North Park ElderHelp Facility to Get a Makeover

With financial assistance from block grants and fundraising , Elderhelp of San Diego will be getting an extreme makeover of their facility. The 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation received a new five-year lease from the city for the now-vacant ground-floor offices at 4069 30th Street in North Park.

The 30th Street locale is well-worn and needs upgrades for those with disabilities and other improvements. The forthcoming ElderHelp Community Center will provide a daily senior lunch, expanded senior services, and a community meeting space. Construction costs are estimated at $821,520. Total project cost, including furniture, equipment, and decor, is $1.3 million. (The 4000-square-foot center will be LEED-certified.)

The San Diego City Council unanimously approved the lease on June 26. Before the vote, District 3 councilmember Todd Gloria said ElderHelp is doing a “magnificent job” for seniors in Mid-City.

ElderHelp will pay $3250 in advance for the first year's rent. Subsequent annual rents will increase based on the Southern California consumer price index. ElderHelp is temporarily housed at 4300 El Cajon Boulevard. The organization will move into renovated offices above the new community center.

The organization hopes to “begin permitting next month and open first of the year,” according to Elderhelp executive director Leane Marchese. The center is expected to serve about 1500 seniors. Members will pay nothing or up to $100 a year, based on their income.

ElderHelp volunteer Stephen Brown said, “It's in a great location, near other social service agencies, and on a bus line.”