affordable housing – Cesar Chavez Foundation

Transforming Lives with Chris Hartmire Plaza in Pomona

November 24, 2025, by CCF

Chris Hartmire Plaza grand opening ceremony in Pomona, CA, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. ( Photo by Sandy Huffaker)

From the heart of Pomona and reaching far beyond, Chris Hartmire’s enduring spirit continues to uplift and transform lives, a legacy celebrated at the grand opening of the Chris Hartmire Plaza.

The Cesar Chavez Foundation and its partners recently opened Chris Hartmire Plaza, a 90-unit affordable housing community in Pomona, California. The Plaza provides homes for veterans, people with disabilities, and those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Named for Reverend Chris Hartmire—an early ally of Cesar Chavez—this vibrant community honors his legacy of humble, inspiring activism. Hartmire’s impact lives on, as he later became the first director of the National Farm Worker Ministry, which continues to advocate for justice to this day.

At the grand opening, community leaders shared their excitement and vision for the Plaza. Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval, when asked about the grand opening, said, “A project like this brings hope, brings opportunity. It’s important to maintain the stability of our city and our community. To be able to bring this project here to our city in the name of Cesar Chavez is a beautiful, beautiful day.” The event underscored the need for comprehensive resources that lay a foundation for long-term success.

Aerial View of Chris Hartmire Plaza in Pomona, CA, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker)

Residents will have access to on-site wellness and health services through a partnership with Tri-City Mental Health Center. In addition, a Federally Qualified Health Center, operated by East Valley Community Health Center and scheduled to open in 2026, will provide comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health care to both residents and the broader Pomona community. As Mayor Sandoval notes, “It’s much more than housing and safety… It’s really incredible that they’re going to be providing services that go a long way to ensuring that we tackle such pressing issues.”

What was once a vacant lot is now a thriving community hub, buzzing with activity and hope. Residents now have access to supportive services, counseling offices, and a dedicated area for the Si Se Puede Learning Center—the Chavez Foundation’s flagship after-school program. Resident M. Gonzalez captured the impact: “For five years, we lived across the street in a one-bedroom apartment with four people. This apartment complex has truly changed our lives for the better. We feel comfortable and, most importantly, safer. I’m so grateful to Klaudiah and Samantha, part of the on-site management team, for making this possible.”

The event showcased a community coming together, united by a renewed sense of belonging. Chris Hartmire Plaza is more than just housing—it’s a beacon of stability, hope, and possibility for Pomona and beyond.

Tap below to watch video highlights from the Chris Hartmire Grand Opening.

Chavez Foundation Celebrates Opening of Chris Hartmire Plaza in Pomona, Calif.

October 21, 2025, by CCF

Cesar Chavez Foundation Celebrates Opening of Chris Hartmire Plaza, a New Affordable Housing Community Linking Housing, Health, and Hope to Address Critical Need in Pomona

In a region where nearly two-thirds of renters are cost-burdened, the new 90-unit community brings affordable homes and on-site health services to individuals, families, and veterans

Pomona, Calif. — Community leaders, residents, and partners gathered today to celebrate the grand opening of Chris Hartmire Plaza, a new 90-unit affordable housing community developed by the Cesar Chavez Foundation (CCF). The development provides safe, high-quality homes for low-income individuals, families, and veterans in Pomona, a region where affordable housing is increasingly out of reach for working families.

“Today’s celebration and opening of Chris Hartmire Plaza is an example of how the ideals and values of Cesar Chavez remain steadfast in our work,” said Manuel H. Bernal, president and CEO of the Cesar Chavez Foundation. “The life work of Cesar Chavez and Reverend Hartmire was defined by humility, conviction, and service to others. Chris Hartmire Plaza reflects that enduring vision—linking housing, health, and hope for families in Pomona by creating a community where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.”

