In celebration of Mercy Gardens’ first year anniversary, the housing community dedicated a plaque to the Sisters of Mercy, Scripps Mercy Hospital and Scripps Health, who donated the apartment building to Mercy Housing California last year.

The plaque is located in the garden space at the west front entrance of the building, and reads, “Dedicated to the Spirit of Mercy past, present and future which is so generously shared, donated, and exhibited by the Sisters of Mercy, Scripps Mercy Hospital, and Scripps Health — Thank you!”

The building was redesigned to accommodate low-income individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS, and has been in full operation since June 2002. The five-floor, 26,000 square foot building was originally constructed as a convent in 1924, and now contains 23 studio and one-bedroom apartments.

“Mercy Gardens helps meet a critical need within the San Diego community by providing quality affordable housing for those living with HIV/AIDS,” said Jane Graf, president of Mercy Housing California. “Having a safe and affordable place to live gives our residents the ability to overcome barriers to independence and sustain their quality of life.”

Renee Sabri, a Mercy Gardens resident, spoke about her experiences living in the apartments. “When I was living in other apartment buildings, I can remember not even knowing the names of my neighbors, even being there for four or five years,” she said. This is something different; we really are a family and a community. People really care, really more than my own biological family.”

HUD’s section 811 program provided much of the $3.8 million required to initially renovate the property, with the San Diego Housing Commission providing $860,000 from the local housing trust fund. Federal funds continue to cover the annual $160,000 operating budget.