Mary Erickson Community Housing
SUPPORTING THE DREAM OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR ALL
Mary Erickson, a schoolteacher and resident of San Clemente, California, had a heartfelt concern regarding the affordable housing shortage and the impact on working families needing a suitable place to live. She devoted herself to the principles of community participation and well-being, a standard we believe in at Banc of California.
In 1991, Mary Erickson Community Housing (MECH) was established, dedicated to providing affordable rent and housing, and creating homeownership opportunities for qualified families.
It has played a key role in affecting the lives of many families and veterans in San Clemente and surrounding areas.
The program provides workers with affordable housing close to their place of work and includes a Life Skills Education Program focused on goal setting, household financial planning, home buying and career advancement. Mary Erickson devoted herself to the principles of community participation and well-being, a standard we believe in at Banc of California.
MECH established the first affordable housing complex in San Clemente, and grew to include multiple properties, developments and housing programs. Banc of California is proud to work closely with MECH to help create affordable housing for more hardworking California families and to help make the dream of owning a home a reality for first-time buyers.
CREATING AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO CREATE SUCCESS STORIES
“The organization’s focus finds housing solutions for qualified families, including military veterans, who desperately need better living conditions,” says Hilary Black-Streeter, MECH board member and Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Banc of California.
The MECH Teens Forward program is designed for young residents and includes speakers, vocational programs and workshops focused on growth.
Having an affordable place to call home is the foundation for a healthy family and creates hope for the future. Banc of California supports MECH and other organizations that address the housing crises and develop solutions that bring about change. These nonprofit organizations deserve recognition and need the support of the business community. MECH’s mission aligns with our vision to make housing more affordable in the communities we serve.
“We were overjoyed to find MECH, an organization determined to find affordable housing for working families. We are so grateful for everyone involved who gave us a chance to start anew.”
Jess
Husband, Father and Former MECH Resident