Yesterday, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced $2.6 million in federal funding for the Arrowhead Grove Community Resource Center, which will provide supportive services focused on health, wellness, housing stability services and economic self-sufficiency for Arrowhead Grove residents.

Following the announcement, Rep. Aguilar co-hosted a roundtable with the Federal Home Loan Bank, National CORE and regional leaders to discuss how supportive services like job training, outpatient health services and child care play a role in addressing the housing crisis.

According to a Point-in-Time Count and Survey conducted last year, homelessness in San Bernardino County increased by over 25 percent in 2023, and 71 percent of the homeless population were unsheltered. Over the past two years, Rep. Aguilar announced over $72 million for Housing, Homelessness and Supportive projects. These investments will result in more than 400 beds and shelter units throughout the Inland Empire.

“With the housing crisis threatening to push the American Dream out of reach, I’m committed to finding solutions to lower housing costs and ensuring that vulnerable communities have the resources they need to get back on their feet,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “Having access to vital services, such as counseling, job training, health services and child care can make a substantial difference in helping someone secure housing, and I will continue working to make sure that is accessible to everyone in our region.”

“We are deeply grateful for Representative Aguilar’s continued support,” said Maria Razo, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the Country of San Bernardino. “The Community Project Funding secured by the Congressman in support of the Community Resource Center shows his commitment to the community, and will help us to bring additional resources to serve Arrowhead Grove and the surrounding neighborhoods.”

“Congressman Aguilar’s round table shines a much-needed light on the significant challenges and opportunities involved in addressing our housing shortage,” National CORE President Michael Ruane said. “We need to take a collective approach to this issue, and no one has been a stronger champion of this than the Congressman.”

Last year, Rep. Aguilar secured $3,000,000 to support the Arrowhead Grove housing community in providing sustainable affordable housing and supportive services in San Bernardino. 

In 2022, Rep. Aguilar introduced the Affordable Housing Resident Services Act. The bill would create a five-year grant program under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide yearly funding to affordable housing property owners for resident supportive services. These services include after-school programs, education opportunities for youth and adult residents, mental health and substance abuse treatment, elderly care, financial literacy training and more.   

Photos and video from the press conference and roundtable are available here and here.