Zygmunt Arendt House holds a special place in the HomeRise portfolio as it was the first of our permanent, supportive housing developments dedicated solely to formerly homeless seniors when it opened its doors in 2010. A truly unique property, Zygmunt Arendt House welcomed residents aged 62 or older who were previously living in shelters or on the streets here in San Francisco.
Who was Zygmunt Arendt?
Zymunt Arendt, a WWII-refugee, led a brief career as a car inspector for Southern Pacific Railroad for just over a decade. Arendt’s true calling was as a savvy investor, where he amassed a small fortune playing the stock market. At the time of his passing, Arendt’s canny investment strategies saw him yield dividends of nearly $20,000 per month – leaving behind an estate worth around $6 million.
In his last will and testament, handwritten in 1989 nine years before his passing, he bequeathed his wealth to the City of San Francisco for the sole purpose of helping the city’s poor and elderly. The City paid his request forward, investing in the development of the Zygmunt Arendt House. Today, the dozens of residents that call Zygmunt Arendt House home, are a testament to Arendt’s kindness, and the fulfillment of his last wish coming true.
Learn more about Zygmunt Arendt House and Zygmunt Arendt below:
San Francisco to Use Bequest to Aid Poor
Fortune for poor grows to $4 million
Immigrant’s final wishes coming true / Retired rail worker’s estate to house homeless S.F. seniors