Groundbreaking Marks

New Chapter for

Tombstone Water System

The community of Tombstone, a small unincorporated area just outside of Sanger in Fresno County, is now one step closer to accessing safe, reliable drinking water. On May 13, residents, local and state officials, and project partners gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Tombstone Water System Consolidation Project—a $5 million, state-funded initiative that will connect 40 homes in Tombstone to the City of Sanger’s public water system.

The event was attended by representatives from the State Water Resources Control Board, the California Environmental Protection Agency, the City of Sanger, community-based organizations, and drinking water advocates. Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) was also present, with Community Development Assistant Director Eva Dominguez offering remarks on behalf of the organization:

“Consolidations are never easy, and this project was only possible because of the contributions of and collaboration between all the different partners involved and the commitment and passion from community leaders and residents. We are excited to have reached this milestone and that the community will soon have safe and reliable drinking water.”

SHE is especially grateful for the partnership of Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability (LCJA), who initiated the project and invited SHE to collaborate, helping shape a shared effort to bring lasting water access to the Tombstone community.

SHE has supported the Tombstone community since 2019, providing technical assistance and emergency services through multiple departments.

Construction is set to begin in the coming weeks, with completion expected by early next year. Once finished, Tombstone households will be connected to the City of Sanger’s municipal water system—restoring consistent, safe water access to dozens of families. Read More

SHE Awards $22,500 in

Scholarships to Student Achievers

This summer, Self-Help Enterprises awarded $22,500 in Do Dooley Academic Scholarships to 28 outstanding students pursuing higher education. Named in honor of the late Doris “Do” Dooley—a longtime board member and passionate advocate for opportunity—the scholarship supports students from families who have participated in SHE programs. That includes families who have built their own homes through Mutual Self-Help Housing, received emergency services, lived in our affordable rental communities, or taken part in other SHE initiatives. New this year is the Colegio de la Tierra Scholarship, established to support residents of our farmworker communities in Tulare County.

This year’s recipients are pursuing careers in fields such as engineering, architecture, nursing, education, and mental health services. Many are first-generation college students, each driven by a strong commitment to their futures, families, and communities.

SHE Board Members and SHE staff often attend local ceremonies to celebrate scholarship recipients in person. This year, Board Member Tina Sumner attended the ceremony for Rihanna Aguilar-Maciel, a Matilda Torres High School graduate headed to CSU Fresno to study architecture.

Board Member Olivia Gomez visited Le Grand High School to recognize two Planada students and Mutual Self-Help Housing participants: Briana Zaragoza-Gallegos, who is headed to UC Merced to become an obstetric sonographer, and Jesus Lopez, who also plans to attend UC Merced to pursue a degree in electrical engineering and dreams of working for NASA.

Board Member Martha Renteria and SHE Emergency Services Director Tami McVay also attended other local scholarship events to honor additional students in their communities.

Congratulations to all our scholarship recipients! Your dedication inspires us, and we’re proud to support your next steps.

A Safe Roof and

Renewed Peace of Mind in Corcoran

When Margarita Negrete noticed her roof was beginning to collapse into one of the rooms of her longtime Corcoran home, she knew something had to be done—but living on a fixed income, she didn’t know where to turn. After her insurance only covered minor repairs, a family member connected her with Self-Help Enterprises. In partnership with the City of Corcoran’s Housing Rehabilitation Program, SHE was able to provide the critical support she needed.

Margarita’s home, now over 30 years old, had experienced damage over time—but it wasn’t just wear and tear that raised concern. At one point, someone attempted to break into her home, severely damaging the front door and several windows.

Living alone since the passing of her husband six years ago, Margarita said restoring these areas was not only essential for the condition of the home, but for her own peace of mind and safety.

In addition to a new roof, Margarita received a number of vital improvements, including a new front door, boiler, toilet, fresh paint, and window repairs—bringing new life and renewed security to her home.

“I feel so much better inside my home,” she shared. “The roof was really important, and they made sure the job was done right. I don’t know much about those kinds of repairs, but the team supported me every step of the way and helped me feel confident everything was taken care of.”

Margarita now lives more safely and comfortably, with peace of mind knowing her home is once again a secure place to live. “Muy agradecida por su ayuda,” she added. “I’m very thankful for their help.”

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