Lashay had lived in the same apartment for ten years. But when the neighborhood became overrun with drugs, Lashay knew she needed to move for her 8-year-old son Michah’s safety. Unfortunately, shortly after moving, she and her son needed to move again to escape an abusive environment.

She then heard about The Blossom, a new affordable housing community in Beaumont, and was excited to learn she qualified to live there. Lashay and her son moved in and spoke at the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“(The Blossom) felt like our chance at a fresh start,” Lashay said.

A project of Linc Housing, The Blossom provides 48 homes for families earning 30 percent or less of the Area Medium Income. In addition, The Blossom offers a variety of programs and supportive services for its residents, including an after-school program, job readiness and money management workshops, and exercise and nutrition programs.

Supported by nearly $12 million from the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Multifamily Housing Program, The Blossom also has a community room with kitchen, a computer lab, activity spaces, onsite laundry, and outdoor amenities.

Lashay recently started school and aspires to be an x-ray technician. She also recently landed a temporary job with the County of Riverside as an election worker.

“This new home really is the foundation we needed,” Lashay said. “I won’t lie though… We still have challenges to overcome; money is tight, parenting can be hard, relationships are tough – but I feel good about my future. I tell everyone, these apartments are called Blossom for a reason. I’m going to blossom here.”

The Blossom in Beaumont

Ribbon-cutting ceremony of The Blossom