On October 3rd, we celebrated the grand opening of Northstar Courts, a vital addition to our community, providing 72 units of permanent affordable housing in Hanford. The event drew over 100 community members who gathered in the property’s community room for a joyous celebration that included guest speakers, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and family-friendly activities. 

As co-developer of this project, alongside UPholdings, Self-Help Enterprises is proud to contribute to such an impactful initiative. The overwhelming response—over 2,000 applications received—highlights the urgent need for affordable housing in the region. While the property is now fully leased, interested applicants can still join a waitlist. 

During the ceremony, our Vice President, Betsy McGovern-Garcia, spoke passionately about the significance of Northstar Courts. She stated, “Today is a special day for all of us here in this room and the Hanford community as we address the critical need for affordable housing. Northstar Courts is the result of strong partnerships, and we know it will have a lasting impact on both its residents and the surrounding area.” 

“This beautiful complex offers more than a safe home, it is a life change,” wrote Northstar resident Sylvia Moreno in a letter that was read during the ceremony. “It is the foundation to a new and positive life. Northstar also offers behavioral health resources that are available to us right here on the property. It is truly a blessing to be living here.” Read more

In Planada, Ana Duran’s story is a testament to resilience and determination. As a single mother of two boys, she is on the cusp of achieving her dream of homeownership through SHE’s Mutual Self-Help Housing Program. Her path has been shaped by perseverance and the support of her community. 

Ana’s journey began in 2019 when she first applied for the housing program. However, like many, she faced significant setbacks when COVID-19 brought everything to a halt. After reapplying in June 2023, her application faced challenges, leading to delays and uncertainty. At times she struggled to gather the necessary documents, especially regarding information about her children’s father, which added to her frustration. Yet, through it all, Ana never lost hope. Encouragement from Sintia Puckett, the loan processor for the program, was a lifeline for her. “She was always positive, which helped me keep going,” Ana shares. She was able to start construction on the home in February 2024 and her loan was officially approved in September 2024. Reflecting on her emotional rollercoaster, she expressed relief that despite the challenges, everything ultimately fell into place. 

When asked about her motivations for joining the program, Ana’s determination shines through. “At first, I thought it was too good to be true,” she admits. “But after hearing about it through community members and looking into it on the website, I knew I had to give it a try.” With no previous construction experience, Ana felt overwhelmed at first but also excited about the opportunity to learn. “Now I have gained skills I never even thought about before,” she says, proud of her newfound abilities. “At first, I didn’t realize that I didn’t even know how to hold a hammer correctly, but now I’ve helped put entire walls up.” 

For Ana, building a home means creating a foundation for her family’s future. “This is truly going to change our lives,” she expresses. Living in a small apartment, she dreams of giving her boys their own rooms—a safe space they can call their own. “This is the biggest opportunity I felt I could give to them. It's hard to own a home as a single mom, but I knew this was my chance.” Ana views this program as her chance to provide her children with a home they can claim as their own, rather than continuing to pay rent that doesn’t build equity. “We’re not just paying rent, we’re investing in our future.” Read more

Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) has spent 60 years creating healthier, stronger communities in the San Joaquin Valley. As part of this mission, SHE’s efforts have evolved to include not just affordable housing, but also access to sustainable energy, reliable transportation, and water conservation solutions. One example of these initiatives is Palm Terrace in Lindsay (pictured), which combines 108 housing units with resilience features like solar energy, a graywater system, and free transit passes. This forward-thinking approach ensures that SHE’s communities are prepared to thrive in a changing climate for the next 60 years and beyond. 

Palm Terrace embodies SHE's commitment to integrating renewable energy and clean transportation infrastructure into housing development. Solar panels provide electricity for residents' apartments and common areas, reducing energy costs while promoting grid independence. Residents benefit from energy-efficient appliances, and through a partnership with the California Vanpool Authority, vanpool services offer convenient and sustainable transportation options. By including eco-friendly features, SHE not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances residents' quality of life. Read more

On October 30th, we had the pleasure of honoring 17 dedicated staff members who reached significant milestones in their careers with us. Together, they represent over 180 years of service, exemplifying the commitment and passion that make our organization a great place to work. 

During the ceremony, staff members celebrating five-year increments of service were recognized with certificates and awards for their hard work and dedication. Our CEO and President, Tom Collishaw, remarked, “Our staff is the most important part of our organization—their dedication is our greatest asset and the driving force behind our ability to support families in our communities. Thank you all for being an essential part of our mission.” 

We are proud to celebrate these remarkable individuals and their contributions to our success!  

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!