders and Falltrick Architects and will be constructed by Broward Builders, Inc. Onsite property management will be handled by Mercy Housing Management Group, with resident services offered by Mercy Housing California. El Dorado Haven is expected to welcome its first residents in spring 2026.
This development marks a significant step toward alleviating the affordable housing shortage in El Dorado County, providing much-needed homes for families, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.