With an uncertain economic future on the horizon and a rising foreclosure rate within the city and county, the City of Fontana Department of Housing and Business Development is one department that many are turning to for help. The year ahead promises to be busy with seminars, grand openings, and continued construction of affordable housing for new homeowners, families, and older adults.

Seminars

For the last few years, the City of Fontana, Housing and Business Development office has been carefully designing the ideal homebuyer workshop to address the needs of those looking to invest in the market.

Seminar topics have included foreclosures, short sale properties, current loan options and procedures as well as Fontana's First Time Homebuyer Program.

By bringing in financial representatives, the city is able to provide advice for residents. The advisors have also been known to give same-day loan approval and credit counseling.

The homebuyer workshop discusses the steps one must take to purchase a home within the city's central core. The First-Time Homebuyer Program offers qualified candidates up to $35,000 in a deferred down payment assistance loan that is forgivable after fifteen years.

Citizens interested in registering for the free April Homebuyer Workshop, should call the Housing and Business Development office at (909) 350-6634 or e-mail .

Affordable Housing: A Grand Opening

On Friday, March 14 the Mayor and City Council proudly opened the new Laurel Woods Apartment complex. The opening was the nineteenth new complex offered through the city to help low-income families and the aging population.

Many services are provided through the affordable housing apartment complexes. Rentals range from $525.00 per month to $1020.00 per month.

The Community Assistance Program (CAP), a service provided through the City of Fontana and the Water of Life Church, provides information about affordable rental programs. The CAP website lists rental prices and a roster of agencies from throughout the county that may be of assistance to those seeking affordable housing. To read more please visit www.fontanacap.org.

Senior Villages: Luxury Living at an Affordable Price

In 2003, a great accomplishment for the City of Fontana and the Fontana Housing and Business Development Program was the placement of luxury, affordable housing, on the east and west corners of Sierra Avenue and Orange Way. The result was the beginning of a whole new era for Fontana and the successful placement of seniors near quality health care, cultural arts, transportation, and shopping.

"In an effort to enhance the city's thoroughfare and build very high quality senior housing, we built in the affordability," says David Edgar, the Director of the Fontana Housing Authority.

"The decision to build at Sierra and Orange Way was driven by a desire to make an extremely attractive statement and provide seniors with a suitable location that is serviced by the Metro Link, is close to the Civic Campus as well as medical facilities," adds Edgar.

The Housing Authority receives funding assistance from state and federal grant programs. Through these agencies, they were able to provide financial assistance to the residents. Without the Housing Authority and financial assistance, the corner of Sierra and Orange would be drastically different today.

The result has been three completely full phases of Spanish Mission-style apartments. The three-story, ninety-three unit security-gated facilities often have waiting lists. Each facility also includes a pool and spa, community and recreation areas, a fitness center, pool tables, a computer/media room, and a library.

The Plaza at Sierra, phase four, is already in the works. This facility, as with all of the Sierra senior housing complexes, will house residents who are affordable to very-low income seniors, with income levels at or below 50% of median income.

For further information about the City of Fontana Housing and Business Development Program, please visit www.fontanabusiness.org. To find out more about the construction of the new $14.5 million Senior Community Center, please visit the City of Fontana at www.fontana.org.