Affordable Housing

Mission Hills UCC began its commitment to affordable housing in the late 1960s by partnering with HUD to develop Green Manor, a 13-story building located just one block from the church with 150 apartments for low-income seniors. Since its inception, members of the church and its pastor have served on the Board of Directors, working to support and maintain a high quality of life for the residents.

In 2024, the board took a bold step by entering into a long-term co-ownership agreement with a development partner. This move secures Green Manor as Section 8 housing for at least 55 more years and paves the way for full apartment renovations. The transaction also generated more than $50 million, dedicated to our ambitious mission: building additional affordable senior housing.

This housing legacy expanded when First Congregational Church merged with Mission Hills, bringing with it another significant project – First Congregational Memorial Tower, a second 13-story Section 8 building with 100 apartments near Balboa Park opened in 1980. Like Green Manor, it was developed through a HUD partnership, and its board continues to include members of the congregation and clergy. This building is undergoing a similar redevelopment process in order to build more housing, thus continuing the church’s long-standing commitment to housing justice and care for older adults.