Celebrating NeighborWorks Week and 300th Home Milestone in Planada!

Celebrating NeighborWorks Week and 300th Home Milestone in Planada!

Posted on June 30, 2025

On the morning of June 11th, community members, local leaders, and partners gathered in Planada to celebrate NeighborWorks Week and a major milestone: the construction of the 300th home through Self-Help Enterprises’ (SHE) Mutual Self-Help Housing (MSHH) program. 

Held at SHE’s active construction site on Topeka Street, the event underscored the power of resident-led development and strong community partnerships. Attendees heard from local leaders, participant families, and partner organizations, and joined in a wall raising photo moment to witness the tangible progress underway alongside families currently building their homes.

Since 1968, Self-Help Enterprises has worked with families in Planada to construct homes using the mutual self-help method—a collaborative process in which groups of families contribute labor, or “sweat equity,” under the guidance of SHE construction staff to build each other’s homes. These hours serve as a down payment, making homeownership affordable for families who may not otherwise qualify. Today, that effort has resulted in the building of 300 homes in Planada—each one a product of teamwork, determination, and community support. 

There are currently 22 homes under construction on Topeka Street, and 20 families have recently moved into their completed homes. 

“This milestone is more than a number—it represents hundreds of families who’ve literally built Planada while building a future for their families,” said Tom Collishaw, President and CEO of Self-Help Enterprises. “Planada has shown extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity, and it’s our privilege to continue working alongside residents as they invest in this community, in themselves, and in each other.” 

SHE is also celebrating their broader partnership with the Planada community, which includes rental housing development, assistance with sewer and water infrastructure challenges, community leadership development, and housing rehabilitation. 

Olivia Gomez, SHE Board Member, lifelong Planada resident, and past participant in the NeighborWorks Community Leadership Institute, spoke to the importance of community leadership and resilience in shaping the region’s future. 

“It’s incredible to see how far Planada has come since I was growing up here,” said Gomez. “There’s been so much progress over the years, and I’m truly thankful for the collaboration and heart of this community. That’s what makes milestones like this possible.” 

The celebration also marked NeighborWorks Week, a national initiative led by NeighborWorks America to highlight the impact of community-driven housing and revitalization efforts. As a proud NeighborWorks network member, Self-Help Enterprises joins nearly 250 nonprofit organizations nationwide in uplifting the theme of this year’s campaign: “Creating Homes, Building America.” 

Daleisy Garcia Naranjo, a young first-time homebuilder early in her journey to homeownership, shared what this opportunity has meant to her and her family. 

“I never thought I’d be able to own a home at this stage in my life,” shared Daleisy. “This experience has been life-changing, and I’ve been so grateful to have my parents by my side every step of the way—from helping me with some of the on-site work to choosing paint colors. Their support kept me going, and now I’m building something I never imagined possible. Especially with housing being so expensive today, it’s incredibly encouraging to have a place I can truly call my own and build my future in.”

Representatives from Mechanics Bank, including President and CEO C.J. Johnson, also attended the event. Mechanics Bank is a valued financial partner of Self-Help Enterprises, contributing to a range of programs that support affordable housing and community development across the San Joaquin Valley. The bank is also preparing to invest in one of SHE’s upcoming rental housing developments, underscoring a growing partnership rooted in shared values and long-term impact. 

 

“The collaborative effort that has lifted Planada and provided housing opportunities for a new generation of local families exemplifies the great work performed by Self-Help Enterprises across the San Joaquin Valley,” said Johnson. “We could not be more enthusiastic about our partnership with SHE and the continued prospect of fostering more affordable housing in the communities we serve.”

Additional remarks were shared by Karthik Prasad, District Representative for Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13), who spoke on behalf of the Congressman; Lisa Hasegawa, Regional Vice President, Western Region of NeighborWorks America; and representatives from Merced County—all of whom reflected on the importance of continued investment in Planada and praised the dedication of participating families. 

Also in attendance were USDA representatives Antonia Ibarra and Doris Geisenheimer, along with staff from the offices of Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria and Senator Anna Caballero, who were acknowledged during the program. 

Self-Help Enterprises remains committed to providing housing solutions that allow families to thrive. Today’s celebration stands as a testament to what’s possible when communities lead, and when families are given the tools to build their own future.