On Monday, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced new federal funding for the Nicholson Community Center and The Blessing Center to bolster community resource hubs in the Inland Empire.

Rep. Aguilar secured $850,000 for the Nicholson Community Center for renovations that, once completed, will include access to health care, a food pantry, after school programs and access to substance abuse prevention and mental health programs.

Additionally, Rep. Aguilar delivered $500,000 for The Blessing Center’s Hannah’s House of Hope, a transitional housing service that serves at-risk women and children. The funding will be used to help complete 26 additional living spaces for up to 30 new mothers and nearly 70 homeless children.

“Both The Blessing Center and the Nicholson Community Center demonstrate the unwavering commitment to community service in our region,” said Rep. Aguilar. “These places provide the necessary resources for folks who need it for themselves and their families and cultivate a sense of belonging for anyone walking through their doors. I’m proud to have secured $1.35 million for these projects, and I look forward to seeing how they will continue to enrich the lives of Inland Empire residents.”

“I extend my deepest gratitude to Congressman Aguilar and the House of Representatives for their support and recognition of the westside San Bernardino residents’ need for a fully revitalized Nicholson Park Community Center,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “This will elevate our community by providing enhanced recreation, essential services, and after school programs to an area lacking the facilities to provide these services.”

“The Blessing Center exists to provide the highest quality, Service Intensive, Short and Long-term Transitional Housing with robust wrap-around services to homeless women with dependent children – with emphasis on successful reintegration and independent, self-sufficient living,” said Dr. Craig Turley, President and CEO of The Blessing Center. “We are truly honored and grateful that Congressman Pete Aguilar has stepped out into our community, carefully listened to the needs of his district, and stepped up to meet this important social need.  Through Congressman Pete’s efforts, we can ensure that any gaps of coverage and service in addressing mothers and children facing homelessness are met, and Hannah’s Village will grow to become an immense blessing to hundreds of families facing crisis and the despair of homelessness by providing them “Hope through Housing” for years to come.”

Last month, Rep. Pete Aguilar helped pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 into law, which included over $17 million in federal investments for 14 local projects across the region Rep. Aguilar represents in Congress.