In this Issue:
A Message from our Executive Director
Shop with a Cop: A Heartwarming Holiday Experience for BHC Kids
HALA's Toy Giveaway Brings Holiday Magic to our Families
2023 Trick-or-Treat Experience
ADU Projects Reach the Home Stretch
Non-profit Meeting Space at the Family Resource Center
BHC Honored as Recipient of the 2023 Mother Joseph Grant
A Message from our Executive Director
Happy New Year! As we usher in 2024, I am delighted to bring you the inaugural edition of our revamped newsletter.
BHC is poised for significant growth this year as we approach the completion of our accessory dwelling unit projects. This marks a momentous occasion, and we look forward to celebrating the addition of these homes. Simultaneously, our team is diligently working on a new development within existing properties, which is expected to provide 60 affordable units.
This winter, we extend our gratitude to our community, partners, and supporters. Your unwavering support is instrumental in making affordable housing a reality in Burbank. Together, let's make 2024 a year of progress and positive change for our community!
-Sylvia Moreno, BHC Executive Director
Shop with a Cop: A Heartwarming Holiday Experience for BHC Kids
For the third year in a row, the Burbank Police Department (BPD) and the Walmart Foundation joined hands with the Burbank Housing Corporation (BHC) for the Annual "Shop with a Cop" event. This special event brought together 30 children from BHC communities for an unforgettable shopping trip alongside local police officers and dedicated volunteers.
Each child received a $160 Walmart gift card, allowing them to fulfill their holiday wish list. Additionally, Handy Mart's graciously donated $50 grocery gift certificates ensured that these families could relish a festive holiday meal together.
For BHC youth, this annual event has become a cherished tradition that is eagerly anticipated as an opportunity to receive and give gifts that might otherwise be out of reach. Thank you to the BPD, Burbank Police Foundation, Walmart Foundation, Kiwanis of Burbank, and Burbank Noon Rotary for making holiday dreams come true!
HALA's Toy Giveaway Brings Holiday Magic to our Families
In 2022, Home Again Los Angeles (HALA) hosted the first free toy giveaway for BHC families at the Catalina Resource Center. We are extremely grateful that HALA offered this opportunity to our residents once again in 2023.
On December 12, 2023, BHC residents were invited to pick out toys for the holiday season. The excitement and joy were palpable as children of all ages explored the array of gifts available, ranging from dolls, video games, bikes, and clothes. Every child found something special that brought a smile to their face.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the HALA team, volunteers, and donors who made this event possible. It is through the collaborative efforts of our community that we can create such fond memories and contribute to the well-being of our families.
2023 Trick-or-Treat Experience
In 2023, BHC hosted its first haunted Halloween maze for the children in our communities. We invited BHC families to our office, which we converted into a scary den of bats, witches, and spiders! Staff members dressed up to get in the Halloween spirit and gave away candy to our brave trick-or-treaters.
This event highlights our commitment to community engagement, as we open our doors to create memorable traditions for our residents.
ADU Projects Reach the Home Stretch
Following city council approval in December 2021, BHC has collaborated closely with our construction team to establish four Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on existing BHC properties. This marks our first project under this new development model, which demonstrates our dedication to creating more affordable housing opportunities in this city.
The implementation of this new process has encountered some delays but BHC is happy to announce that this project will be complete during the first quarter of 2024. We plan to celebrate our key supporters and community partners at our official grand opening!
BHC Honored as Recipient of the Mother Joseph Grant
In December, Providence Health recognized BHC as a 2023 recipient of the Mother Joseph Grant, which fills a crucial funding gap to install solar panels at our Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) projects. This grant represents an opportunity for BHC to provide lower energy costs for our ADU residents and an increase in disposable income for low-income households.
These solar panels will not only lower utility costs but also enable low-income households to invest in essential needs such as healthcare, education, and mental well-being. We are extremely grateful to Providence Health and the Mother Joseph Committee for supporting our mission!
Non-profit Meeting Space at the Family Resource Center
Looking for a meeting or office space for your non-profit group or organization to meet? BHC manages the Family Resource Center, which is open for non-profits to use for classes, workshops, and meetings (24 seated maximum capacity) that directly impact the Burbank community.
A key & cleaning refundable deposit is required. For recurring usage, a $15 fee will be required to obtain a copy of the key. To request a facility-use application, please contact elopez@burbankhousingcorp.org or (818) 559-2336.