Monday, September 20, 2010
Dameron Communications, one of the Inland Empire's most well-known public relations firms
Carl Dameron tells non-profit organization how Dameron Communications gets the word out. First listen to the cleint, then tell his story well. (Photo by Chris Sloan)
Today newspapers all over the state of California called “. . . Dameron Communications, one of the Inland Empire's most well-known public relations firms, . . .”
They include:
- San Jose Mercury News California San Jose
- The Sun California San Bernardino
- Inland Valley Daily Bulletin California Ontario
- Redlands Daily Facts California Redlands
- Pasadena Star-News California Pasadena
- San Gabriel Valley Tribune California West Covina
- Whittier Daily News California Whittier
- Contra Costa Times California Walnut Creek
http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_16120516?nclick_check=1
Rialto uses PR firm to promote city's vision
San Jose Mercury News: That's the message it sent through San Bernardino-based Dameron Communications, one of the Inland Empire's most well-known public relations firms, ...
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Intern Learns The Ins and Outs of the PR Business
Abdul Arogundade, a 2009 graduate of Cajon High School now studying journalism at California State University, Fresno, learned about the business of public relations during a summer internship with Dameron Communications. Photo by Chris Sloan
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Intern Abdul Arogundade did not know what to expect from his first time in a working environment; it was all new to him. In fact he did not know exactly what type of work he wanted to do in the communications field until he had a one-on-one meeting with Carl Dameron, the founder and creative director of Dameron Communications.
Abdul Arogundade is a San Bernardino native who graduated high school at Cajon High School Class of 2009. He is currently an undergraduate at California State University Fresno with the goal of becoming a public relations director for a sports team.
Margaret Hill, assistant superintendent of the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools office arranged a meeting with Dameron to advise Arogundade on his career options in communications.
At their first time meeting Carl Dameron gave Arogundade a tour of the Dameron Communication’s office. Dameron introduced Arogundade to all of the staff members and told him the history of the business.
This led to a summer internship, where Arogundade received the tools to succeed in the communications business.
“We are in the getting it done business and no job is too small or too big for anyone who wants to truly succeed,” Dameron stressed then, and on a daily basis thereafter. “Our job is to effectively increase the sales and profits of our clients by increasing the positive perceptions of their products, goods and or services through truthful, ethical and moral means.”
Arogundade took this to heart and put it to action the first day of his internship, when his first task was to stuff and mail more than 300 letters. His second task was to call community leaders inviting to a major city event.
Tasks during the internship were not limited to just stuffing envelopes and making phone calls. Arogundade worked on many projects, from organizing the offices to staffing major events that received Los Angeles and local coverage. He also coordinated meetings with government officials; and updated Dameron Communication’s databases of almost 85,000 general contacts and more than 10,000 media contacts.
Arogundade learned each task he completed was essential to the success of a PR firm and emphasizes Dameron’s saying “No job is too big or too small.”
“Abdul is a very smart young man with the drive and tenacity it takes to succeed in the tough work of communications. I am confident he will do very well in this business,” said Dameron.
Arogundade said, “I am very thankful for the opportunity to intern at Dameron Communications. I will take what I learned and the lessons that were instilled in me from interning at Dameron Communications and apply them to my pursuit of a career in public relations.”
To learn more about Dameron Communications or for an appointment please call (909) 888-0017.
About Dameron Communications
Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. We are an award-winning advertising and public relations agency that creates integrated communications solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues. We use our communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives.
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Thursday, July 15, 2010
10 Percent Down Payment Assistance Is Here
This particular house recently sold, but there are many other attractive homes available for purchase in San Bernardino. Buyers making up to $78,000 for a family of four can purchase homes like these with up to 10 percent down payment assistance through a program offered by the San Bernardino Economic Development Association. Photo by Chris Sloan
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Families making up to $78,000 for a family of four, and more for larger families, qualify for down payment assistance and a low-interest loan from the City of San Bernardino’s Economic Development Agency.
“The best way to get rid of foreclosed homes in San Bernardino is for families to buy them and live in them,” said Emil Marzullo, director of the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency. “ It seems simple, but with home prices down to an average of $70,000 there has never been a better time for families to buy a home.”
