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March, 2016 - In This Issue

   
Self-Help Enterprises In The News

Progress is being made on the construction of Highland Gardens, our first affordable rental housing project in Visalia. The apartment rental community will consist of 36 apartments arranged in a U-shape around a basketball court, playground, and community garden where residents can grow fruits and vegetables. See video of the progress here.
JOIN OUR TEAM
Self-Help Enterprises offers an exciting work environment where you can bring your high caliber skills to a true career opportunity and impact the world around you.

We have openings for an Accounting Technician responsible for maintaining records, preparing reports, and providing accounts payable support; and a  Community Development Specialist responsible for working with rural residents and boards to assist them in the development and management of community systems.

HOMELIFT PROGRAM BOOSTS HOMEOWNERSHIP
In May 2015, Self-Help Enterprises partnered with NeighborWorks of Sacramento to launch Wells Fargo's HomeLIFT program through NeighborWorks America®. The program, available in the communities of Stockton, Modesto and Fresno, provides $15,000 downpayment assistance grants in the form of forgivable loans to qualifying homebuyers wishing to purchase a home within any of the three cities.

Through the program, $7.5 million was available for up to 369 homebuyers, all of which was reserved by the end of February 2016. Of the three cities, Fresno saw the most activity with 267 individuals and families receiving the grant. Self-Help Enterprises and NeighborWorks Sacramento determined homebuyer eligibility and administered the down payment assistance grants.

Simultaneously, Self-Help Enterprises launched the HomeLIFT program with NeighborWorks America® in Bakersfield in July 2015. This effort provided $15,000 downpayment assistance grants to 219 homebuyers. All funds have been reserved as of the end of February 2016. Of the 219 loans, 159 loans have closed to date allowing families to move into their new homes. The remaining 59 loans are expected to close over the next three months.
 
The HomeLIFT grant has made homeownership affordable for hard-working families and individuals, while also helping to strengthen neighborhoods. 
INCREASING ACCESS TO RENTAL HOUSING
Self-Help Enterprises is assisting in the rehabilitation of the Strawberry Street Apartments located in the economically disadvantaged Visalia neighborhood known as North Visalia/Oval. The project, a partnership with the City of Visalia, will bring five apartment units up to current building code to address health and safety concerns. The apartments will also be improved for energy efficiency and ADA compliance.

This will be Self-Help Enterprises' first project that includes special needs housing for formerly homeless individuals and families. The five units are expected to provide new housing to 13 people this year and will serve as a catalyst for both neighborhood improvements and future supportive housing partnerships.

The City of Visalia established the North Visalia Neighborhood Advisory Committee to work on stabilization and improving the neighborhood. Various community revitalization efforts have been implemented, and the rehabilitation of the Strawberry Street Apartments will assist in that effort while providing affordable housing opportunities.

Overall, the project will serve as an example of community partnerships as a mechanism to stabilize and improve challenged communities.

AFFORDABLE FACTORY-BUILT HOUSING SOLUTIONS

Self-Help Enterprises was awarded $1 million in funding to assist
individuals with the repair, replacement and/or purchase of manufactured housing within Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern counties. Funding is available to low-income families who own and occupy a manufactured home that is in need of health and safety repairs. The home may be located in a manufactured home park or on private land. Manufactured homes more than 20 years old in need of substantial repairs may be eligible for a replacement home. Funding is provided by the Cal Home program, which grants up to $60,000 in financing per home as a 20 year forgivable loan to qualified low-income homeowners. Those seeking homeownership may also qualify for a 20-year forgivable loan of up to $60,000 to help them purchase their first manufactured home.

Self-Help Enterprises has assisted three households to date. For Betty Lou Stark, a retired senior who resides in Chowchilla, the replacement of her home with a new ENERGY-STAR manufactured home means safety and security. After the passing of her husband, Ms. Stark was unable to keep up with critical home repairs due to her physical limitations and living on a fixed income. Ms. Stark's mobile home (pictured above) faced extensive repairs including gaps in the windows and doors that let hot air in during the summer and cold air in during the winter, a leaky roof that was caving in, and dry rot. Unable to meet building code standards, Ms. Stark applied for the manufactured housing program and will move in to her new home in April 2016.

Those wishing to participate in the program must be at or below 80% of the County median income, have current registration on their existing unit, and may need the ability to qualify for additional funds should the full cost of repairs, replacement or purchase exceed the funding limits of the program. Funding is available through September 2017. To learn more or apply for the Manufactured Housing Program, please contact Melissa Valdez at 559-802-1621.
CITY OF VISALIA ACTION PLAN
Since 2011, Self-Help Enterprises has been a partner with the City in providing housing services to the citizens of Visalia utilizing HOME and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Services have included housing rehabilitation, emergency repairs, a senior  mobile home repair program, homebuyer counseling and education, acquisition/rehabilitation/resale, and apartment rental development and revitalization. 

The City's Action Plan identifies the need for such programs and funding and allows the citizens of Visalia to voice their opinions for or against the proposed program, as well as other needed services. It is important that we assist the City in making this information available to those most likely to utilize the services being provided and support Self-Help Enterprises' mission to work together with low-income families to build and sustain healthy homes and communities.

Learn more and read the public notice  here.
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