A New Roof Over Her head

A New Roof Over Her head

Posted on April 30, 2021

China has lived in her Fresno home for over 20 years; long enough to build a beautiful home where her children and grandchildren are able to spend quality time together. A neighborhood she describes as “nice and quaint” is where she hopes to continue living for many more years.

“It’s a good neighborhood, we all know one another,” says China. “And I love working in my backyard and in my garden.”

With the passage of time, however, her home has gone through some wear and tear, particularly on her roof. She had plans to get it fixed but when COVID-19 hit, she was one of the many individuals who lost their jobs.

“It was very hard to hear that I was being let go,” said China. “I had been working in the medical administration field for over 30 years and suddenly it was all gone. But in a way, it was a blessing in disguise.”

China learned of Self-Help Enterprises’ Rehabilitation Program through her mortgage lender friend. She decided to reach out in early 2020 and started the process to replace her roof.

“We are so happy that we were able to help China,” said Patty Garcia, Loan Processor for SHE’s Rehabilitation Program.  “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the approval process for her grant took longer than expected but she was very patient with us.”

The process started in June of 2020, and her new roof was completed in February of 2021.

“I am so grateful for SHE’s help. I recently looked into an unofficial appraisal and I saw that my home value already went up. I couldn’t ask for more,” smiled China.

Currently, China is working with Workforce Connection and will be starting a Phlebotomy program in May which will help her grow in her career.

SHE operates a rehabilitation program to preserve and improve existing housing stock. Through partnerships with cities and counties in the San Joaquin Valley, SHE works with local community leaders to identify housing needs, secure funding, and successfully implement housing repairs for residents.

Deferred payment loans are available to qualified homeowners for essential health and safety repairs which typically include roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/cooling, foundation, windows, and handicap accessible modifications. There is no monthly payment. The loan is due and payable upon sale, change of title, or change of use – such as change from owner occupied to renter occupied. Housing rehabilitation assistance can meet a critical need for homeowners who lack the funds to make necessary health and safety improvements to their homes.

To date, Self-Help Enterprises’ assistance to local communities has resulted in over 6,000 rehabilitated homes. For questions, please contact Patty Garcia at 559-802-1618.