'Firsts', milestones and pioneering moments from 2019!
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1. First PSHH Student to Graduate from a Masters Program!
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Lizbeth Hernandez attended our education program from fifth grade through high school. After winning a scholarship to Mount St. Mary’s University, where she studied abroad in Spain, and was a top three finalist in the Hispanic College Quiz, she became a passionate advocate for minorities. Graduating with a B.S. in Social Work, she returned to PSHH for a year as the College Club Coordinator.
Continuing her studies, this past year, Lizbeth earned an MSW from Columbia University. This achievement made her the first student from the education program to not only complete a master’s-level degree, but to graduate from an Ivy League school!
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2. The 1200
th Self-Help Home Completed!
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For nearly fifty years, PSHH has been helping families realize the American Dream: the empowerment of owning a home. This amazing program leverages time, effort (“sweat equity”), with teams working alongside each other, to transform hard work into the investment of a lifetime. This year, the Home Ownership program reached a milestone – the 1200
th
home!
Built in the Mission Gardens neighborhood in San Miguel, this development also includes the first little library in a self-help community, with English and Spanish books available for neighbors to borrow and share.
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3. Community Rallies with Generous Support for Grandview Residents
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The horrendous conditions at the 54-unit Grandview Apartments gained notoriety after the owners, who had failed to address the neglected vermin-infested housing for years, opted to go out of business rather than make necessary repairs.
When dozens of these families were issued eviction notices, just weeks before the holidays, community partners and generous donors stepped forward with an incredible display of compassion and financial support.
The Grandview Appeal was able to provide financial assistance to the families, assisting with relocation expenses, replacement of household items and food, and medical and mental health services. This wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of so many community partners. Thank you!
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4. New Housing for Seniors and Farmworkers!
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The beginning of 2019 was marked with much excitement as PSHH broke ground on two new properties in northern Santa Barbara County: Guadalupe Court and Sierra Madre Cottages.
With a central location downtown, Guadalupe Court is a two-acre development that will be transformed into affordable housing for farmworkers and their families. The new community will include 38 rental units, outdoor courtyard and barbecue area, innovative play area and community center.
Developed through a 10 year partnership with the congregation of Bethel Lutheran Church, a more than two-acre development will provide 40 units of affordable housing for residents age 62 and older in Santa Maria. Sierra Madre Cottages is a LEED Silver Energy efficient project and includes, a community center, drought tolerant landscaping, and a community garden.
Both projects are anticipated for completion in mid-2020.
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5. President's 50th Anniversary Address
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On August 6, 2019, PSHH staff convened for a special Anniversary Address from President/CEO John Fowler. This special gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look towards the future of the organization.
As we anticipate August 6, 2020, our 50
th
Anniversary, excitement is mounting for all that is to come. We hope that you will be able to join us for one of the many celebrations that will be taking place throughout the next year!
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San Luis Obispo
3533 Empleo Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 781-3088
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Ventura
56 E. Main Street #200
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 695-5138
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Santa Barbara
26 E. Victoria Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 962-5152
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