The Homeowners’ Assistance Program provides first time homebuyers with up to 10 percent of the home purchase price. For a $100,000 house that amount would be $10,000; for a $200,000 house the amount is $20,000.
The down payment assistance is a forgivable loan, offered at 3 percent interest. The loan, plus a portion of the equity, would be due and payable if the homeowner sold or transferred title to another buyer, refinanced to cash out equity, or converted the home to a rental.
Some qualifications are:
1. Purchase a home within the city limits of San Bernardino.
2. Make a cash investment of $1,000 towards the purchase price of the home.
3. Earn less than $78,000 a year for a family of four (120 percent of the Area Median Income adjusted for family size).
Those who can meet the qualifications may attend Homebuyer Education courses offered monthly.
The courses are open to everyone. All or part of the courses are required for borrowers with FHA loans, and for participants in other cities and San Bernardino County’s down payment assistance programs.
“Even if you are not participating in a down payment assistance program, you will want to know the process if you are buying a home,” said Linda Jackson, manager of the Inland Empire NID-Housing Counseling Agency. “Buying a home is probably one of the most important decisions you will ever make.”
With the down payment assistance, the lower cost to potential homeowners can make the difference between affording a home and remaining a renter.
“Lower home prices make housing more affordable,” Marzullo said. “A family making $35,000 a year can afford to buy a $140,000 home.”
According to Bank of America, with a $7,000 down payment and a 5.298 percent annual interest rate, on a 30-year fixed interest rate loan the payment would be $724.17 monthly.
The San Bernardino County Housing Authority says market rent for a three-bedroom apartment is about $1,425 a month. That means buying a home with a fixed mortgage so that monthly payments never increase can save a homeowner thousands of dollars a year over rent payments.
“We also know from experience that this housing price drop won’t last forever. Home values in San Bernardino will appreciate again at a more normal 1 to 3 percent a year. That increase in home value builds family wealth that can be used in the future for children’s college education or retirement,” said Marzullo.
For more information on the Homeowners’ Assistance Program call the NID-Housing Counseling Agency at (909) 887-8700 or the Neighborhood Housing Service of the Inland Empire, Inc. at (909) 884-6891.
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Wednesday, July 14, 2010
San Bernardino Celebrates Bicentennial Extravaganza
A drummer with the band Delayne, James & Friends beats out a tune at the Bicentennial Extravaganza, held July 4, 2010 to celebrate San Bernardino's 200th year. Photo by Matt Sloan
Priscilla Becerra, a winner of the San Bernardino’s Got Talent show in June, entertained again at the Bicentennial Extravaganza with belly dancing. Photo by Chris Sloan
The Inland Empire 66ers Dance Team, which normally entertains at the minor league baseball team’s home games, performed patriotic dance numbers for the Bicentennial Extravaganza. Photo by Chris Sloan
Joe Banuelos, a winner of the San Bernardino’s Got Talent show in June, entertained at the Bicentennial Extravaganza with an impersonation of Elvis Presley. Photo by Matt Sloan
Sinfonia Mariachi Youth Academy entertained with trumpets and dance at the Bicentennial Extravaganza. Photo by Matt Sloan
Mayor Patrick Morris in a duet with San Bernardino’s Got Talent Winner Joe Banuelos. Photo by Chris Sloan
Naomi Slotkin, a winner of the San Bernardino’s Got Talent show in June, entertained vocally at the Bicentennial Extravaganza. Photo by Matt Sloan
Hindsight 20/20 is a band with local connections and success on the national scene. It returned to San Bernardino for a Bicentennial Extravaganza performance. Photos by Chris Sloan
San Bernardino ignited a fireworks display the likes of which had never before been seen in the city as the culmination of the Bicentennial Extravaganza celebrating its 200th year. Photo by Matt Sloan
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – The City of San Bernardino and local businesses hosted the Bicentennial July 4th Extravaganza held at the Arrowhead Credit Union Park. The event was open to the public and featured live music, dance performances, food from local restaurants and a fireworks show.