Chris Hartmire Plaza is a vibrant, service-rich community that integrates housing with on-site health and supportive services for residents. The LEED-certified development features 30 one-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom, and 30 three-bedroom apartments for households earning between 30 and 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), including apartments reserved for veterans and people with disabilities, and individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“Chris Hartmire Plaza represents the best of what Pomona stands for — a city that believes in community, compassion, and opportunity,” said Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval. “This new development gives families and veterans a place to call home, access to health care and support, and a chance to build a better future right here in our city.”

The new community is named after the Reverend Chris Hartmire who worked with civil rights and labor leader Cesar Chavez and other early organizers before there was a farm worker union. Hartmire selflessly dedicated himself for decades to building what became the United Farm Workers (UFW). Always humble and soft-spoken, Chris inspired countless women and men to activism and “servanthood” by dedicating themselves to the UFW and other good works. During the celebration, a four-story mural by Los Angeles–based artist John Park was unveiled that celebrates resilience and the shared legacy of Cesar Chavez and Reverend Chris Hartmire, serving as a powerful symbol of unity and hope for residents and the Pomona community.

Chris Hartmire Plaza features a wide range of community amenities, including a park, community room, tot lot, picnic areas, counseling offices, laundry facilities, and dedicated spaces for after-school children’s programs and adult educational programs.

“Moving into Chris Hartmire Plaza has been one of the biggest blessings God could have given my family and me,” said M. Gonzalez, a new resident. “For five years, we lived across the street in a one-bedroom apartment with four people. This apartment complex has truly changed our lives for the better. We feel comfortable and, most importantly, safer. I’m so grateful to Klaudiah and Samantha, part of the on-site management team, for making this possible.”

Residents have access to on-site health and wellness supportive services through a partnership with Tri-Cities Mental Health Center. The ground floor of the community also includes a 6,756-square-foot Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) operated by East Valley Community Health Center, opening in 2026, that will provide medical, dental, and mental health services to residents and the surrounding community.

“Our partnership with the Cesar Chavez Foundation brings vital supportive and health resources to residents which is critical to their well-being,” said Ontson Placide, executive director, Tri-Cities Mental Health Center. “This collaboration helps ensure access to quality care right where people live.”

Chris Hartmire Plaza was made possible through a coalition of public, private, and nonprofit partners investing $75.8 million to bring high-quality affordable housing and supportive services to Pomona. Major public funding and support includes $25.4 million from the State of California through the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD); $1.7 million from the City of Pomona, along with 28 project-based vouchers, eight dedicated to veterans; and $1 million from the San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust.

“Projects like Chris Hartmire Plaza show the power of partnerships in addressing California’s housing crisis,” said Gustavo Velasquez, director of HCD. “By combining state investment with local leadership and private investment, we’re helping families secure affordable and stable housing.”

Private sector funding partners include $58 million in construction financing from Citi and $13 million in financing from UnitedHealth Group through a partnership with the Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH).

“Chris Hartmire Plaza is an inspiring example of how affordable housing, supportive services, and sustainable design can come together to strengthen communities, said Hao Li, Originating Banker, Citi Community Capital. “By helping finance projects like this, we’re advancing our shared mission to expand access to safe, high-quality housing for all Californians.”

“At UnitedHealth Group, we understand that housing and health go hand in hand,” said Steve Cain, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of California, part of UnitedHealth Group, which has invested nearly $130 million in California to create and preserve affordable housing, working together with partners like Community Preservation Corporation and the Corporation for Supportive Housing. “Chris Hartmire Plaza underscores the importance of partnerships and our long-standing commitment to improving access to safe, stable homes that help people live healthier lives.”

“Chris Hartmire Plaza is a powerful example of how affordable housing, health care, and supportive services can come together to create lasting impact for individuals and families,” said Jason Osborn, Vice President, Mortgage Officer at The Community Preservation Corporation. “We’re proud to have partnered with the Cesar Chavez Foundation, our funding partners at UnitedHealth Group and the Corporation for Supportive Housing, and all of the local stakeholders and officials who helped make this important project possible.”

