Patrick had lost all hope. He was experiencing homelessness, and he was not sure if his life could continue. Then Patrick moved into his new home at The Neighborhood Village. 

“I keep thinking I am dreaming, but I am not. This is my home now”, said Patrick. “I am here, and I am happy.” 

The Neighborhood Village in the Tulare County enclave of Goshen is California’s first-ever master-planned permanent supportive housing community. A project of Salt and Light Works and Self-Help Enterprises, The Neighborhood Village recently celebrated its grand opening; the development provides 52 affordable manufactured homes for people exiting homelessness. 

“When I was living in a rough environment, it was all about survival. Now it is about belief and hope that there are people out there that care and people out there that change lives,” said Alexander, another resident of The Neighborhood Village. “I am blessed and fortunate that my life is one that has been impacted with that goodness.”

 The Village was supported by $14.7 million from HCD’s Multifamily Housing, Permanent Local Housing Allocation, and Regional Early Action Planning Grant 2.0 programs. The California Department of Social Services also provided funding through their Community Care Expansion program. 

This is the first manufactured home project built in California in the last decade. The complex includes a library, parks, and memorial gardens and provides on-site supportive services including physical and mental health, job training, financial literacy, and case management. 

“This place is a godsend,” said Patrick. “It has given me a second chance at life.” 

“I didn’t know about goodness before. I didn’t care because I never had it,” said Alexander. “Now that I have it, it is precious to me.”