The entertainment included Sinfonia Mexicana Mariacha Youth Academy, Delayne, James and Friends (R&B Grammy artists), the San Bernardino’s Got Talent award winners (Nadia Bell-Stowers, Joe Banuelos, Kelly Muller, Naomi Slotkin and Priscilla Becerra), Hindsight 20/20, 66ers Dance Team and Austin Law.
The gates opened at 5 p.m. and guests were able to view a bicentennial slide show of pictures while they awaited the first act, and throughout the night.
Kids were able to enjoy jumpers, slides, a tee-ball carnival game and face painting all provided free of charge.
The Extravaganza was one of many events sponsored by the Bicentennial Committee to help to celebrate San Bernardino’s 200th birthday.
“We were excited to welcome everyone to the Extravaganza and provide a day of fun for the whole family,” said Erin Brinker.
Local sponsors included San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Stater Bros., the Matich Corporation and Vanir Development Company.
Upcoming Bicentennial events include the Stater Bros. Rendezvous, the Western Regional Little League Tournament and the Think Together Bicentennial celebration.
Rabbi Hillel Cohn is the chairman of the Bicentennial Celebration Committee, and Erin Brinker is the chair of its Public Relations & Marketing and Independence Day Extravaganza committees. Other Bicentennial Celebration Committee members are Jim Smith (chair of the Community Engagement committee), Cheryl Brown (chair of the Youth Council, Intergovernmental and Arts committees), Beverly Bird (chair of the Legend of the Arrowhead committee), Steven Shaw (chair of the History committee), David Smith (chair of the Finance committee), Jane Sneddon (chair of the Parade committee) and Martha Pinckney (chair of the Gala committee.) The mayor and members of the San Bernardino Common Council appointed these members.
Additional community volunteers who have taken on leadership of other committees are: Trudy Freidel (Festival of Faiths), Edward Martinez (Leadership Cabinet), Peggi Hazlett (Mayor’s Run), Dr. Charles “Skip” Herbert (Coloring Books for Schools), Karen Blanco (Media) and The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire (Design).
For additional details, contact Erin Brinker at (951) 323-9337 or go to http://sanbernardino200.org
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Thursday, July 8, 2010
Judi Penman Joins Salvation Army Advisory Board
Judi Penman, president and CEO of the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, has joined the Salvation Army Advisory Board to help the non-profit organization in its community outreach efforts. Photo by Chris Sloan
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Long-time civic leader Judi Penman has joined the advisory board of The Salvation Army.
“I am a strong believer in The Salvation Army” said Penman, who is also the president and chief executive officer of the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce and an elected member of the San Bernardino City Unified School District governing board.
“I believe it is one of the best programs around. It gets to the people who really need help, and actually works with them,” Penman said. “And, it is a Christian organization, which is important to me.”
Penman previously served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board from approximately 2005 through 2007.
The life-long San Bernardino resident is married to San Bernardino City Attorney James Penman.
“We are glad to have Judi back on the Salvation Army advisory board,” said Board President Tom Brickley. “The depth of knowledge she has about San Bernardino and her ability to make connections with others in the community will be a tremendous asset to us.”
The San Bernardino Corps of the Salvation Army serves the cities of San Bernardino, Rialto, Highland, Grand Terrace and Colton, and the unincorporated community of Bloomington.
The advisory board consists of volunteers who assist the Salvation Army with fund raising, community outreach and other areas of the Corps’ ministries.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org
For local help, call the San Bernardino Corps headquarters at (909) 888-1337.
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Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Eastpointe Village Begins Neighborhood Renewal
Treyshawn Jackson, 8, leads the pledge of allegiance as Eastpointe Village is dedicated in his neighborhood. San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris, San Bernardino Economic Development Agency Housing and Community Services Director Carey Jackson were among those participating in the dedication ceremony. Photo by Matt Sloan
Susan McDevitt, executive director of Mary Erickson Community Housing and San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris cut the ribbon on Eastpoint Village as representatives from the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency, the federal Housing and Urban Development, Mary Erickson Community Housing and the San Manuel Band of Indians watch. Photo by Matt Sloan
(San BERNARDINO, Calif.) A fourplex building on 19th Street, now home to four new families is, by far, the nicest looking building on its block. But it’s also a symbol of what the neighborhood will be.
