Summer 2001
PROJECTS: Fresno’s CURE to Abandoned Properties
 A
new nonprofit organization in Fresno is making homeowners out
of renters while revitalizing in-town neighborhoods and providing
valuable job training skills for young adults looking for a career
in the construction industry.
CURE – the Coalition for Urban Renewal and Excellence –
was created by Fresno’s development, business, and public-sector
leaders concerned about the condition of some of Fresno’s
historic, but economically struggling neighborhoods.
Abandoned and dilapidated properties act as a drain on these
neighborhoods, attracting unwelcome elements and reducing the
property values of existing homeowners.
 CURE
purchases these homes at a low price. Contractors donate a portion
of their labor and work alongside inner-city youth, who are trained
through the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, to restore
the homes. Low- and moderate-income buyers who have completed a
homeownership training course receive financial assistance to purchase
the homes. Buyers are selected through a lottery.
Making homeownership affordable is a key component to the CURE
project. “We want residents to have a mortgage payment equal
to or less than a rental payment,” said Fresno councilmember
and CURE boardmember Dan Ronquillo. He believes CURE offers a
potent strategy for revitalization: “Homeownership is the
way to stabilize neighborhoods.”
CURE has raised more than $200,000 for the project. Many board
members reached into their own pockets to raise $100,000, which
was then matched by Wells Fargo Bank. The City also earmarked
$10,000 for the project.
Sale proceeds from the houses will be reinvested in future rehabilitations.
CURE intends to restore 30 structures over the next five years
and to be self-sufficient within two years.
For details: Diane Ray, CURE Program
Administrator, (559) 233-3532.
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