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. 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 toward the future 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, with full apartment renovations scheduled to begin in 2025. The transaction also generated more than $50 million, dedicated entirely to one ambitious mission: building additional affordable senior housing. With the help of key partnerships, the goal is to create 5,000 new units over the next 20 years.

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 near Balboa Park. Like Green Manor, it was developed through a HUD partnership, and its board continues to include members of the congregation and clergy. Plans are underway for this building to undergo a similar redevelopment process, continuing the church’s long-standing commitment to housing justice and care for older adults.