9 Affordable Housing Projects Get State Grants

Nine housing projects received part of a $9.4-million grant from the state’s affordable housing program, a state housing officials said Tuesday.

Three grants went to the multifamily apartment projects of Sonya Gardens, Laurel House and Heritage Park.

The Courtyard Apartments, Cosmos Transitional Housing, New Harbor Vista and Harbor Community also received Families Moving to Work Grants. The Civic Center Barrio Housing Corp., another multifamily project, received funds as well.

The grants are specifically for temporary housing for families moving from welfare to work. Depending on the project, the money will be used to build or maintain apartments.

Women Advancing the Valley Through Education and Economics and Empowerment, a nonprofit group for battered women, received a $1-million grant. The money will go for a child care center and improvements to the Harbor Community apartment complex.

Low-income housing is based on what is affordable for a family of four earning less than the median income. In Los Angeles County, that amount is $52,100.

“There have been so many reports that show the need is desperate for affordable units,” said Alana Golden, spokeswoman for the California Housing Department. “Lack of housing leads to overcrowding and longer commutes.”