Homeless in Pasadena (Photo – Staff).
The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Regional Housing Trust (BGPRHT) Board of Directors has approved a grant to support The Starr, a new affordable housing project located at 231 N. Hill Ave. in Pasadena.
By News Desk
Approved during the Board’s August 11 meeting, the grant enables the City of Pasadena to issue a $2 million construction-to-permanent loan to developer Abbey Road. The funds will support the development of 57 housing units, including two staff residences and 55 affordable units designated for individuals experiencing homelessness, with a focus on Transitional Age Youth (TAY).
Transitional Age Youth, typically defined as young adults between the ages of 18 and 24, face unique challenges during a pivotal stage of development, marked by shifting social roles and heightened vulnerability to housing instability and substance use. According to Pasadena’s 2025 Point-in-Time Homeless Count, 36 individuals identified as TAY were experiencing homelessness, accounting for approximately 6% of the city’s homeless population.
In addition to providing safe, stable housing, The Starr will offer on-site case management services through Penny Lane, an experienced service provider specializing in support for TAY populations. Penny Lane will deliver tailored support and coordinate with property management to help residents pursue education, employment, and long-term housing stability.
“This is how we directly help our residents and reduce homelessness,” said Jess Rivas, BGPRHT Director and Vice Mayor of Pasadena. “I am proud that we are tackling the affordable housing shortage head on by funding affordable housing for vulnerable young adults.”
City Housing Director James Wong emphasized the significance of the grant: “This funding commitment from the Trust significantly enhances the developer’s competitiveness to obtain other funding sources and make the development of this critical project financially viable.”
The Starr marks the first major funding commitment for the project, positioning it to compete effectively for other affordable housing resources that prioritize developments with existing financial backing.
The grant aligns with BGPRHT’s broader mission to expand housing access for vulnerable populations across the tri-city region. Established through Senate Bill 1177 in 2022, the Trust supports individuals and families across income levels, including those experiencing homelessness. Each member city—Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena—is eligible to access up to $6.9 million from an initial $23 million state allocation to support local housing efforts.
Leave a Reply