2194 19th Street is the first building in Eastpointe Village, the new housing developed by community development organization Mary Erickson Housing in partnership with the San Bernardino Economic Development Association. Eventually, Eastpointe Village will encompass 25 of the fourplexes in this neighborhood near Richardson Prep Academy, providing quality housing to the lowest-income residents of San Bernardino.
“Families will seek out this location, because it will be a beautiful place to live,” said San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris. “We hope our partnership with Mary Erickson Community Housing can provide many more opportunities to renew neighborhoods and provide affordable housing.”
“We are pleased to work with the City of San Bernardino,” said Doug Bystry, president of the Mary Erickson Community Housing board. “We are proud of this project, because of its commitment to the entire neighborhood.”
During a grand opening of Eastpointe Village held recently, Mayor Morris noted the sounds of small children from the neighborhood at the ceremony, and of a bulldozer across the street, tearing down another building.
“These babies are our future,” Mayor Morris said. “The tearing down of blighted, mold-infested, rat-infested apartments symbolizes our past.” If we tear down affordable low-cost housing, we must rebuild and provide that same population new opportunities.”
The demolition of buildings on the other side of 19th Street, and on both sides of Sunrise Street a block south, will make room for a senior apartment complex, and when market prices improve, 50 to 55 single-family homes that will be sold to families making low and moderate income, currently up to $77,400 for a family of four.
Families of four making up to $32,250 yearly will qualify to live in Eastpointe Village. Larger families would be allowed to make more, while individuals and families of less than four qualify with lower incomes.
Two-bedroom apartments in Eastpointe Village lease for $646 monthly. Three bedrooms lease for $743. A government subsidy for low income renters allows Mary Erickson Community Housing to charge these below-market rates.
The newly refurbished apartments feature new kitchen appliances, and cabinets, granite countertops, new carpeting in the bedrooms, vinyl wood-grained plank flooring in the living room, tile in the kitchen and entry, central air conditioning, and a wall of storage space in the hall as well as large closets in the bedrooms.
In July 2009, the San Bernardino Economic Development Association selected Mary Erickson Community Housing as its partner in the redevelopment of this neighborhood through a competitive application process.
Mary Erickson Community Housing is a non-profit agency specializing in housing, with greater capacity than the City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency for rehabilitating and professionally managing apartments for low to moderate-income families.
Mary Erickson Community Housing was founded in 1991. Its namesake was a retired schoolteacher who was devoted to the principals of community participation and well being.
Since it began the partnership with the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency, Mary Erickson Community Housing has acquired 10 of the 25 fourplexes slated for rehabilitation. 2194 19th Street was one of the first, and Mary Erickson Community Housing hired San Bernardino general contractor Chris Marshall, who began renovating this building in February at a cost of about $210,000.
A $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, plus $1 million in funds from the San Bernardino Economic Development Association is funding the entire Eastpointe Village project. This covers purchasing the property from individual owners, relocating displaced residents, and the renovation of each of the 25 fourplexes.
Mary Erickson Community Housing has offered applications to many of the neighborhood residents, who will qualify to live in Eastpointe Village if they meet income requirements and pass background screenings. Residents of Eastpointe Village must comply with rental agreements designed to keep the neighborhood safe and attractive.
Mary Erickson Community Housing also provides life skills education to help all residents gain skills to better manage their families and finances.
“Our goal is to help these residents move either to home ownership or renting unsubsidized housing,” said Susan McDevitt, executive director of Mary Erickson Community Housing.
Mary Erickson Community Housing established its first affordable housing complex in San Clemente and has since grown to include multiple properties serving hundreds of diverse, hard working, low income families in Southern California including: Moreno Valley, Corona, Loma Linda, Riverside and now San Bernardino.
Qualified families who wish to lease an apartment as Eastpointe Village may call (909) 543-8237, or visit 2194 E. 19th Street.
For more information on this project call the City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency at (909) 663-1044 and ask for Sam Hughes.
Media: If you would like any of the photos in the slide show below please send an email to Chris@DameronCommunications.com with the photo id number and i will have it to you within 24 hours. If you require the photo sooner please call Chris Sloan at (909) 888-0017.
