Celebrating the Expansion of Sierra Village in Dinuba

Celebrating the Expansion of Sierra Village in Dinuba

Posted on December 30, 2022

Self-Help Enterprises celebrated the grand opening of Sierra Village II on Thursday, December 15th. Elected officials, community leaders, and partners joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony while sharing their thoughts about the development’s rising impact on the community of Dinuba.

Cristal Segura, a new resident of Sierra Village II, shared her family’s excitement to be moving into their new home. Her family experienced multiple challenges and traumatic experiences, including theft, in their past homes. They look forward to creating happier memories at Sierra Village II.

“Everything is so expensive, especially for a low-income family like mine,” said Segura. “This place is making it that much easier, that much better, and that much safer.” 

Sierra Village II marks the completion of the Sierra Village rental community located at 1375 N. Crawford Ave in Dinuba. The initial phase of the site first opened in 2018, featuring 44 units. This second phase adds 64 units to the community for a total of 108 units of permanently affordable rental housing. 

“As Mayor and on behalf of the City Council, I would like to congratulate Self-Help Enterprises on the completion of Phase II of the Sierra Village Apartments. The City of Dinuba is proud to be a partner with Self-Help Enterprises in providing much-needed affordable housing to the community,” said Linda Launer, former Mayor of Dinuba.

Sierra Village consists of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for households with various familysizes and needs. Via monthly net rents, ranging from $242 to $930, Self-Help Enterprises continues to provide an affordable housing opportunity that will serve the needs of working families. The affordable monthly rents are determined based on unit size and income. They help ensure that every resident can continue to have a place to call home without the financial stress of not being able to afford it.

In partnership with the No Place Like Home (NPLH) program and the Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance, 9 units will also be available to people experiencing homelessness. The NPLH’s referral process enables the community to provide immediate assistance and a safe place to live to those who are currently unhoused, providing an opportunity to access supportive services. Incoming Permanent Supportive Housing residents will also receive Welcome Home Kits, sponsored by Health Net. Kits include household items such as blankets, kitchenware, and toiletries that support a fresh start in their new home.

“Self-Help Enterprises is extremely proud to expand its presence in Dinuba and looks forward to welcoming residents into their new home,” said Tom Collishaw, President and CEO of Self-Help Enterprises. “It is always special to complete construction and provide new housing this time of year, so new residents can be home for the holidays. We are particularly gratified to welcome a number of people who have been previously without a home.”

All of Sierra Village was designed with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind. The communal areas and rental units are powered via a Solar PV energy system that ensures renewable electricity is readily available. The Energy Star appliances and energy-efficient lighting throughout the buildings reduce utility bills for residents and the property. As a grid neutral Zero Net Energy community, Sierra Village will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution for the area.

The site’s 3,027 sq. ft. community center, named after SHE’s original incorporator and longtime board member Ralph Rosedale, provides ample gathering space for residents. It also includes a computer lab available to adults and children for schoolwork and educational activities. SHE’s Resident Services offers various programs that enhance the everyday lives and futures of the residents. These include financial, computer literacy, nutrition, English as a second language (ESL), and adult fitness classes. Other amenities include a spacious recreation area with playground equipment and a new basketball court. Picnic tables, BBQ grills, and outdoor space also help create a vibrant environment for various social activities. 

Sierra Village II was made possible with the support of the Wells Fargo Affordable Housing Community Development Corporation, Wells Fargo Bank, Affordable Housing Program (AHP) funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank and a permanent loan from the California Community Reinvestment Corporation.  Project funding also included No Place Like Home (NPLH) and Infill Infrastructure Grant funding from California Housing and Community Development Department (HCD). The City of Dinuba also provided pass-through financing from several HCD programs and has been an important project partner.  Tulare County was a partner on the NPLH application and has committed twenty years of supportive services for the residents at Sierra Village.  Services will be contracted by the County and provided by RH Community Builders.  Additionally, the Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance and Kings View PATH provided essential support to our homeless neighbors in completing the application materials and lease-up process. This project would not have been possible without the design team from Mogavero Architects and Civil Design Studios, and the high-quality construction work of the general contractor, Ashwood Construction. 

Learn more about Sierra Village II

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About Self-Help Enterprises 

Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) is a nationally recognized community development organization whose mission is to work together with low-income families to build and sustain healthy homes and communities. The pioneer and leading provider of mutual self-help housing in the United States, SHE’s efforts today encompass a range of endeavors to build better homes and communities for farmworkers and other hard-working families. Since 1965, SHE has helped more than 6,400 families to build their own homes, rehabilitated over 6,800 unsafe homes, developed over 2,100 units of affordable rental housing, and has provided technical assistance for reliable access to safe drinking water and sanitary sewer infrastructures which has affected the lives of over 33,000 individuals in 160 small communities. SHE’s commitment to providing resources and training for individuals builds the capacity of highly effective leaders in communities that also promote collaborative solutions for improving communities. These combined efforts have touched the lives of over 65,000 families, providing security and stability for families and building more productive communities.