Councilmember Miguel Arias made the announcement at a press conference last month, along with words from Self-Help Enterprises’ President and CEO Tom Collishaw and Golden Westside Planning Committee Chair Debbie Darden. 

"We are pleased to partner with the Housing Successor Agency of the City of Fresno and the City of Fresno to bring this much-needed homeownership opportunity to Southwest Fresno," said Collishaw. "This area has lacked housing options for many years, and we are proud to be able to bring this homeownership opportunity." 

The future homes will replace the vacant lots at the corner of East Florence Avenue and South Walnut Avenue, conveniently across from Computech Middle School and Edison High School. It's also situated just two blocks away from the future FCC West Fresno CTC Campus, the future United Health Center, and served by FAX Route 38. 

On April 26th, SHE was awarded the San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Award of Merit for Residential Development in recognition of Sugar Pine Village. Estevan Benavides, SHE Sr. Project Manager, accepted the award at the San Joaquin Valley Policy Conference in Manteca. The Blueprint Awards program recognizes outstanding achievements and practices in the built environment.  

Sugar Pine Village is a multi-family affordable rental community in Madera that connects health and housing to provide a safe living environment where residents can thrive. It first opened its doors to residents in December 2021. The project features one-, two-, and three-bedroom units with monthly net rents set according to income. Through integrated permanent supportive housing and robust services, the community services both families and individuals experiencing homelessness. Sugar Pine Village provides an immediate housing-first solution by reserving 16 out of its 52 units as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). Via its affordable units and supportive services, Sugar Pine Village elevates the sustainability of the greater Madera community. In collaboration with state, county, and local partners, the project ensures residents have safe and stable housing.  

Mike Carnes

Mr. Carnes has extensive experience working with grant programs for USDA including Housing Preservation Grants, Self Help Technical Assistance Grants, Rural Business Enterprise Grants and Community Facility Grants. “I have worked with SHE staff for over 40 years and greatly admire what they have accomplished”, said Carnes. “I support their mission and goals. I believe my experience will be useful to the organization.” 

Gary Rodriguez



Mr. Rodriguez previously served as a SHE board member beginning in 1994 and continuing until 2018. He recently retired from an extensive teaching career in Shafter and decided to rejoin SHE. Mr. Rodriguez continues his hobby of community organizing. In addition to SHE’s board, he serves on the Non-Profit Committee for the Preservation of La Colonia (CPLC) and the Shafter Recreation and Park District. “SHE is such a remarkable organization to be a part of,” said Rodriguez. “Shafter and La Colonia Mexicans was the first area SHE stepped into in Kern County. I’m proud to help SHE carry on its legacy in rural disadvantaged communities.” 

On April 10th, TC Hope and Community Services Employment Training (CSET) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Visalia Navigation Center, a 100-bed, low-barrier facility with wraparound support services for people experiencing homelessness. The future housing project will be located on a property provided by Self-Help Enterprises near Glendale Avenue and Court Street in Visalia.  

The project’s “navigation” title refers to the availability of case managers that will connect residents to supportive services. On-site resources will include beds, showers, laundry facilities, meals, phone/mail services, animal kennels, storage space, and parking. It will also offer health services, employment training, substance abuse, and connections to permanent housing opportunities.  

The Visalia Navigation Center is estimated to be completed in Spring 2024. Upon completion of the project, a neighborhood council will be established to provide feedback and ongoing dialogue between the center and the surrounding neighborhood and community. 

Our team of 200+ people are joined with a shared mission of working with families to build and sustain healthy homes and communities. You can too!