According to state and local data, the opening of Chris Hartmire Plaza comes at a critical time for California, where the state faces a shortage of more than 1.2 million affordable homes for extremely low-income renters, and 78 percent of those households spend more than half their income on housing. In Pomona, nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of renters are cost-burdened, spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent.

Sí Se Puede: Where Communities Thrive and Future Leaders Rise

August 27, 2025, by CCF

Cesar Chavez understood the critical role education plays in strengthening communities. In the 1960s, he and his colleagues established the Huelga School in Delano to educate the children of farm workers, enabling them to thrive and providing their children the opportunity to grow, learn, and pursue higher education, something Cesar wholeheartedly encouraged. Today, his vision lives on through the work of the Chavez Foundation.

The Chavez Foundation’s Housing and Economic Development Fund is home to the Community Services team, which works across the Southwest in partnership with residents of our affordable housing communities. Their efforts go beyond providing resources; they create connections through organizing events like holiday celebrations, community meetings, and Know Your Rights workshops. The flagship program Sí Se Puede Learning Center is at the heart of their work, an afterschool program that helps students who may be learning English or struggling with reading and writing. The program has shown a median academic improvement of 35% across the region. These centers offer educational and social support, building confidence and creating a safe space for students to thrive.

Joy and laughter filled the air as kids enjoyed activities at Govea Gardens, one of CCF’s affordable housing communities in Bakersfield, CA.

The Community Service Program Coordinators are vital to this effort, bringing diverse skills to their roles. They are both educators and program leaders. Their creativity and deep understanding of the communities they serve often make them role models to the students they mentor. They tailor lessons and projects to their interests, making learning fun while helping them build academic skills.

Evette Ybarra, a Program Coordinator in Fresno, California, recalls helping a fourth-grade student struggling with multiplication tables. “In just a couple of months, she mastered them with daily practice during homework help time.” Evette shares that many of her returning students show significant academic growth. The program coordinators create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking for help, enabling them to thrive academically and personally.

Families in our Montebello affordable housing community received new backpacks during a back-to-school event in Montebello, CA.

The Community Services team significantly impacts the broader community by managing large-scale programs and events that provide essential resources to thousands of students. One key initiative is the annual backpack giveaway, which offers free backpacks filled with school supplies and often includes a back-to-school celebration. Jessica Tomoko, the Regional Program Coordinator for Texas, noted, “Many of our students come from families where buying new supplies can be challenging, so receiving a backpack filled with everything they need makes them feel supported and excited for the year ahead.” Through effective planning and coordination, the Community Services team helps remove barriers to education, giving families peace of mind and equipping children for success.

The Sí Se Puede Learning Centers offer a safe space for students to connect and support each other. With guidance from Community Service and Regional Program Coordinators, students build confidence, achieve academic success, and grow into community leaders. These programs provide the tools and mindset needed to become inspiring leaders of the future.

Boston Financial Announced as Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards

March 12, 2025, by CCF

We are proud to celebrate Boston Financial, a presenting sponsor of the 2025 Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards.

At the Cesar Chavez Foundation, we carry on Cesar’s life’s work of uplifting and transforming Latino and working families by inspiring and transforming communities through social enterprises that address essential human, cultural, and community needs. We are committed to creating opportunities that empower people to thrive on all fronts.

For almost 60 years, Boston Financial has been at the forefront of affordable housing capital solutions and investment management, creating hundreds of thousands of affordable housing opportunities nationwide. Boston Financial is America’s largest syndicator of affordable housing and envisions a future where everyone has a home. With each investment, they are steadily working toward this transformative goal.

“Boston Financial could not be more proud to serve as a presenting sponsor of the 2025 Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards,” said Roy Faerber, Senior Managing Director at Boston Financial. “There is an undeniable correlation between stable housing for families and the health, educational achievement, and economic opportunity for an entire community. We have immense respect for the decades of work that the Cesar Chavez Foundation has put into raising up communities and bringing the dignity of affordable housing to thousands of families.”