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Demolition A Step In Neighborhood Transformation
A bulldozer tears into 2165 E 19th Street, the first of 46 dilapidated fourplexes in the neighborhood to be torn down. Photo by Yee-Kong Yang
Mayor Patrick Morris discusses the city’s plans for the 19th & Sunrise neighborhood of San Bernardino as a bulldozer tears down the first of 46 dilapidated fourplexes slated for demolition. Photo by Yee-Kong Yang
Within two hours of the start of demolition, all that remained of 2165 E. 19th Street was a pile of rubble. Photo by Yee-Kong Yang
(San BERNARDINO, Calif.) A demolition project taking place in northeast San Bernardino shows the city’s commitment to fighting urban decay.
The demolition began recently when the first of four fourplexes of apartments near 19th and Sunrise went down in a public ceremony, plowed into by a large backhoe capable of reaching above the two-story building. Within two hours, the backhoe had reduced the apartment building to a pile of rubble.
“This marks a milestone for us as we look to remove the physical blight of these apartments,” said Carey Jenkins, director of housing and community services for the San Bernardino City Economic Development Association. “It is our expectation that this will bring in a new era in San Bernardino housing.”
Jenkins’ optimism is because the torn-down fourplex is part of a plan already in the works to replace 244 apartments in the area of 19th and Sunrise streets near Richardson Prep Academy with approximately 200 new and better dwellings, some of which will be single-family homes.
The city will in the next few years eliminate 46 fourplexes, or 184 apartments. As some time in the future, it will replace these with a senior citizen apartment complex and, when the housing demand returns, 50-55 single-family homes.
The remaining apartments, which are on the opposite side of 19th Street and on Sunrise behind Richardson Prep, are not being torn down. Instead, they are being completely rehabilitated by the non-profit community development organization Mary Erickson Community Housing, which will then rent to carefully screened and qualified families making up to $32,250 a year for a family of four.
Families with more than four people would be allowed to make even more, while individuals and families of less than four people qualify with lower incomes.
Rabbi Hillel Cohn, in giving an invocation for the demolition ceremony, noted that back in the 1970s, he and his wife had lived in one of the fourplexes now slated for demolition. In those days, the fourplexes were filled with young professional couples and families like the Cohns, as well as older people who had retired there.
“Many of our finest city residents lived here,” Mayor Patrick Morris said. “It was, at one time, a remarkably wonderful property.”
“Then life changed,” Mayor Morris continued. “As the older retirees passed away and the younger families moved on, these units were sold to folks known as absentee landlords, which means that they did not live here, but rented their units out to other people. Many of them did not oversee their units; they did not carefully maintain them. As a result, we now have a horrible blight.”
The San Bernardino Economic Development Agency provides relocation assistance to all families who are displaced by the demolition or rehabilitation of their apartments.
Even though many of them live in the apartments that will eventually be torn down, current residents of the neighborhood are optimistic the change coming to their neighborhood will be good. They note that Mayor Morris has already helped the neighborhood by initiating increased patrol through Operation Phoenix.
“In one of these buildings that is already boarded up, the roaches were so bad, if you went inside, you would see them falling off the ceiling,” said Robert Boyd. “In one of the apartments, the toilet pipe had broken underneath the living room, and all the sewage had gone under the carpet. It molded and started to stink so bad the people had to leave.”
“New places with better screening will help,” said resident Martha Emmitt. “Already, it has been months since I saw drug deals transpire, or heard gunfire. I feel this is due largely to the efforts by the City of San Bernardino, in particular, the mayor’s Operation Phoenix.”
Mary Erickson Community Housing recently completed the rehabilitation of its first fourplex, and four families are now settling into that building. The organization hopes to have 12 fourplexes, with 48 apartments, rehabilitated by the end of 2010.
For more information on this project call the City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency at (909) 963-5020 and ask for Sam Hughes.
If you would like any of the photos in the slide show below please send an email to Chris@DameronCommunications.com with the photo id number and i will have it to you within 24 hours. If you require the photo sooner please call Chris Sloan at (909) 888-0017.
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Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Bicentennial Celebrates Fourth With Extravaganza
Austin Law, a national country band with local roots, performs at the Bicentennial Fourth of July Extravaganza.
