Innovative Housing Opportunities
Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO) designs more than just housing – they cultivate dynamic communities equipped with services that support residents of all ages and backgrounds. With $2 million in flexible financing from NFF, IHO is accelerating the creation of over 700 new homes in California, broadening access to stable, dignified living for those most affected by the state’s housing shortage.
IHO was formed in 1976 as Irvine Housing Opportunities to advocate for affordable housing in low- and moderate-income communities in Irvine, California. From the beginning, IHO has worked closely with community members, local government, businesses, schools, and faith groups to create meaningful impact. Together, they created Woodbridge Manor Apartments in 1981, pioneering Irvine’s first affordable housing community dedicated to serving older adults and people with disabilities.
Today, IHO owns and operates ten properties across California, totaling over 800 units. These buildings provide stable housing for more than 1,200 people annually, including low-income individuals and families, veterans, seniors, youth, people with special needs, and those experiencing homelessness. Recognizing that housing stability is just one part of the puzzle, IHO helps residents access the resources they need – including support with rent, food, legal services, healthcare, employment, and transportation.
“We’re focused on the long-term impact and ripple effect of the work we do,” says IHO president and CEO Rochelle Mills. “We want our housing communities to amplify the best values that already exist in the people and neighborhoods we serve.”
As the need for affordable housing in California continues to grow – where over one in four households spend more than half their income on housing costs – the need for IHO’s programs is crucial. IHO is advancing nearly 500 affordable housing units across completed, active, and planned projects, with over 200 more in the pipeline.
“Housing development has become increasingly challenging over the past few years, while the demand for housing continues to rise. NFF has provided a lifeline that enables IHO to explore creative opportunities and financial strategies that could result in more effective housing solutions.”
With $2 million in working capital from NFF’s Accelerated Permanent Supportive Housing Fund – designed to support LA nonprofit developers to accelerate the creation of affordable supportive housing units – this pre-development financing will help IHO respond more effectively to the urgent need for stable homes among hundreds of Californians.
In Rochelle’s own words: “I am proud that we work with our communities and partners to create very special environments. When our work comes to fruition, we get paid in hugs, and we turn adversaries into advocates. That is priceless!”
With strong roots in community partnership and collaboration, IHO has a few words of wisdom for others hoping to create organizations that listen to and act on the needs of their communities:
“Hang in there. It’s easy to get discouraged because the need is far greater than our individual organizations’ capacity to solve. But partnerships like NFF give me confidence that we are not in it alone.”
See how NFF’s financing supports organizations in education, community improvement, health, housing, human services, social justice, workforce development, and youth development. Explore examples of financing in action.