Vulnerability to Stability: SHE’s Commitment to Housing Innovation

Vulnerability to Stability: SHE’s Commitment to Housing Innovation

Posted on November 26, 2024

As Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) celebrates 60 years of empowering communities, innovation remains at the heart of its mission. SHE continually seeks new approaches to address the evolving needs of the most vulnerable populations in the San Joaquin Valley. Two recent projects, The Lofts at Fort Visalia and The Neighborhood Village in Goshen, exemplify this commitment by providing transformative housing solutions paired with robust support services, creating pathways to stability and opportunity.

The Lofts at Fort Visalia, an 80-unit multifamily complex in downtown Visalia, bridges affordable housing, history, and the arts. With 40 units reserved for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), The Lofts provides a safe haven for formerly unhoused individuals or those at risk of homelessness. Residents like Yolanda Guerrero, who found a fresh start after facing significant personal and financial challenges, are welcomed into fully furnished apartments equipped with energy-efficient appliances. The community also features a vibrant mix of resources, including an Arts Consortium gallery, a community kitchen, and a Fort Visalia Heritage Room that honors the site’s historical significance. 

Beyond housing, The Lofts offers on-site resident services in collaboration with local organizations. These services, ranging from mental health support to job training, ensure residents have access to the resources they need to thrive. As SHE President and CEO Tom Collishaw noted during the grand opening, “The Lofts is a community asset linking Visalia’s past to its future while meeting the critical housing needs of today.” 

In Goshen, SHE is redefining supportive housing with The Neighborhood Village, a 53-unit community that serves individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Built with modular housing manufactured off-site, the Village combines affordability and innovation. But it is much more than just housing—it’s a holistic environment designed for transformation. Amenities such as a coffee shop, community kitchen, park, and organic garden foster a sense of belonging, while wraparound services like job training, wellness classes, and mental health support empower residents to rebuild their lives. 

The Neighborhood Village is the result of a groundbreaking partnership between SHE and Salt + Light, a Visalia-based nonprofit addressing homelessness. As Salt + Light CEO Adrianne Hillman explained, the Village represents “a space of true transformation… This is not just housing. This is about human belonging, purpose, and hope.” Residents like Patrick, who overcame a 30-year struggle with addiction, have found stability and support through the Village’s compassionate and comprehensive approach. 

These projects are examples of SHE’s ability to meet complex challenges with innovative solutions. By integrating housing with arts, history, and a robust support network, The Lofts and Neighborhood Village are transforming lives while enriching their communities. They reflect SHE’s commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive future for the San Joaquin Valley.