Grand Opening of Sierra Village Apartments

Grand Opening of Sierra Village Apartments

Posted on August 15, 2018

On August 15, Self-Help Enterprises held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the new Sierra Village apartments, a 44-unit affordable rental community located at 1375 N. Crawford Ave. in Dinuba.

Sierra Village is a highly energy efficient and transit-friendly project. Sustainable features include solar PV, water conservation measures, and a vanpool program in partnership with the California Vanpool Authority that will transport residents from Sierra Village and the surrounding area to and from work. The project’s solar panel system will offset the power used in the common area, residential loads, and community center, making Sierra Village a grid neutral Zero Net Energy project. This will result in reduced utility bills for residents and the property, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. In addition, Sierra Village will include sidewalks, pedestrian improvements and bike lanes along East Davis Drive and North Crawford Ave.

Sierra Village is being financed through a combination of HOME funds, Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program funds, and low-income housing tax credits. The AHSC program is administered through a partnership between the Strategic Growth Council and the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) and is funded by Cap-and-Trade proceeds.

“This project combines water- and energy-efficient affordable housing, access to clean and shared transportation options that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and a variety of other benefits for residents and community members. It’s a great example of the holistic community development that the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program supports,” said Louise Bedsworth, Executive Director of the Strategic Growth Council.

“Thanks to a Legislative vote to extend California’s Cap-and-Trade program to the year 2030, more developments like Sierra Village will receive vital funding from the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program,” said Ben Metcalf, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development. “Specifically, our funding will create greatly needed sidewalks and bike paths, so residents can safely walk and bike, drive less, and reduce greenhouse gases in California.”

Dinuba has a large population of agricultural workers, with many families working in the fields and in local packing plants. Many of these families often live in over-crowded conditions and in substandard housing, not earning enough to afford market-rate housing.

“We believe strongly that a decent place to live is one of the basic building blocks for families and for the stability and success of children,” said Tom Collishaw, President/Chief Executive Officer, Self-Help Enterprises. “Sierra Village brings a much-needed housing opportunity for working families who need and deserve affordable housing. We’re proud to be part of the Dinuba community.”

More than just a roof over the head, Sierra Village features one-, two- and three-bedroom units, with a 3,027 sq. ft. community building, playground, and open space for residents. The community building includes a computer lab, which will be available to adults and children for schoolwork and educational activities. Resident service programs will also be offered to enhance the everyday lives and futures of the residents. These programs include financial fitness classes, computer literacy classes, nutrition classes, English as a second language (ESL) classes, and adult fitness classes.

Monthly net rents, ranging from $316 to $732, are determined based on unit size and income. By offering low monthly rents, Self-Help Enterprises is providing an affordable housing opportunity that will serve the needs of working families.

Sierra Village is the second affordable rental community built by Self-Help Enterprises in the city of Dinuba. Viscaya Gardens, featuring 48-units, has been serving the Dinuba community since 2013. In addition to the construction of Sierra Village, a second phase of the project will include 64- additional units of affordable apartment rental housing expected to be completed in the summer of 2019. The project includes Energy-star appliances, a playground, community room, computer lab, and resident services.

For over 40 years, Self-Help Enterprises has also developed rental housing, primarily in underserved communities. Sierra Village is among 31 affordable apartment rental communities serving 1,408 families throughout the San Joaquin Valley.

See photos from the grand opening here.