Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming our long-standing partners from Housing Assistance Council (HAC) to the San Joaquin Valley for an insightful visit. This collaboration, which dates back to HAC’s founding in 1971, has been instrumental in advancing affordable housing in our community. 

During their visit, HAC staff and board members held their board meeting in our boardroom before embarking on a tour of several of our key project sites, including the Annadale Mutual Self-Help Housing community, Parksdale Village in Madera, a family home featuring a newly installed water tank, and Guardian Village in Reedley. These visits highlighted the impact of our partnership in creating sustainable housing solutions. 

The trip culminated with a special dinner at The Lofts at Fort Visalia, where HAC honored Peter Carey and another board member for their decades of service. Peter, former CEO of Self-Help Enterprises, has dedicated over 20 years to the HAC Board, making significant contributions to our shared mission. 

Self-Help Enterprises and the families we serve have benefitted greatly from HAC's Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP). Since the program's inception in 1996, SHE has received 26 SHOP awards from HAC, totaling over $10.1 million, enabling us to create 746 new low-income homeowners. This collaborative success showcases the enduring impact of our work together and underscores why HAC continues to receive funding each year. 

Additionally, SHE leadership has played a vital role at HAC, with both Bob Marshall, former Executive Director of Self-Help Enterprises, and Peter Carey serving long tenures on the HAC Board. Their leadership and insights have been instrumental in shaping policies and programs that empower low-income families and promote sustainable development, reinforcing the deep-rooted partnership between our organizations. 

We are grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our partnership with HAC and look forward to many more years of collaboration that will enhance the lives of those we serve. 

We’re excited to share that our CEO, Tom Collishaw, was recently featured on The Paper Trail Podcast, hosted by Paul Myers and Ryan Clark. Recorded in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley, this podcast dives deep into local issues affecting Fresno and Tulare Counties, offering insightful analysis on pressing topics. 

In the episode titled "Building Legacy and Housing," Tom discusses Self-Help Enterprises’ longstanding commitment to building single-family and multifamily homes throughout the Valley, particularly addressing the housing needs in Tulare County. He shares the innovative ways residents can access housing through our programs, including the benefits of sweat equity and mortgage assistance. 

Tom highlighted our focus on helping families in need, stating, “We have people, some coming out of homelessness with very little income, up to about 60% of area median income. Probably most families who live in our rental apartments make below $35,000 a year. Our single-family programs, where we provide home ownership opportunities, are probably a little bit higher than that, but around $35,000 to $40,000. That is who we focus on because we're trying to give people an opportunity to improve their lives. It starts with having a place to call your own, where the rent is sustainable, and you’re not paying too much of your income on rent.” 

The conversation also explores critical topics such as homelessness, affordable housing options, and the challenges posed by NIMBY-ism in our communities. Tom’s insights highlight our ongoing efforts to create sustainable solutions for housing in the region. 

To listen to this enlightening discussion, check out the episode here.

We encourage everyone to tune in and gain a deeper understanding of the important issues surrounding housing in our community! 

On September 12, 2024, Self-Help Enterprises proudly co-hosted the 13th Annual San Joaquin Valley Affordable Housing Summit alongside the San Joaquin Valley Housing Collaborative at the Convention Center in downtown Visalia. This highly anticipated event brought together elected officials, government agencies, developers, service providers, community-based organizations, and advocates from across the Valley to collaborate on pressing affordable housing issues. 

This year’s Summit focused on the multifaceted housing crisis, going beyond mere affordability to address the urgency of the Valley’s current housing challenges. Participants explored innovative solutions that showcase the commitment of the Valley's affordable housing advocates to create diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities. 

Several members of the Self-Help Enterprises team were in attendance, actively participating and sharing valuable insights through presentations on critical topics such as affordable housing financing, strategies for addressing homelessness, and community investment. 

Key themes of the Summit included: 

• Leadership Development 
• Affordable Housing Financing and Resources 
• Strategies for Addressing Homelessness 
• Disaster Recovery and Prevention 
• Community Investment

The event was a fantastic opportunity for networking and strategizing on effective approaches to improve housing accessibility and sustainability in our region. We’re excited to continue working alongside the San Joaquin Valley Housing Collaborative and our partners to drive meaningful change in the San Joaquin Valley! 

For 60 years, Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) has been dedicated to uplifting and empowering the communities of the San Joaquin Valley. As the region faces increasing challenges from drought, water scarcity, and other natural disasters, SHE’s Emergency Services program has become a crucial resource for residents in need. Beginning with water well testing and emergency water provision during the 2014 drought, SHE’s Emergency Services program has grown into a comprehensive initiative focused on water sustainability, water quality, disaster preparedness, and climate resiliency.

SHE's Emergency Services first addressed the Valley's water crisis by providing temporary water solutions, including water deliveries and the installation of water storage tanks for households with dry wells. This effort has ensured that families in rural areas have access to clean water while working toward longer-term solutions, such as domestic well repair, replacement, or permanent connections to public water systems. Families needing immediate assistance with drinking water can also rely on SHE for bottled water delivery as a short-term solution while they work toward a sustainable water source.  Read more

As the Assistant Director, you will support the Director, provide general management and assistance with one or more of the Emergency Services programs, and participate in the organization’s overall management. Engaging with and educating our most vulnerable populations of the San Joaquin Valley with vital information about natural disasters like floods, fires, earthquakes, drought, and pandemics. SHE’s Emergency Services Team is committed to providing individuals, families, and communities with resources that will ensure safety and security during a disaster. The position will require some night and weekend and field-based work.

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!