Hindsight, a rock and roll band, performs at the Bicentennial July 4 Extravaganza.
Delayne, James & Friends, Grammy winning R&B group, performs at the Bicentennial July 4 Extravaganza.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) A Bicentennial 4th of July Extravaganza has been planned at Arrowhead Credit Union Park on Sunday evening in San Bernardino featuring live music, food from local restaurants and a fireworks show.
The Extravaganza begins at 5 p.m. and tickets are $5 at the Arrowhead Credit Union Park box office. Parking is $5 per vehicle.
The schedule of events is:
5:00 Gates Open//Westside Steppers
5:30 Sinfonia Mexicana Mariachi Youth Academy
6:00 Delayne, James & Friends (R&B Grammy artists)
6:45 Greetings by Mayor Morris & musical winners of San Bernardino’s Got Talent: Nadia Bell-Stowers, Joe Banuelos, Kelly Muller, Naomi Slotkin and Priscilla Becerra
7:15 Hindsight 20/20 rock & roll by an Inland Empire legend
8:00 66ers Dance Team
8:30 Austin Law: national country band with local roots
9:15 Fireworks display
The Extravaganza is one of many events celebrating the City’s Bicentennial and is being sponsored by the Bicentennial Committee, according to Erin Brinker, Public Relations Chair.
“We are excited to welcome everyone to this special Extravaganza. It is going to be a wonderful way for families to enjoy the evening and celebrate the 4th of July. Everyone should come early and plan to have a great time.”
Brinker said that live music will be featured on two stages and food will be provided by local vendors and restaurants. Air bouncers and face painting for kids will be available.
Local sponsors include San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Stater Bros., the Matich Corporation andVanir Development Company.
The Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous, the Western Regional Little League Tournament and other events taking place in the latter part of 2010 will also feature a tie-in to San Bernardino’s Bicentennial, keeping the celebration alive throughout the year.
Rabbi Hillel Cohn is the chairman of the Bicentennial Celebration Committee, and Erin Brinker is the chair of its Public Relations & Marketing and Independence Day Extravaganza committees. Other Bicentennial Celebration Committee members are Jim Smith (chair of the Community Engagement committee), Cheryl Brown (chair of the Youth Council, Intergovernmental and Arts committees), Beverly Bird (chair of the Legend of the Arrowhead committee), Steven Shaw (chair of the History committee), David Smith (chair of the Finance committee), Jane Sneddon (chair of the Parade committee), Martha Pinckney (chair of the Gala committee.) and John Valdivia. The mayor and members of the San Bernardino Common Council appointed these members.
Additional community volunteers who have taken on leadership of other committees are: Rev. Malleis-Sternberg (Festival of Faiths), Edward Martinez (Leadership Cabinet), Peggi Hazlett (Mayor’s Run), Dr. Charles “Skip” Herbert (Coloring Books for Schools), Karen Blanco (Media) and The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire (Design).
For additional details, contact Erin Brinker at (951) 323-9337 or go to http://sanbernardino200.org
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Thursday, June 24, 2010
Black Pastors Improve Housing Through Rehab Projects
“We rehabilitate vacant foreclosed homes in the City of San Bernardino, and then sell them to buyers who will live in the homes,” said Pastor Raymond Turner, co-founder and past president of the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches.
For San Bernardino and the rest of the Inland Empire, the definition of low-income for a family of four is less than $52,100 a year, and for moderate income, up to $78,000. Families with more than four members would be allowed to make even more, while individuals and families of less than four people qualify with lower incomes.
These definitions are based on the average household incomes of the entire population of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
Anyone who wants to find out the income limitations for their specific family size should contact the NID Housing Counseling Agency at (909) 888-8700 and ask for Linda Jackson, or the Neighborhood Housing Service of the Inland Empire, Inc. at (909) 884-6891.
With financial help from the Economic Development Agency, the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches is able to put its Community Development Department’s building expertise into renovations that turn forlorn houses into highly desirable places to live.
