SAN DIEGO — A nonprofit is working to preserve some of San Diego’s iconic neighborhoods.
The newly-formed community land trust aims to keep developers out of neighborhoods and stop families from being forced out of their homes.
The Tierras Indigenas Community Land Trust aims to safeguard the cultural identity of these neighborhoods.
“This is really an opportunity to preserve our culture and our community," said funding board member, Julie Corrales. “Our mission is to preserve affordable housing, keep people from displacement and create opportunities for low-income folks to enter into home ownership.”
Corrales said it’s more important than ever to safeguard the future of neighborhoods like Barrio Logan.
“We all know, we’re all feeling it. Rents are rising, the cost of housing is rising, and Barrio Logan is highly susceptible, we’re right next to Petco Park – right next to Downtown. Developers are coming in and buying are properties, and they are evicting people," she said.
The nonprofit aims to convert acquired properties into affordable housing units to combat gentrification.
“They’re creating market rate homes that we can’t afford. People that’ve been here for generations have been forced out. So, the problem is happening now and we have to find a way to stop it," said Corrales.
They also seek to promote art and culture with plans to transform properties into affordable art spaces. The venues will serve as hubs for local artists and small businesses.
“This is really will be a monumental project for the community that advances all of the things we care about," she added.
In addition to housing and art initiatives, the trust plans to create community gardens and green spaces using indigenous practices.
The trust presented their mission to the Barrio Logan planning commission last week. They were also recently awarded a grant that will help the nonprofit kickstart their work.
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