A Major Milestone in Paradise’s Long Term Recovery: New Affordable Housing for Families and Seniors on Cypress Lane
On the morning of April 10, 2026, despite steady rain and gray skies, a powerful sense of hope filled the air in Paradise, CA. Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) and Mercy Housing California joined elected officials, partners, neighbors, and community members to celebrate two major milestones at Cypress Lane: the grand opening of Cypress Lane Family Apartments and the groundbreaking of Cypress Lane Senior Apartments. Together, these two developments represent a meaningful step forward in Paradise’s long‑term recovery and a renewed commitment to ensuring residents of all ages have access to safe, affordable places to call home.
The newly opened Cypress Lane Family Apartments now offers 70 affordable homes for families and individuals, while construction is underway on 70 affordable homes for seniors, expanding housing options for older adults who wish to remain in the community they love. Mercy Housing California led financing and construction for both phases of the project, and CHIP is honored to serve as property manager and provider of on‑site resident services, helping ensure long‑term housing stability and connection for residents.
One of the most moving moments of the day came from Megan, a Paradise resident and Camp Fire survivor now living at Cypress Lane Family Apartments, who shared her story.
“I was born and raised in Paradise…I cannot express how much of a blessing and opportunity this housing has brought me.”
One of Megan’s main priorities in finding a stable home to rent was finding a place to live with minimal stressors to protect her health and manage her medical issues. She felt reassured when she was told Cypress Lane Family Apartments could accommodate her medical equipment.
“They have made [Cypress Lane Family Apartments] a safe and affordable place…I would have had to leave my hometown and this area if not. There is no other place I would like to call home.”
Megan wanted to recognize that Cypress Lane was an extension of the recovery of the Town of Paradise. She was moved to see so many people at the ceremony who helped create her new community in the town she’s always loved.
“I would love to thank everyone, especially the Town of Paradise, for not giving up on our town. Seeing the growth and the people who are willing to help this town come back…is beautiful. It's awesome to see that [The Town of Paradise] is finally filling out, and more people are coming. I've heard numerous stories of seniors who are so happy to get their own apartment complex and [the chance to remain] in the community…Again, I would like to thank you for allowing everyone the opportunity to finally come home or have a stable place where they don't have to leave home.”
As of May 1, 2026, Cypress Lane Family Apartments is fully leased, and construction has started on Cypress Lane Senior Apartments. Over a month later, Megan looks back fondly on her experience at the groundbreaking and grand opening ceremony.
“Everyone I spoke to…you could tell they genuinely love what they do and have such giving and helpful hearts. Their main goal was to create a great environment where people can thrive.”
The Cypress Lane communities were made possible through significant collaboration and investment with incredible partners and supporters. The funding for this project includes CDBG‑Disaster Recovery funds from the Town of Paradise and the California Department of Housing & Community Development, construction loans, Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity from Wells Fargo, and project-based vouchers from the Housing Authority of the County of Butte.
CHIP is deeply grateful to the many partners who helped bring this vision to life and stood alongside us, including:
- Mercy Housing California
- Mercy Housing Land Fund
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- California Department of Housing & Community Development
- The Town of Paradise
- California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC)
- Wells Fargo, LIHTC Equity
- Wells Fargo Bank, Commercial Real Estate Lending
- Wells Fargo Bank and Employee Volunteers
- Housing Authority of the County of Butte (HACB)
- Zen Development Consultants LLC
- Sunseri Construction
- NorthStar Engineering
- Anders & Falltrick Architects
- Precision Business Associates
- Paradise Parks & Recreation District
- California Vocations
- California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
- Regenerating Paradise
- California Volunteers
Cypress Lane is a symbol of what’s possible when strong partnerships, shared commitment, and community voices come together. As senior housing construction continues and families settle into their new neighborhood, CHIP looks forward to continuing this important work alongside our partners and the Paradise community.
