The Mendoza family has lived in Delano for many years, creating a life filled with hard work and dedication. Francisco and his wife, both retired farmworkers, have raised six children in their home, cherishing the memories and connections built within those walls. Recently, they participated in the City of Delano’s Housing Rehabilitation Program, a decision that transformed their living space and renewed their spirits.  

Francisco reflects on the importance of their home, stating, “It is so amazing; it feels like we have a brand-new home! It is so beautiful now.” This sentiment perfectly captures the impact of the renovations completed earlier this year.  

The decision to apply for the housing rehab program came after hearing about it from Francisco’s brother, whose home had successfully undergone similar repairs. Intrigued, Francisco visited City Hall for more information, discovering how the program could benefit his family.  

Before the renovations, the Mendoza home was in dire need of repairs. “The house was completely ugly, with bare wooden exterior panels that were falling apart. The roof was deteriorating and leaking,” Francisco explains. The scope of the project was extensive, involving new stucco, a new roof, new flooring, and the removal of old carpet in favor of tile. They also replaced old kitchen cabinets and appliances, updated the electrical system—an essential improvement for safety—and installed new windows. “We’re very happy with it all!” he adds, noting that the payments are manageable, especially since they begin after the mortgage is paid.  Read more

Self-Help Enterprises is deeply saddened to report the passing of one of our team members, Philip Smith.  

Phil joined our Asset Management team almost two years ago after an extensive career in the banking and healthcare industries. Phil had a passion for his community, serving in various roles on the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, the local healthcare district, Rotary, the public utilities board and other local nonprofits. He even dabbled in higher education, teaching courses at College of the Sequoias and Fresno Pacific University over the years. 

At Self-Help Enterprises, Phil worked to make sure our rental communities were operating well so our residents had a safe, comfortable, and sustainable place to call home. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during an extremely difficult time. 

As Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) celebrates 60 years of empowering communities, innovation remains at the heart of its mission. SHE continually seeks new approaches to address the evolving needs of the most vulnerable populations in the San Joaquin Valley. Two recent projects, The Lofts at Fort Visalia and The Neighborhood Village in Goshen, exemplify this commitment by providing transformative housing solutions paired with robust support services, creating pathways to stability and opportunity. 

The Lofts at Fort Visalia, an 80-unit multifamily complex in downtown Visalia, bridges affordable housing, history, and the arts. With 40 units reserved for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), The Lofts provides a safe haven for formerly unhoused individuals or those at risk of homelessness. Residents like Yolanda Guerrero, who found a fresh start after facing significant personal and financial challenges, are welcomed into fully furnished apartments equipped with energy-efficient appliances. The community also features a vibrant mix of resources, including an Arts Consortium gallery, a community kitchen, and a Fort Visalia Heritage Room that honors the site’s historical significance. 

Beyond housing, The Lofts offers on-site resident services in collaboration with local organizations. These services, ranging from mental health support to job training, ensure residents have access to the resources they need to thrive. As SHE President and CEO Tom Collishaw noted during the grand opening, “The Lofts is a community asset linking Visalia’s past to its future while meeting the critical housing needs of today.” Read more

Our team of 200+ people are joined with a shared mission of working with families to build and sustain healthy homes and communities. You can too!