Housing with Heart – Success Story Number II
In 2008, the City of Fontana and the Jamboree Housing Corporation unveiled Phase 2 of the Ceres Court Apartments, which has proven to be a welcome addition to the City over the past twelve months.
Located at 16284 Ceres Avenue, this new, affordable housing project includes 20 two and three bedroom townhome-style units situated on approximately two acres of City owned land. Included in this project is a 3,250 square foot community center, a family learning center and a tot lot. The project also offers its residents other amenities they did not have before including covered parking, a basketball court and barbeques.
A former resident of the 2D Trailer Park that was torn down to construct the new apartments said, “this used to be a scary place to live, especially for our children. Now we can live in peace and feel a sense of community as we drive up to our apartments.”
“The Fontana Housing Department was thrilled to bring this project to Fontana and its residents”, said Brent Mickey, housing manager for the City of Fontana. “The City began working on this project in late 2004 and with the continued support of the Mayor and City Council, the Housing Department was able to open the doors to this new facility in 2008,” said Mickey.
One of the services that particularly excited and drew residents to the Ceres Court Apartments was the Family Learning Center. The Center is designed to encourage children and adults to excel in the pursuit of education and offers tutoring, recreation programs, and adult educational workshops/seminars. Ceres Court residents may learn ESL, study for the GED, or conduct research for a homework project with the help of the Center’s eight computers.
The Kid’s Center located onsite is also a resident favorite, offering painting, drawing, games and educational programs. Housing with Heart, an affiliate of Jamboree Housing Corporation, (JHC) a 501 (c)(3) non-profit public benefit housing development corporation, hired and trained a resident coordinator who currently serves as the Center’s facilitator.
The Ceres Court Apartments has far surpassed the vision of the Mayor, City Council, and the Jamboree Housing Corporation - not only transforming the neighborhood, but also helping transform lives.
As one child playing outside on the tot lot said, “Thank you for building this beautiful place for me to live with my mommy. I get to play outside now and feel safe.”
To continue with the ongoing revitalization efforts along Ceres Avenue, Phase 3 of the Ceres Way apartments is well under way. For more details on this project, contact Brent Mickey, housing manager at 909-350-6657 or .
