This month, three families celebrated closing on their new homes in Hanford through Self-Help Enterprises’ (SHE) Single Family Home Project in partnership with the City of Hanford. These homes are part of a Single Family Infill Project, which focuses on building homes on vacant or underutilized lots within established neighborhoods. The goal is to revitalize areas and increase housing options without expanding the city’s footprint. 

Two of these families were kind enough to share their personal journeys and narratives with us. Christian Hernandez and Juan C. Lopez are among the proud homeowners who have worked hard to turn their dreams of homeownership into reality for their families. 

After years in small apartments, Christian is thrilled to provide a comfortable home for his parents and sister. “Living in small apartments was tiring. Finally, being able to give my family the house they deserve means so much,” he says. With support from SHE and City of Hanford funds, Christian’s dream of homeownership has come true, giving his family more space and comfort.  

For Juan, homeownership was always a dream, and after more than a year of effort, he made it a reality. Through SHE’s “Llaves De Tu Casa” workshop, he gained the resources needed to achieve it. “It was important to me to have a place to call my own and be part of the Hanford community,” he shares. His new home has also provided a better environment for his younger siblings, helping them academically and socially. Juan has noticed significant changes, including more leisure time and a shorter commute, which helps him be more productive. 

SHE is proud to support Christian and Juan in their homeownership journeys. Their stories are a testament to the resilience and dedication it takes to build a better future. We look forward to helping more families in Hanford achieve the dream of homeownership. Congratulations to both families on this exciting new chapter! 

At Self-Help Enterprises, we are always thrilled to see families benefit from our Housing Rehabilitation Program like Feliciano and Alisa Solorzano, whose home in Dinuba received much-needed repairs, transforming their living conditions for the better. 

The Solorzano family’s journey began when their daughter, Vanessa, learned about the program through a city referral. Knowing that her parents’ home was in dire need of repairs, Vanessa reached out to us for assistance. With her father’s health issues and their fixed income from social security benefits, it was clear that this support would be invaluable. 

Before the rehabilitation, the Solorzano home had several challenges. The electrical system was outdated, and half of their home was without electricity—leaving them to rely on extension cords just to power their kitchen appliances. “They were living, but not comfortably,” Vanessa shared. “They couldn’t watch TV and use the kitchen at the same time. If they used one outlet, the rest would go out and leave them without power.” 

The home also had severe roof damage, and the family had to remove tree branches that were touching the roof, which had led to their homeowner’s insurance being canceled. To make matters worse, Alisa faced major health issues and required open-heart surgery, further complicating the situation. Despite these setbacks, our team worked closely with the Solorzanos to address their needs. 

Matt Fults, the rehab manager at Self-Help Enterprises, played a pivotal role in helping the family navigate the process. His expertise and compassion made a world of difference. After overcoming numerous hurdles—including securing insurance and dealing with construction delays—the home was finally transformed. The repairs included a new roof, upgraded electrical systems, termite treatments, and fire safety improvements. “If we wouldn’t have found this program, we wouldn’t have been able to do anything,” Vanessa said. “Matt was amazing—very patient and understanding.” 

The Solorzano family is now living in a safer, more comfortable home. They’re especially grateful for the accessibility improvements, including handicap-accessible showers in both restrooms, allowing Alisa to maintain her independence. “They were able to pick the colors—Mom loved that,” Vanessa added. “In the end, everything came out amazing.” 

Vanessa has already shared her positive experience with many others in need. “There are a lot of people who are retired and need repairs but can barely afford groceries. This program makes a huge difference.” 

We’re so glad to have been part of the Solorzano family’s journey, helping them create a home where they can live safely and comfortably for years to come. 

If you or someone you know is in need of home repairs, don’t hesitate to reach out to Self-Help Enterprises’ Housing Rehabilitation Program.

We are excited to announce that our 2024 Annual Report is now available online! This year’s report holds special significance as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Self-Help Enterprises. To mark this milestone, we’ve included a SHE Historical Timeline showcasing key moments in our organization’s journey—from our humble beginnings to our current efforts in helping families across the San Joaquin Valley. 

Since 1965, Self-Help Enterprises has been dedicated to working alongside low-income families to build and sustain healthy homes and communities. Our efforts have touched the lives of over 70,000 families, and we continue to expand our programs, which include Mutual Self-Help Housing, Housing Rehabilitation, Rental Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing, Community Development, and Emergency Services. 

This year’s report not only reflects on six decades of impact but also provides insight into our ongoing work to create thriving communities for the future. 

We invite you to take a moment to explore our Annual Report and join us in celebrating 60 years of progress. Download a copy here!

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!