Briar Crest is a garden-style affordable housing community for families owned solely by Jamboree. Located in the Buena Clinton neighborhood of Garden Grove, Jamboree renovated the property in 1996. Prior to that, the existing units were in serious disrepair. The buildings had more than 200 code violations and required extensive refurbishing. During the multi-year, phased renovation, no residents were relocated.
In the 1980s, the Buena Clinton neighborhood had the highest concentration of families living below the poverty line in Orange County and was troubled by crime. However, through the combined efforts of local government officials and residents, those trends began to change. City leaders drafted a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy and developed a public/private partnership to acquire and rehabilitate the buildings.
The reality of that commitment now spans 20 years. Jamboree has been an integral part of that since 1996, including the 2011 renovation of nearby Grove Park and now the 2016 extensive renovation of both Briar Crest and nearby Rose Crest. In partnership with NeighborWorks Orange County, the overhaul of the property includes new windows, water heaters, flooring, and upgrades to central heating and air. All kitchens and bathrooms are completely refurbished with new cabinets, countertops, appliances, lighting and plumbing fixtures. Exterior renovations include new water-efficient landscaping, solar panels, sustainability and accessibility upgrades throughout the common areas, and ADA compliance to the tot lot.
Briar Crest is located within walking distance to a school, shops, and dining. Close to public transit, it also has easy access to SR 22, the Garden Grove freeway.
Residents at Briar Crest – as well as Jamboree’s nearby Grove Park, Rose Crest, and Sunswept – actively participate at the award-winning Buena Clinton Youth & Family Center. Neighborhood programs and services include a parent advisory committee, parent volunteers, and parent education classes and activities that engage active seniors in the community. A strong safety component includes neighborhood outreach meetings with local police, car seat safety, identify theft protection, renter's rights and much more.
Jamboree’s successful long-term approach and dedication to these properties continues to elevate the quality of the neighborhood and keeps the community safe and affordable for residents.