Celebrating the Grand Opening of River Grove in Oakhurst!

Celebrating the Grand Opening of River Grove in Oakhurst!

Posted on April 2, 2025

On March 25, Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) celebrated the grand opening of River Grove, a 70-unit affordable housing development in Oakhurst, California. Located at 39963 Sierra Way in the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills, River Grove is a critical step toward addressing Madera County’s growing housing needs. The development provides much-needed homes for low-income families and individuals, offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for those earning between 20% and 50% of the area’s median income.

The grand opening ceremony was attended by local leaders, community members, and key partners, underscoring the collaborative efforts required to bring this project to life. “Today’s opening of River Grove marks a pivotal moment in our effort to create affordable housing in a region of Madera County with unique workforce housing needs,” said Tom Collishaw, President and CEO of Self-Help Enterprises. “This project brings more than just homes—it offers an opportunity for families to thrive in a supportive, sustainable environment. We are proud to play a role in helping make that possible.”

River Grove represents a significant milestone in SHE’s commitment to addressing the affordable housing challenge in Madera County. With the completion of Phase I, which includes 70 units, the development is poised to grow, with plans already underway for Phase II. This expansion will add another 50 units, bringing the total number of homes to 120, helping to meet the growing demand for affordable housing in the area.

Speakers at the event included Madera County Supervisor Bobby Macaulay, Former Madera County District 5 Supervisor, Tom Wheeler, and Patty Fado, Branch Chief of the Division of State Financial Assistance at the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

“This project has created safe and affordable housing for hundreds of Oakhurst residents,” said Madera County Supervisor Bobby Macaulay. “I am so grateful for the team at Self Help Enterprises and all of their efforts in getting this project completed.”

River Grove is part of a broader initiative to address housing needs in Madera County. The development includes 22 units specifically designated for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), a program aimed at providing long-term housing stability to individuals experiencing homelessness and living with disabilities. PSH residents benefit from tailored services that help promote housing stability and support long-term success.

Jessica Turner, a new PSH resident, shared her personal story, describing the support services and stable environment River Grove has provided, helping her rebuild her life:

“Being here today means so much to me. River Grove has given me a fresh start and a place to call home. The support I’ve received has helped me get back on my feet, and now I feel like I’m finally moving forward. It’s more than just a roof over my head—it’s a safe, welcoming community, and I’m so thankful for that.”

The new community offers a variety of amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life, including a community room with meeting space and a kitchen, a playground, a basketball court, electric vehicle charging stations, and a pet relief area. The development also incorporates sustainable features such as solar energy, energy-efficient design, and water-conserving landscaping.

In line with its mission to support the long-term success of its residents, River Grove will offer a range of educational and support programs, including instructor-led adult educational, health, and wellness classes, skill-building programs, and an after-school program for school-age children. Additionally, a partnership with Madera County Behavioral Health Services (BHS) will help provide services tailored specifically to PSH residents, further enhancing the support available to the community.

In a special tribute during the grand opening, the community room at River Grove was officially named the Tom Wheeler Community Center. This honor recognizes Tom Wheeler’s years of dedicated service to Madera County and his pivotal role in advocating for affordable housing solutions in Oakhurst. As retired Madera County District 5 Supervisor, Wheeler’s leadership and commitment to improving the lives of residents in the region were instrumental in bringing the River Grove community to fruition.

“When this project was first discussed, I never could have imagined what a great asset it would be for the community,” said Tom Wheeler. “Now all these people have a safe and affordable place to live. It’s just amazing.”

Funding for River Grove was made possible through key partnerships with the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC), the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), Madera County, Wells Fargo, and other vital supporters, including the HCD No Place Like Home (NPLH) and Infill Infrastructure Grant (IIG) programs, which provide essential funding for affordable housing and supportive services. Other key partnerships include RCAC, FHLB of San Francisco/Community West Bank (AHP Program), and BUILD.

River Grove plays an essential role in addressing the housing crisis in the region, offering affordable homes for families in need while ensuring residents have access to supportive services that will improve their long-term well-being. The development aligns with state and local housing goals, marking a significant step toward a more inclusive and sustainable future for Oakhurst.

Self-Help Enterprises remains dedicated to providing affordable housing solutions and community development services across the San Joaquin Valley. For more information about River Grove and other projects by SHE, please visit www.selfhelpenterprises.org.