About
Eden Housing is a nonprofit affordable housing developer, owner, and operator based in Hayward, California. Founded in 1968 by community activists concerned about housing scarcity in Alameda County, the organization has grown into one of California's most established nonprofit housing providers, having developed, acquired, and preserved more than 12,600 affordable homes across the state. Eden Housing operates on the belief that "home is where your start is" — that stable housing enables families to remain secure and communities to flourish.
Mission
Eden Housing creates and sustains high-quality affordable housing communities that advance opportunity for all. Its vision is a world where everyone has access to safe, decent, affordable housing.
What they do
- Real estate development: develops, acquires, and preserves affordable housing throughout California, including transit-oriented developments.
- Property management: manages its residential communities and tenant services.
- Resident services: housing search and application assistance, fair housing accommodations, and community programming and support.
- Scholarships: the Howard T. Collins Memorial Scholarship Program has awarded more than $1.17 million in scholarships to residents since 1993.
Eden Housing serves very low-, low-, and moderate-income families, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and formerly homeless individuals.
History
Eden Housing was founded in 1968 by community activists in Hayward, including Cal State Hayward professor Bill Vandenburgh, in response to concerns about housing scarcity in Alameda County. The organization began by rehabilitating six older homes in Oakland before developing the Josephine Lum Lodge for seniors in Hayward. As former Hayward mayor Ilene Weinreb put it, "Affordable housing isn't something that happens automatically, you have to make it happen."
Scale and impact
- More than 12,600 homes developed, acquired, or preserved across California (12,681 to date per the organization's website).
- More than 65,000 low-income residents currently served.
- More than 100,000 people have lived in Eden communities since its founding.
- Communities located in 51 cities across California.
Financials
According to Eden Housing's Form 990 for fiscal year 2024, as reported by ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, the organization had revenue of $85,982,657, expenses of $36,268,687, and total assets of $572,534,378. Contributions made up about 53% of revenue ($45.5 million), program services about 35.9% ($30.9 million), and investment income about 10.6% ($9.1 million).
Governance
Eden Housing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by a board of directors and led by an executive team; Linda Mandolini serves as President. The IRS granted the organization tax exemption in August 1986 under its current determination.