Helping to get a roof over heads in Ontario

The city of Ontario was granted about $5 million in state funding for a down payment assistance program to help about 120 first time home buyers move into Ontario Town Square at 3 and 3.5 percent simple interest.

Also, the city was awarded $1 million in a state grant to help with the planned Mercy House emergency intake center for the homeless on the 800 block of South Greenwood in Ontario. Construction is estimated to cost $2.3 million for the 15-bed facility, so the grant will help significantly, said Brent Schultz, Ontario housing manager.