Senator Portantino and Burbank Housing Corporation Announce $2M State Grant for Affordable Housing

For Immediate Release: April 17, 2024

Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400

Senator Portantino and Burbank Housing Corporation Announce $2M State Grant for Affordable Housing 

Burbank, CA – Earlier this month, Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D-Burbank) and Burbank Housing Corporation (BHC) announced a $2 million allocation for affordable housing in the City of Burbank. The allocation was Senator Portantino’s budget request last year and was included in the 2023-2024 State Budget. The check was presented to BHC Executive Director Sylvia Moreno and Board President Chris Welker.

“As a Burbank resident and a legislator, I am impressed with the work of the Burbank Housing Corporation and excited to be able to assist them in  increasing Burbank’s affordable housing inventory,” stated Senator Portantino. “The high cost of housing has had a devastating effect on many Californians across the state and within the 25th Senate District and this is an important investment we must make to support those who are struggling,” commented Senator Portantino.  

The state allocation will go towards a new community development project in Burbank that would create 60 new affordable housing units that are designed to be all electrical and environmentally sustainable. Fifteen units will serve homeless families with children as permanent supportive housing units. BHC plans to start construction in January 2026. 

“We are truly excited about this new development,” stated Sylvia Moreno, Executive Director of the Burbank Housing Corporation (BHC). “On behalf of the Burbank Housing Corporation, I express profound gratitude to Senator Portantino for this significant investment in our new project, which will create 60 affordable housing units. Creating 60 affordable housing units, with a portion dedicated for homeless families with children, demonstrates a true commitment to addressing the pressing needs of our community. Providing supportive services alongside housing is crucial for these families to not only have a place to live but also to thrive and build better futures. This grant will undoubtedly make a significant difference in meeting the increasing demand for affordable housing and support services in our beautiful community of Burbank.”

Specifically, the funding is being used for the predevelopment phase of the project, which is essential to moving it forward. Pre-development costs include architectural and landscape design, as well as environmental clearance and city application fees. BHC owns and manages properties in five neighborhoods throughout the City of Burbank. The project will be developed in one of the city’s focus neighborhoods.

Burbank Housing Corporation (BHC) is a nonprofit community housing developer that has been providing affordable housing and supportive services to low & moderate-income households in Burbank for over 25 years. BHC owns and operates over 45 multi-residential buildings, consisting of over 325 units and housing approximately 900 people throughout the housing portfolio. Additionally, BHC operates two nationally accredited childcare centers, which provide 180 spaces of childcare for children between the ages of 6 weeks to 5 years. Their efforts have improved community safety & housed hundreds of low & moderate-income households in our properties.

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