Rural communities flourish when they find ways to keep housing affordable. In the Fall edition of HAC’s Rural Voices Magazine, SHE President/CEO Tom Collishaw and others share how we can develop more affordable housing in rural America.
Read more here: http://bit.ly/4s2bdBm
SHE's 2025 Annual Report is now available online!
While dramatic changes unfolding in Washington made daily news, SHE soldiered on in one of our most impactful years ever. Reaching a high of 100 homes in construction in our mutual self-help housing program, completing our first homes in the NMTC program, and opening new rental housing projects in Oakhurst, Reedley and Sanger were all highlights of our new construction activities. Continuing our commitment to housing preservation, we rehabilitated 83 single family homes, purchased four rental properties that were at risk of displacing low income residents, and completed major renovations at 3 of our aging rental properties. Critical community sustainability work continued, including 240 new domestic wells drilled, and nearly 1,400 households were connected to newly improved water and sewer systems. SHE also received recognition by investors and partners, including Community Housing Capital’s Best Housing Preservation Strategy and Merritt Capital’s Developer of the Year awards.
And that's just a fraction of all the work SHE accomplished in 2025. Read the full report on our website: https://loom.ly/u_HV1Ho
"Today I stand here in a totally different place, physically, mentally, and emotionally. This apartment is priceless to me. It is stability, peace, and a fresh start." - Shonna Salter, Rancho Colegio resident
On Friday, SHE welcomed residents like Shonna to the Grand Opening of Rancho Colegio, a new 80-unit affordable rental housing community in Visalia! Beyond housing, Rancho Colegio aims to foster educational growth, wellness, and community connection through access to on-site services and amenities, including free classes, indoor and outdoor community spaces, and more.
The project was made possible by a land donation from Colegio de la Tierra, a historic farmworker education institution which expands educational access for farmworker and low-income communities in the Central Valley. Friday's celebrations included the unveiling of the Colegio de la Tierra Community Center which is named in honor of the site's rich history.
Thank you to all who joined us, and to our many community partners who made this project possible!
In April, families celebrated the completion of a new affordable homeownership community in Madera County, marking a major milestone as 23 households received the keys to their new homes in Parksdale.
Through SHE’s Mutual Self-Help Housing model, participating families worked together to build their homes through “sweat equity,” contributing their time and effort alongside one another with guidance from construction staff. The program makes homeownership more accessible for working families who might otherwise not be able to afford a home.
Families gathered to mark the occasion, receiving keys and certificates of recognition as they officially moved into their new neighborhood, celebrating the completion of years of work and collaboration.
Congratulations, new homeowners!
This week, residents, local leaders, and community advocates - including SHE's Community Development team - came together to celebrate the groundbreaking of the East Orosi water consolidation project. By connecting East Orosi to the Orosi Public Utilities District, the project will bring clean drinking water to more than 100 homes for the first time in over 20 years.
Read more in our upcoming newsletter!
We worked with Self-Help Enterprises to create videos that highlight their programs in the San Joaquin Valley. @self_help_enterprises is a non-profit organization that focuses on community development primarily through housing programs. They have been impacting the valley for over 60 years.
This highlight features an interview from a Mutual Self-Help Housing participant along with footage from the original Self-Help film created in the ‘60s.
Want to learn more about how Self-Help Enterprises is having an impact? Click the 🔗 in our bio to watch the full video.
#zachgreenfilms #sanjoaquinvalley #selfhelpenterprises #nonprofit
On April 17th, we celebrated the groundbreaking of a new housing subdivision in Farmersville, which will create 101 affordable homeownership opportunities through the mutual self-help housing program!
This marks the city’s first subdivision since 2017… signaling a renewed commitment to growth, opportunity, and long-term economic vitality,” shared Mayor Tina Hernandez. “These homes represent more than housing—they represent momentum. They represent families investing in their future and, in turn, strengthening the future of Farmersville. That is shared success. That is what progress looks like when a community comes together. We are not waiting for opportunity to find us—we are creating it.”
After street improvements are completed, construction will begin following final permitting and take place in phases over the next three to four years. As families are selected and prepared for participation in the program, they will begin working together to build their homes and support one another through the process.
For more information about the program or to inquire about participation, please visit or call (559) 651-1000.
California’s farmworker families took center stage at the state Capitol on March 11, as advocates and leaders gathered to highlight the urgent need for affordable rural housing. SHE President and CEO Tom Collishaw joined rural affordable housing developers and advocates from across California at the California Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee’s oversight hearing on AB 457 (Soria). The hearing reviewed progress on the bill and provided a forum to discuss the ongoing need for farmworker and rural housing.
Tom emphasized the critical role that safe, affordable homes play for farmworker families, who are the backbone of California’s rural economies and national food supply. Attendees shared updates on current housing developments, identified ongoing challenges, and explored potential improvements to strengthen policies and expand housing opportunities for farmworker families.
SHE’s participation underscores the organization’s continued commitment to advocating for rural housing policies, supporting farmworker families, and ensuring that California’s agricultural communities have access to safe, stable, and affordable homes.
In March, we celebrated the first of many Bakersfield Community Land Trust (BCLT) key ceremonies in Bakersfield!
The BCLT was created to ensure that rising home prices never close the door on the city’s workforce, young families, and first-time homebuyers. By holding land in trust while allowing residents to own the structures built upon it, the BCLT keeps homes affordable in the long term and ensures that future buyers continue to benefit, while the partnership with Self-Help Enterprises brings decades of experience in housing development, technical support, and community-centered planning.
New homes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the BCLT website or contact SHE to learn more!
Last month, SHE welcomed Lance George and Manda LaPorte, a research team from @ruralhomehac , for a two-day visit to Planada to explore housing and infrastructure challenges facing farmworker communities.
Led by SHE Board Member and local Planada leader Olivia Gomez, the tour highlighted both the history and future of community development. The group visited Bear Creek Apartments, SHE’s first ever rental housing effort dating back to 1980, as well as the ongoing Mutual Self-Help Housing construction site and areas still recovering from recent flood damage.
On the second day, the team toured the Planada wastewater treatment facility, a critical project completed by SHE staff in partnership with the Planada Community Services District after years of funding and development challenges.
The visit offered valuable on-the-ground insight into the realities facing rural communities and showcased the collaborative work required to support long-term resilience and growth.
On February 18, Self-Help Enterprises staff joined local, state, and federal partners at the North Central Valley rural infrastructure convening in Modesto. The event focused on funding opportunities, technical assistance, and long-term solutions to strengthen rural communities.
Representing SHE were members of multiple teams, including Tami McVay, Director of Emergency Services; Jessi Snyder, Community Development Director; Eva Dominguez, Assistant Director of Community Development; and Eddie Ocampo, Director of Public Affairs, among others. Eva shared insights highlighting the ways our teams support rural infrastructure and resilient communities.
Participation in these regional discussions reflects SHE’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to resources, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting communities throughout the Central Valley.
💧 It’s Groundwater Awareness Week!
Do you know where your water comes from?
Groundwater plays a major role in our daily lives. Water is pumped from underground aquifers, treated for safe use, delivered to homes and businesses, and eventually returned to the environment where it can recharge again.
This cycle helps protect our long-term water supply and supports communities across California.
✔ Protects our water supply
✔ Supports communities and agriculture
✔ Helps manage drought
#GroundwaterAwarenessWeek #Groundwater #WaterEducation #CentralValley #WaterCycle.
Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part through an agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the foregoing, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
