Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) and Salt + Light Works of Tulare County have officially broken ground for The Neighborhood Village in Goshen, CA! On Thursday, August 25th, community members, healthcare partners, and government officials gathered to celebrate the historic occasion.

It’s the first permanent, supportive housing community of its kind for those experiencing homelessness in the State of California! The 52-unit master-planned community will stand next to Sequoia Commons, SHE’s multi-family housing development.

“Self-Help Enterprises is excited to work with Salt + Light Works to build their first project in Goshen,” says Tom Collishaw, President and CEO of SHE. “We are committed to expanding our impact on the homelessness challenge through dynamic partnerships with mission-driven organizations like ours.” Read more

After years of struggling with the upkeep of their deteriorating home, Cruz and Carlota Frias can finally enjoy retirement in their recently reconstructed home. Signs of the home’s decay included a failing electrical system and an overwhelming termite infestation. The essential repairs were made possible via the City of Exeter's Housing Rehabilitation Program. 

Through partnerships with cities and counties in the San Joaquin Valley, SHE works with local community leaders to identify housing needs, secure funding, and successfully implement housing repair efforts for residents. 

The couple now feels safe to enjoy quality time with their 4 children and 15 grandchildren in their new spacious living room. They are also particularly excited to now have an attached garage. “Ahora estamos mucho más cómodos,” remarked Cruz. “¡Es como renacer! ” (“We are much more comfortable now! It's like being reborn!”) 

As part of our new Partner Spotlight series, we would like to highlight Wells Fargo Bank, our longest-running banking partner, and corporate donor, with a relationship that dates back to the late 1980s. Their foundation gives generously for various activities on an annual basis, and often funds capacity-building activities, most recently to explore new permanent supportive housing projects in Mariposa County. In the last five years, Wells Fargo’s support has amounted to over $125,000 in generous contributions! The funds helped support several of SHE’s community-serving programs. These include our Homeownership Counseling and Education (HCE) program, resident services activities for children, and pandemic relief support.  

On the lending side, they have been a subdivision development lender for our mutual self-help housing efforts and a construction period lender for numerous rental housing developments. Wells Fargo has also been an important investor partner for our rental projects utilizing Low Income Housing Tax Credit, including most recently our Sierra Village II (Dinuba) and Los Arroyos (Farmersville) projects, both of which are under construction.  

“We appreciate Wells Fargo’s ongoing commitment to SHE,” says Tom Collishaw, President and CEO of SHE. “Their investment in our ongoing programs enables us to continue our mission to sustain healthy homes and communities!”