“We don’t just paint and patch,” Pastor Turner said. “Our first project, which is nearly finished, is an older home in like-new condition. We want the houses we rehabilitate to be the best house on their block. That way, we can improve the City of San Bernardino’s property values, and in doing so, make our community a better place.”
The nearly finished renovation project is a 2-bedroom, 1-bath house on Virginia Street, near Community Hospital of San Bernardino. The Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches has replaced the roof, walls, floor coverings and electrical systems, installed new kitchen and bathroom fixtures and new kitchen cabinets, erected a new fence around the yard, and planted new landscaping.
“We’re looking forward to selling that house and beginning the process of revitalizing our neighborhoods,” Pastor Turner said. “In all, we plan to work with the Economic Development Agency to rehabilitate as many houses as we can. Our goal is to grow our organization and capacity to rehab as many houses as the city can allocate.”
The project manager is Pastor Owosu Hodari, who is also the senior pastor of Predestined In Christ Ministries, but previously worked for 20 years in construction and project management.
Joining him are others in the member churches with certified construction experience. The group is also developing a training program in construction for young adults ages 18-26, and those people will receive skills training by working on these foreclosed homes.
Rehabilitating foreclosed homes is the latest of many service projects the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches has developed to improve the community since its formation in 2000. Others include:
· An annual health fair focusing on health problems of African-Americans
· The “Pastors on the Premise” program at Arroyo, San Bernardino, Cajon and Pacific high schools, in which pastors visit the campuses to encourage and mentor children. The program has reduced violence on these campuses, and others where the pastors previously established a presence
· The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day prayer breakfast
· The Community Plea Program, in which the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches works with San Bernardino County District Attorney and Public Defender offices to work out pleas for misdemeanors and minor infractions, whereby the offender may perform community service in lieu of jail time or fines.
In all, the agency is allocating $3.7 million of Neighborhood Stabilization funds to empower agency-approved companies like the Inland Empire Concerned African-American Churches to purchase and rehabilitate a portion of about 5,000 foreclosed properties in San Bernardino.
“There are not enough locally-based developers with the experience and the ability to rehabilitate the large number of foreclosures we have in this city” said Carey Jenkins, director of Housing and Community Development for the Economic Development Agency. “There are several community development corporations in the city. We want to work with them to help increase their internal capacity to help revitalize our neighborhoods.”
The San Bernardino Economic Development Agency’s Neighborhood Stabilization program is also working with other entities besides Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches. These companies have been retained through a Request for Proposals/Qualifications (“RFP”) process and are checked by agency staff and approved by the City Council. The others are community development corporations, builders, developers and contractors.
Upon rehabilitation, the homes will be made available for purchase to qualifying households who make less than $78,000 a year for a family of four (120 percent of the Area Median Income adjusted for family size). Expected home sales prices are from $75,000 to $250,000.
Buyers can also use the agency’s Homeowners Down Payment Assistance Program, which provides up to a 10 percent down payment for those who qualify. For a $100,000 home that would be up to $10,000 to help purchase the home.
To purchase one of the homes rehabilitated with Neighborhood Stabilization funds, or take advantage of the Homeowners Down Payment Assistance Program to help with the purchase of many San Bernardino homes, buyers must attend Homebuyer Education courses offered monthly by the NID-Housing Counseling Agency, or the Neighborhood Housing Service of the Inland Empire, both HUD-approved agencies.
Pastor Turner encourages anyone with any interest in buying a home in San Bernardino to sign up for at least the introductory session of the Homebuyer Education courses, even if they think they wouldn’t qualify to buy a home.
“Many times, because of their credit situation or income, people think they can’t qualify to buy a home,” he said. “But this program is designed for low-income people and the Homebuyer Education courses will help them understand the home buying and ownership process.”
“Even if now is not the right time to buy a home, it is good for people to have their paperwork in order, and have their credit secured,” Pastor Turner said. “By the time they have all that together, it may be that they can qualify.”
For more information or a list of available homes through the Inland Empire Concerned African-American Churches program please call Pastor Ray Turner at (909) 663 0198.
For more information on the Homeowners’ Assistance Program call the NID-Housing Counseling Agency at (909) 887-8700 or the Neighborhood Housing Service of the Inland Empire, Inc. at (909) 884-6891.
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