In 2023, a resident satisfaction survey in Ontario, Calif., revealed the Top 5 most serious issues perceived by residents, with the No. 1 issue being homelessness. It also listed the lowest three services ranked by satisfaction, with those being addressing homelessness, enforcing city codes to keep neighborhoods safe and clean, and retaining and attracting local businesses.

Dan Bell, executive director of communications and community relations for the city, said, “The younger generation wants to stay and invest in this city. We want to help them do that.”

The city council decided to start a program called Keys to Community to address residents’ desire to see homelessness addressed and for the city to have clean and safe neighborhoods. That program included three ways for home buyers to get aid: through the First-time Homebuyer Program, a Housing Rehabilitation Loan and an Exterior Beautification Grant. The basis for those applying for the programs is that applicants must either own a home within Ontario city limits or plan to own a home there, and to stay.

The First-time Homebuyer Program provides financial assistance in the form of a 30-year-deferred loan of up to $120,000, as long as the applicant offers a down payment and pays closing costs. They must also complete an eight-hour-long U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development course, which familiarizes them with the process of buying a home with the help of HUD-certified counselors and through HUD-approved agencies. Those approving the loans give priority to people who live and work in Ontario or who have previously lived in Ontario.

The Housing Rehabilitation Loan covers up to $30,000 in housing repair costs for homebuyers whose annual household income is below the income limits established for the program. People looking to buy a home who are approved for the FTHP loan can apply for this loan, in addition to people who already own a home. The home must be single-family and occupied by the owner, so individuals who are renting or leasing are not eligible to apply.

The Exterior Beautification Grant is for residents who desire to spruce up the outside of their homes, providing them with up to $10,000 in grant money. This, too, requires the homeowners to have an annual household income below the income limits and for the structure to be a single-family, owner-occupied home.

Ontario’s website has a space where residents can submit an interest form. The form is not an official application, but rather a way to start the process of talking with someone in the city office. Applicants are required to submit their name, contact information, programs they’re interested in, household information and resident status. The Housing Services office will then reach out and ask them to fill out an application.

Keys to the Community is still in its pilot stage, as no loans or grants have been given out yet. “We have had 400 people submit forms,” Bell said, “which shows that the program is already very popular.”

The funds are being allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to applicants who meet the guidelines. she said, “We have notified the first 50 who met priority categories and connected them with the lenders. We’re notifying the other individuals that they will remain on the list and will be contacted if we have additional funds.” Program staff expect to be able to fund 12 to 15 people in the pilot period with the $1.8 million they have to spend this fiscal year.

Lenders who wish to become approved for the FTHB program need to review and sign a Participating Lender Agreement and submit a valid business license and proof of licensure under the National Mortgage Licensing System.

Keys to Community is funded through Measure Q, which was voted on and approved in 2022. This measure increased the local sales tax from 7.75% to 8.75%.

The Ontario city website states that one of the local programs potentially funded from the extra tax money could include $15 million toward homelessness and mental health; and it may support individuals and families experiencing homelessness and mental health illness with additional shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing featuring wraparound services.

The need for affordable housing is dire throughout the country, especially in California. According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office website, prices for mid-tier homes are more than twice as expensive as the typical mid-tier U.S. home. Keys to Community aims to address that need and the desire for Ontario, Calif., residents to commit to staying local.

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