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In 1965, Self-Help Enterprises began a journey working to provide affordable housing to the hardworking families of the Valley who were so often left behind. Working with the people who spent their days working tirelessly in the fields that feed our country, the communal goal was to build a house for those deserving households, to lay a foundation for future growth. Fifty-seven years later, we are still committed to our mission, to work together with low-income families to build and sustain healthy homes and communities. As times have changed, we have adapted by adopting the most effective strategies to provide opportunities for housing, including multifamily rental housing and permanent supportive housing, along with broader community development services to families in our San Joaquin Valley.
The Real Estate Development team at SHE is committed to this mission and is working to expand the rental housing development pipeline. To bring this mission to life, SHE is in the process of closing financing and commencing construction on 333 new affordable rental and permanent supportive units at five different locations. The recent construction starts include:
· Sierra Village II in Dinuba – 64 units
· Palm Terrace II in Lindsay – 54 units
· The Lofts at Fort Visalia – 80 units
· Santa Fe Commons I in Tulare – 81 units, and
· Los Arroyos II in Farmersville – 54 units
In addition, SHE currently has 42 units under construction in Mariposa and 155 units under construction in partnership with UPholdings, for a total of 530 units in construction. All projects include a combination of one, two, and three-bedroom units and provide housing opportunities for large families, seniors, individuals, farmworker households, and families experiencing homelessness. Furthermore, SHE has approximately 1,200 additional units in various stages of predevelopment.
One of the ways that SHE is supporting diversity and creating opportunities for vulnerable community members is with The Lofts at Fort Visalia. This site combines mixed-use spaces to expand and enhance the downtown arts district while providing high-quality living areas for local artists and community members. The Lofts includes the construction of an 80-unit affordable rental community, including one manager’s unit and 79 units serving residents below 50% of the area median income. Of the one-bedroom units, 50% will be set aside as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) which will include extensive wrap-around services from Tulare County Health and Human Services. The Lofts will include a variety of sustainability features, with the goal of making these residences grid neutral zero net energy. SHE will offer a robust program of on-site resident services, including job training, health and medical services, financial literacy, and homebuyer education. SHE will work in partnership with The Arts Consortium to provide additional services through their arts program and will coordinate with the Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance and other local partners for referrals. The City of Visalia provided funding for the project and has been a wonderful partner in this effort as well as achieving all milestones for the issuance of building permits. The County also provided funding and stepped up in a major way with services for the residents.
Collectively with our partners and residents, SHE is combatting homelessness, one resident at a time, holistically through our combined resources and expertise. Our goal is to continue to provide individuals and families the freedom to live securely and build for their future.
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