The state of California has awarded $1 million in grant funding for the construction of affordable housing developments in the cities of Claremont and Pomona, it was announced Wednesday.
The state award is being matched by an equal amount of local funds provided by the newly established San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust, completing project budgets so the two housing developments can start construction on schedule this year.
“Providing housing to vulnerable families and individuals is essential to transforming lives and fostering brighter futures for those who struggle to afford housing,” said Claremont City Councilman Jed Leano, chair of the board of directors of the trust. “We appreciate this award of state funds which proves strong regional collaboration is critical to securing funding support for affordable housing projects across the San Gabriel Valley.”
The state funds were awarded by the California Department of Housing and Community Development from the Local Housing Trust Fund Program. Grant applications were submitted last August by the Regional Housing Trust, the formation of which was sponsored by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.
A 1.5-acre vacant lot in Pomona is the future site of the West Mission Apartments, to feature 40 units of affordable housing for families, six units for veterans and 10 units for homeless households, along with a 5,400-square-foot community service center with a large multi-purpose room and offices and conference rooms.
Outdoor amenities will include a tot lot, community garden, fitness area, dog park, and a public plaza. Construction is slated to start in the spring.
“The city of Pomona is committed to providing affordable housing to families, veterans and the homeless,” said Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval. “We are pleased to partner with Jamboree Housing Corp. and the San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust in delivering the West Mission Family Apartments.”
In Claremont, a consortium will build a 15-unit housing project serving low-income and homeless senior citizens, with at least eight units reserved for TriCity Mental Health clients. Construction is anticipated to begin this summer, with an anticipated occupancy date of summer 2022.
The Regional Housing Trust was established last year under state law sponsored by the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and authored by Sen. Susan Rubio. The Regional Housing Trust is a joint powers authority focused on funding and financing the planning and construction of extremely low, very low, and low-income projects, as well as homeless shelters in the San Gabriel Valley.