New Affordable Housing Opens in Northeast Fresno (Video)

A new affordable housing community has opened in northeast Fresno, providing 60 homes for low-income families in the desirable neighborhood. Located in the Clovis Unified School District, Avalon Commons offers families access to some of the area's top-rated schools-access that many families did not have previously.

"In the school districts in Clovis, it's not if I'm gonna go to college; it's what college are you going to. I see that in my kid's future," said Briana who lives at Avalon Commons with her teenage daughter.

A project of Fresno Housing, Avalon Commons was supported by $1.3 million from HCD's No Place Like Home program. Fifteen of the units include integrated on-site supportive services from the county's Department of Behavioral Health. Funding for similar permanent supportive housing is now available through HCD's new Homekey+ program, made possible by voter approval of Proposition 1.

In addition to onsite services, residents have access to a community room, dog park, basketball court, playground, and laundry facilities. The grand opening marks the completion of Phase I of the Avalon Commons project. Phase II will bring an additional 45 affordable homes to the community.

Resident Iva said moving to Avalon Commons changed her life.

"For five years I slept on the couch with a broken neck and a broke back," said Iva. "I have absolute peace now."