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February, 2017 - In This Issue
 
The Tulare County Board of Supervisors approved and awarded the contract
to begin construction of a water well in the drought-impacted community of Monson. Residents from Monson and the neighboring community of Sultana attended the Board of Supervisors meeting to witness the vote. The water well is an important step in constructing a community water system in Monson that will be connected to the water system in Sultana, thereby providing a permanent water source. Construction of the well is expected to begin in early March with completion in July.
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 an opening for an Administrative Analyst in our mutual self-help housing program responsible for program analysis, public presentations, report preparation, public relations, grant and proposal writing, and support to self-help housing program staff. We are also recruiting for a n Office Tech responsible for general office / clerical duties, participant intake and processing, and support to program staff. 

DORIS "DO" DOOLEY SCHOLARSHIP
Self-Help Enterprises is accepting applications for the Doris "Do" Dooley academic scholarship. The scholarship, named after Self-Help Enterprises' former Board member and dedicated friend of the organization, was established to assist the children of Self-Help Enterprises' participant families who are pursuing their dreams of higher education.
  
This competitive academic scholarship is available to students whose families have participated in one of our  programs and who plan to enroll full-time in a vocational or trade school, community college or four-year university. Learn more about eligibility and download the application  here. Scholarship applications are being accepted through March 31.

Since 1997, Self-Help Enterprises has awarded 108 scholarships totaling $87,250 to deserving students. 
REPAIRING HOMES, RENEWING HOPE 
For low-income families, basic and needed repairs to their homes are sometimes impossible. Through Self-Help Enterprises' Housing Rehabilitation program, families are able to preserve and improve their home. The program focuses on major renovation projects designated to bring substandard housing into compliance with current building codes and standards.
 
One family that has benefited from the program is Amada Lopez, a single mother of two young boys, who was in desperate need of home repairs after suddenly losing her husband. She resided in a dilapidated home with no funds to make necessary repairs. 


 
After contacting Self-Help Enterprises about the City of Woodlake's housing rehabilitation program, Ms. Lopez qualified for a 0% interest deferred payment loan to make all necessary repairs. Repairs to her home included re-roofing and roof structure repair, installing AC, insulating the entire home, installing new energy-efficient windows and rain gutters, replacing water and sewer lines, installing a new water heater, installing new kitchen cabinets and flooring, and painting the exterior/interior of the home.
 
Ms. Lopez often worried about living in the unsafe conditions of their home. Today, her family resides in a new, safe home that serves as a foundation for a bright future.
FINDING 'HOME' AT SELF-HELP ENTERPRISES 
By Adriana Perez, First-Time Homebuyer Program Participant & Housing Rehabilitation Project Technician
As a single parent with a goal to provide stability and safety for my  children, I was determined to give my family a place to call home.

I began exploring housing options and came across a subdivision where new homes were being built by Self-Help Enterprises. I decided to contact the organization to learn more. After learning about the various housing programs, I chose the First-Time Homebuyer program due to my circumstances. Through the program, I qualified for down payment assistance that allowed me to purchase a home and have an affordable mortgage payment.

I also signed up for Self-Help Enterprises' Homebuyer Education class, which educated me on the entire process to purchase a home - from reaching out to realtors to closing costs. The class encouraged me to establish a homeownership team that consisted of Self-Help Enterprises, my realtor, and my mortgage company. Together, my homeownership team made my dream of owning a home a reality. There are not enough words to describe how thankful I am.

When I learned that Self-Help Enterprises was hiring a Project Technician, I knew I could use my skills and experience in the First-Time Homebuyer program to help other families. Now as a Project Technician for the Housing Rehabilitation department, I pay it forward by working with families to give them the opportunity that was extended to me. This is where I was meant to be, I'm home!
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8445 W. Elowin Court, Visalia, CA 93291		 All Rights Reserved.
559.651.1000