The Cesar Chavez Foundation (CCF), the City of El Monte, and stakeholders including Boston Financial, JP Morgan Chase, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development, celebrated the grand opening of Plaza Ysabel “Mac” Ortiz II, a new affordable housing community for low-income families in El Monte, California.

Plaza Ysabel “Mac” Ortiz II is CCF’s second project in the City of El Monte and honors a 19-year-old native of El Monte killed during the Korean War. It is the second property commemorating the young soldier, whose remains were returned nearly 70 years after being reported missing in action.

In attendance, El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona remarked, “One of the things that warms my heart is the addition to the beautiful housing is a Si Se Puede Learning Center. The commitment to families and children is one of the missions of the Cesar Chavez Foundation and one the council values here in the City of El Monte—providing a brighter future for children and families. Families don’t have to go elsewhere for their children to receive additional support by having those opportunities within this development.”

Plaza Ysabel “Mac” Ortiz II provides 53 units of 100% affordable housing and community services, including a Si Se Puede Learning Center, Chavez Foundation’s flagship afterschool program for K-5 students, spaces for residential services, a recreational meeting space, conference and meeting rooms. The property also features a new mural by artist John Park, “Celebración,” paying homage to the city’s farm worker history and Latino culture.

Marlee Martinez, who currently resides in Plaza Ortiz II and was raised in El Monte, has recently moved back from the high desert. She commented, “That’s the whole point of affordable housing…it allows people to thrive in the communities they grew up in and continue to do so. It has been very helpful for my family, as we are finally close together.”

Plaza Ysabel “Mac” Ortiz II is CCF’s second project in the Main Street Specific Plan corridor in the City of El Monte. CCF’s first project, Plaza Ysabel “Mac” Oritz, is located east of the new development at 10950 Railroad Street and provides 53 units of affordable housing for veterans and families.