BOB Serves Active Seniors With Residential Option
The Elderberry at Bethel complex is close to
full occupancy, developers say, providing a happy home to a community of active and independent senior citizens.

"This is not an assisted living facility," said Kathleen Paley, who has been involved with the planning and building of the complex from its earliest stages. "It's an active senior community for those who are downsizing--like the empty nesters and the folks who don't want to worry about taking care of their yard. I think it's a beautiful project," said Paley.

The complex caters to people age 62 or older who are "income qualified", meaning that every tenant makes 60 percent or less of the area median income, Paley said. Rent prices depend on each individual's income, and the complex does accept Section 8, a voucher distributed by the Housing Authority of Fresno to assist with the cost of housing.

Improving Fresno Neighborhoods
The Department of Housing, economic and Community Development was created in February, 2002 by combining several previously separate functions into one cohesive unit. The mission of the new department is: "to enhance affordable living, economic vitality, neighborhood livability, the appearance of the community, and safeguard life, health, and property."

In the area of housing for low income residents, the Department has been instrumental in a number of vital projects such as Villa del Mar, a 48 -unit apartment complex and Casa San Miguel, a 32-home subdivision for displaced families. With City assistance, Self Help Enterprises is currently constructing ten homes in Southeast Fresno, using a sweat program that requires the home buyer to help build their own home. In addition, work was completed on the Eleventh Street Project, which included six owner-occupied homes.