$199K grant will rehab housing for poor, disabled tenants

A Modesto apartment complex that houses low-income people with mental disabilities will get some major rehab, thanks to a $199,000 grant.

Work is expected to start Monday on the 19-unit California Avenue complex, which is managed by the Stanislaus County Affordable Housing Corp.

The four two-story buildings will get new energy-efficient roofs, extra insulation, dual-pane windows, exterior paint, new balconies, improved drainage, fresh paving and landscaping.

"We're going to give it a complete facelift," said Steve Madison, who is the nonprofit housing agency's executive director.

The apartment complex — called Courtney Manor — was built in 1990, and purchased by the agency in 1999.

The rehabilitation grant is from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, and it was attained in collaboration with Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California.

"We are proud to continue our longstanding commitment to enhance the overall quality of life, through a partnership with Stanislaus County Affordable Housing Corporation, in this worthwhile and necessary cause," said Kent Steinwert, F&M Bank's president.

There's intense competition for this kind of grant. The Federal Home Loan Bank is privately owned by its members, which include assorted commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions and insurance companies.

F&M Bank has received more than $2.4 million in such grants for its community partners since 1997.

Madison said the grant will pay for construction work done primarily by Modesto contractors. They include Armor Roofing, A&J Carpentry Services, A1 Glass and Emmett's Yard Maintenance. Alcal Contracting from Stockton and Arnold Concrete from Ceres also will be hired.

The Stanislaus County Affordable Housing Corporation promotes the construction and development of affordable housing opportunities for Stanislaus County residents. It is based in Modesto.

Its activities include transitional housing to assist homeless people, housing advocacy for renters and the development of affordable housing.

Its objective is to provide temporary housing to homeless people, with the goal of helping them eventually become independent and find permanent places to live.

Bee staff writer J.N. Sbranti can be reached at jnsbranti@modbee.com or (209) 578-2196.