CHOC begins a new era in Fairfield

CHOC CEO Manuela Silva speaking at Open House event, June 22, 2012.

FAIRFIELD — The Community Housing Opportunity Corporation (CHOC) recently relocated to Fairfield, California, celebrating its past, present and exciting future in Solano County.

CHOC is a trusted Community Developer serving California since 1984.

Established in Davis, California in 1984, CHOC is committed to increasing affordable housing and community services to very low to moderate income households, improving quality of life for families across Northern California.  Employing high-quality programming and education, corporate resources and the combined skills of a multi-talented team, CHOC has successfully sponsored and developed nearly 2,000 affordable housing units and 74 single-family homes in Solano, Yolo and Sacramento counties; CHOC builds communities from the inside out, powering family services and educational opportunities to achieve improved quality of life for residents.

CHOC responds to urgent community needs & unprecedented socio-economic conditions.

Anna Solorio at CHOC Open House, June 22, 2012.

Why did CHOC choose Fairfield?  According to Anna Solorio, CHOC Director of Community Development, the Green Valley location benefits the organization in various ways.

“Of course, we wanted to be (Solono county) inclusive, meeting the area’s immediate re-housing needs in the wake of real estate market collapse. CHOC recognized the impact of widespread unemployment and the opportunity we could create for green jobs in a difficult economic climate…a new normal economy, foreclosures included.”  She added, “CHOC bridges the gap for families on the I-80 corridor; from the state’s capital through Davis and now to Fairfield, an area that welcomes our experience, expertise and commitment to shared excellence.”

CHOC is a Community Partner, connecting families to new opportunities via strategic community relationships. 

Fairfield Mayor Harry Price with Carlos Reyes, renowned violinist and harpist. CHOC Open House, June 22, 2012.

CHOC held an open-house and luncheon on June 22, 2012, hosting over 50 different community organizations, regional politicians, county representatives and local supporters.  CHOC CEO Manuela Silva was welcomed by Fairfield Mayor Harry Price and City Manager Sean Quinn.  Ms. Silva detailed CHOC’s evolution from affordable housing to community development while reaffirming the former as integral to “every healthy community.”   As quoted in the Fairfield Daily Republic, City Manager Sean Quinn said CHOC’s Fairfield location is critical to “future affordable housing projects, especially given that Fairfield lost affordable housing funds with the dissolution of its redevelopment agency.”

CHOC is regionally influential with a built-in constituent base and political support.

Congressman Garamendi representative Brandon Minto presents CHOC CEO Manuela Silva with award. CHOC Open House, June 22, 2012.

California’s 10^thCongressional District Congressman John Garamendi was also represented by Brandon Minto.  He commended Ms. Silva and CHOC for outstanding commitment to community service, calling CHOC an invaluable “non-profit producer and advocate for affordable housing” which “has significantly improved the quality of life for countless households.”   Recently re-elected Assemblymember Mariko Yamada also attended our event, pledging her support of CHOC’s family-centric mission.