The Fontana City Council held a special presentation about housing funds and homelessness assistance during its Jan. 28 meeting. Fontana Housing Development Manager Valerie Gonzales detailed the statistics and figures with the council and said the current grant total is $14,902,041.
“The Fontana housing department is dedicated to supporting housing programs for low and moderate-income families and seniors by managing various grants and collaborating with organizations to improve housing opportunities, living conditions and economic growth,” Gonzales said.
“The department’s budget, which typically ranges between $2 million and $20 million fluctuates based on the amount of one-time grant funding received each year.”
Gonzales said grant totals are determined by funds in the total entitlement budget and one-time grant funding. Last year’s budget comprised the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME funds, the Emergency Solutions Grant and Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA).
One-time grant awards came via HOME ARP, the Family Homelessness Challenge Grant, the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant, the Healthy Homes Supplemental Grant, CalHome, Opioid Settlement Funds and HomeKey.
“Together these funds provide a comprehensive foundation for supporting housing initiatives, improving living conditions and addressing homelessness in Fontana,” Gonzales said.
Gonzales said CDBG Program funds are spent through homeowner rehab providing $25,000 in grants and loans to fix home issues; an acquisition, rehab and rental program wherein housing units are purchased and rented to income-eligible households; and a Multiple Enforcement Team, consisting of seven sworn-in officers, to provide outreach, education and resources to homeless individuals.
“This team brings a balanced approach to law enforcement, ensuring that traditional law enforcement services are complimented by outreach, education and support for our homeless population,” Gonzales said.
“MET officers work to protect the community while also providing resources and support to those who need them the most. Their efforts ensure that our streets are safer and that vulnerable populations receive the help they need.”
Additionally, CDBG funds the youth and senior scholarship program offering $500 in grants to income-eligible children and seniors to participate in sponsored classes and excursions; and a partnership with the Inland Fair Housing & Mediation Board which provides fair housing education, counseling, tenant and landlord mediation and resident legal services.
Gonzales said Home Funds will be used for Courtplace at Fontana, a two-phase 106-unit affordable housing complex consisting of the reconstructed Existing Detention Basin on Sierra Avenue north of Jurupa Avenue. Congresswoman Norma Torres put forward $4 million in Capital Project Funds and the city is also applying for tax credits.
Gonzales said the Emergency Solutions Grant funds address homelessness solutions through a homelessness prevention program and a rapid rehousing and rental assistance program.
PLHA-funded programs allow for the transfer of housing units to low-income households and a homeless service and navigation center that connects unhoused individuals with resources to achieve stability and self-sufficiency. Gonzales said community survey results show four key needs to aid the unhoused population.
“As part of the consolidated plan process, HUD (Housing and Urban Development) mandates that each entitlement committee conduct a community survey every five years to gather feedback on key needs identified by residents,” Gonzales said, adding that the last survey received over 400 responses during its two-month open period.
These four key needs include maintaining the affordable housing supply; expanding the affordable housing supply; preventing and eliminating homelessness and providing public services for low-income residents.
“These goals will drive the allocation of resources and guide our actions over the next five years to improve housing stability and overall well-being for our residents,” Gonzales said.
Through the city’s housing rehabilitation program, 16 homes were rehabilitated in 2024 and 20 additional projects are underway. Other funded developments include the Courtplace at Fontana project and the 78-unit Aldea apartments lease agreement the city entered.
Other figures include 3,045 motel vouchers utilized through case management services offered via the HOST team, 47 individuals receiving Homeless Prevention Services, another 47 receiving rental assistance and 52 placed into emergency shelters.
Gonzales said going into 2025, the housing department will continue increasing the volume of affordable housing units; make available two new housing programs with applications opening in fall 2025; celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Housing Rehabilitation Program and continue to identify funding opportunities.
Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren praised Gonzales and her department. She urged the senior population to contact the city for housing assistance.
“We’re doing so much with homelessness and we’re trying to keep people from becoming homeless,” said Warren. “A lot of seniors think they have to move out of their homes but we’re willing to assist with handicap ramps or needs inside their home and ... Valerie can help you.”
Source: fontanaheraldnews.com
