Avance, a new affordable rental apartment community specifically designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has officially welcomed residents in Livermore.

Developed by MidPen Housing, Avance provides 45 independent-living apartments for I/DD persons with income levels up to 50% of area median income. The project, located at 4240 First St. in Livermore, is the result of partnerships with the city of Livermore, Alameda County, the Regional Center of the East Bay and community members.

As part of East Bay Housing Organizations' Affordable Housing Month, MidPen Housing joined county and city officials along with other community partners to celebrate the grand opening of Avance last Friday.

"Avance helps advance our community's efforts to address the pressing need for affordable housing," Livermore Mayor John Marchand said. "It is a model for innovative partnerships between civic leaders and community organizations to deliver on housing solutions for special needs and underserved populations."

The project was initially a collaborative effort between MidPen and Tri-Valley nonprofit Sunflower Hill. However, the two organizations decided to end their partnership in 2019, with MidPen retaining control of the development and moving forward on its own.

Careful consideration was given to the community's design to support the well-being and safety of its residents to live independently, including six nature-based "wayfinding" symbols marking each of Avance's buildings, according to a joint statement from the city and MidPen Housing.

In addition to Avance's residential units, there is a preserved historic home on the property, The Schenone House, originally built in 1927.

In an effort to emphasize the link between health and housing, amenities incorporated into the Avance community aim to encourage socialization and promote physical and mental well-being. These also include access to community-based services like paratransit for day programs, medical appointments and employment.

Avance is also located within a half-mile of the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority Wheels 15 Bus, grocery stores and pharmacy services, and within one mile of the public library, shopping centers and medical clinics.

The community also includes art coordinated by Creative Growth Art Center, a nonprofit organization based in Oakland with the mission to provide a supportive environment for creative expression, community, and professional artistic development to individuals with developmental disabilities.

"Members of our most vulnerable communities deserve the opportunity to live in safe, healthy, affordable homes," MidPen President & CEO Matthew O. Franklin said. "By providing stable, permanent housing aligned with case management and well-rounded services programming, we create a foundation for residents with developmental disabilities to live independently and thrive."

According to a social media post from MidPen announcing the grand opening, Avance is already completely occupied and is not currently leasing. More information about the property and waitlist is available at www.midpen-housing.org.