60 Years Strong: Celebrating SHE’s Journey & Impact

60 Years Strong: Celebrating SHE’s Journey & Impact

Posted on December 30, 2024

As we close out 2024, Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) reflects on a milestone year marking our 60th anniversary—a celebration of innovation, growth, and steadfast dedication to the communities we serve. From our humble beginnings in 1965 helping families build their own homes, SHE has evolved into a nationally recognized community development organization. With departments covering Mutual Self-Help Housing, Emergency Services, Real Estate Development, Permanent Supportive Housing, Community Development, Resident Services, and more, our mission to build and sustain healthy homes and communities has reached new heights.

Each month this past year, we highlighted a different aspect of SHE’s history and impact. We began with our pioneering Mutual Self-Help Housing program, empowering families to achieve homeownership through sweat equity. We explored Emergency Services, which have grown to include innovative water and disaster preparedness programs. The new Resident Services department brought a spotlight to after-school programs, job training, and health resources that enrich the lives of our residents. Finally, we celebrated transformative projects like The Lofts at Fort Visalia and Neighborhood Village in Goshen, which redefine housing solutions for the most vulnerable populations.

The year alone also brought significant accomplishments. We completed the Reedley and Shafter Mutual Self-Help Housing subdivisions, broke ground on a new housing development in Goshen, and completed the Los Arroyos and Santa Fe Commons rental projects. Through emergency services, we drilled 194 wells—the most in any year—while securing $15.5 million for flood response and recovery efforts. Our community development work brought essential improvements to water systems in Tooleville, Allensworth, and beyond, while new partnerships expanded our reach across the San Joaquin Valley.

SHE wouldn’t be where it is today without our partners, donors, and the incredible, dedicated staff of 232 individuals who bring our mission to life. Together, we’ve touched the lives of over 65,000 families, creating safe, affordable homes and thriving communities across nine counties in the heart of California. Your contributions—whether financial, collaborative, or personal—have been the foundation of our success, allowing us to grow and innovate in ways we couldn’t have imagined 60 years ago.

As we look to the future, we are excited about the possibilities ahead. With continued collaboration and community support, we will expand our impact, face new challenges with determination, and build on the legacy of trust and hope that defines SHE. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to the next 60 years of working together to create healthy, sustainable communities for all!