Franz Washington is a former U.S. Marine from Southern California. For nearly five years in the 1970s, he served his country as a combat engineer.

“I was in shipping and receiving military equipment, and the training I got was basically loading aircrafts, unloading at beach landings for the military in case we had go to war,” said Washington.

After leaving the military, he became a civilian, got married, and took a job. But, 15 years later, he fell on hard times. He developed an alcohol addiction and eventually lost his job, got divorced, and became unhoused. He lived that way for three years, sleeping behind a generator at a Walmart until he got a counselor through the VA (Veterans Affairs) who helped him get sober and off the streets. Eventually, his counselor helped him into a new supportive housing development in the heart of Santa Ana in Orange County, California.

Estrella Springs is transformative development that turned a run-down and underused Budget Inn into a vibrant community for formerly unhoused individuals, including veterans like Washington. Constructed by nonprofit Jamboree Housing Corp. in partnership with the city of Santa Ana, the development received funding from many sources, including an Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco), secured by MUFG Union Bank, a member financial institution of FHLBank San Francisco that has since been acquired by U.S. Bank.

Estrella Springs offers 89 fully furnished studio apartments to those earning up to 30% of the area median income. By providing permanent supportive housing that aims to address homelessness along with the substance abuse and mental health challenges that can make maintaining housing more difficult, this affordable housing community became a beacon of hope for Washington and others seeking to improve their circumstances. The development also exemplifies the power of adaptive reuse, with the former motel undergoing a comprehensive renovation designed to meet residents’ needs.

A Safe Haven With Comprehensive Support

For Washington and the residents of Estrella Springs, this isn’t just housing—it’s a sanctuary. Veterans and others who have struggled with homelessness have found not only a safe place to call home at Estrella Springs but also a sense of belonging and peace.

Beyond housing, Estrella Springs provides resources for residents to rebuild their lives. Amenities include a computer room, community garden, fitness stations, a basketball half-court, and a dog run, all designed to promote health and connection.

“I love that it's quiet. Everybody here is respectful. Everybody tries to keep the place clean, do their own little thing, and there’s no issues among the tenants,” shared Washington.

The stability of having a home has been life changing for Washington and the other residents.

“I don’t have to sleep with one eye open, and I don’t have to deal with the problems of being homeless no more,” said Washington.

A Community Built on Public and Private Partnerships

The affordable housing development is anchored by a 4,347-square-foot community center that serves as a hub for case management, social activities, and wellness programs for the residents. The development’s success reflects the collaboration of diverse public and private partners that provided funding for the development, including FHLBank San Francisco.

“The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is proud to support Estrella Springs with an $890,000 AHP grant, which will have an impact on eradicating homelessness and providing much-needed supportive services for our veterans,” said Alanna McCargo, president and CEO at FHLBank San Francisco. “Affordable housing is at the core of our mission and public purpose. Our programs support the people and communities with the greatest needs, including those who have served in our nation’s military and fought to protect our basic rights and freedoms. We are honored to collaborate with organizations like Jamboree Housing to help combat veteran homelessness and provide stable, long-term housing for so many in need.”

Laura Archuleta, president and CEO of Jamboree and a member of FHLBank San Francisco’s board of directors, summed up the community’s mission: “Our veterans deserve more than just affordable housing. Estrella Springs offers them a fresh start—a home and a community that supports their journey forward.”

For Washington, the impact is tangible. “I’ve got a positive outlook, collecting retirement and connecting with the VA,” said Washington. “I have high hopes for the future, and Estrella Springs has really been the steppingstone for a change in my life.”