Boston Financial has been an instrumental partner in the creation of the Chavez Foundation’s newest affordable housing community, Plaza Ysabel “Mac” Ortiz II—a high-quality, service-enhanced community for working families in El Monte, California.

Plaza Ortiz II, named in honor of the 19-year-old El Monte native who was killed during the Korean War and whose remains were returned nearly 70 years after he was reported missing in action, offers 53 units of 100 percent affordable housing, along with community services such as the Si Se Puede Learning Center, the Chavez Foundation’s flagship after-school program for K-5 students.

The combined efforts of the Chavez Foundation and Boston Financial have had a positive and lasting impact on the El Monte community, including residents like Marlee Martinez. “Living in Plaza Ortiz has positively changed my family’s life. Our new home has brought us closer together and provided great educational and healthcare opportunities” said Marlee.

“Affordable housing is not just about developing housing; it’s about building thriving communities. Partners like Boston Financial, with their expertise and dedication to affordable housing investments, play a crucial role in ensuring long-term, sustainable solutions. Their commitment to fostering economic growth and stability within communities helps create environments where residents can truly thrive. Together with the residents, they lay the foundation for transformative change, setting the standard for what can be achieved both individually and as a community” shared Alfredo Izmajtovich, Vice President of the Cesar Chavez Foundation’s Housing and Economic Development Fund.

We are thrilled to have Boston Financial as a presenting sponsor for the 2025 Cesar Chavez Legacy Awards and celebrate their commitment to positive change.

We look forward to our continued partnership as we work to achieve our shared mission.

Honoring Cesar Chavez: The Legacy & Impact of the Cesar Chavez Foundation

February 25, 2025, by CCF

As we celebrate Cesar Chavez Month, we reflect on his lasting legacy and how his work continues through the Cesar Chavez Foundation (CCF). Founded to uphold his vision of justice and empowerment, the foundation focuses on education, affordable housing, media, and preserving Cesar’s legacy—ensuring his mission thrives for generations.

Education Fund: Educating Hearts & Minds

In the 1960s, Chávez and his colleagues created the Huelga School in Delano, providing farmworkers’ children with access to education during the grape strike. Later, he established a Montessori school at La Paz for movement staff families.

The Education Fund continues this commitment today by providing diverse, culturally responsive programs in under-resourced communities. Its goal is to impact one million students by 2028.

Housing & Economic Development: Building Stronger Communities

Chavez often called migrant farmworkers “the original homeless.” Having experienced this struggle firsthand, he prioritized affordable housing through what is now the Housing & Economic Development Fund.

The foundation’s first housing project, the Paulo Agbayani Retirement Village, provided Filipino farmworkers with dignity and stability. Today, CCF manages over $900 million in affordable housing, transforming the lives of thousands of families, seniors, and youth.

Chavez Media: Amplifying Voices

Recognizing the power of media to mobilize change, Chavez established Radio Campesina, its flagship program, in 1983 to entertain and instill a sense of community among Latinos and working families.

Today, Chavez Media reaches millions of multicultural audiences across multiple touchpoints, engaging a multi-generational, multicultural audience. Its abiding mission is to promote Cesar’s legacy by motivating people to use the resources available and be active participants in shaping their lives and communities.

National Chavez Center: Preserving a Legacy

The National Chavez Center ensures that Cesar’s legacy remains a beacon for future generations. From national days of service to heritage summits and the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument, it serves as a place of education, reflection, and community-building.

La Paz, where Chavez spent his final years, continues to embody his principles of nonviolence, self-sacrifice, and service—a lasting tribute to his life’s work.

Be Part of This Legacy

Cesar Chavez believed in the power of community. Join us in celebrating his life and ensuring his mission continues.

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Together, we keep the movement alive. ¡Sí, Se Puede!

Tag: affordable housing