Self-Help Enterprises, Congressman Jim Costa celebrate 53 new homes under development, dedicate Manuel Costa Park
GOSHEN – In its quest to aid developing communities, Self-Help Enterprises celebrated the continued growth of one of Goshen’s newest neighborhoods, along with some of its history.
On Aug. 18, Self Help and Congressman Jim Costa held a dedication of Manuel Costa Park in Goshen as well as a celebration of 53 new Mutual Self-Help Housing homes currently under development nearby.
Located along Pheasant Street, the new community park provides a place for neighbors to gather and enjoy the growing neighborhood, according to an Aug. 18 press release. The park honors the legacy of Manuel Costa, father of Congressman Jim Costa, and his longstanding connection to the San Joaquin Valley.
Congressman Costa and Self Help were joined by community members and housing partners for the dedication.
“Congressman Costa has been a tremendous advocate for affordable housing and for the families we serve throughout the San Joaquin Valley,” stated Tom Collishaw, President and CEO of Self-Help Enterprises, in the press release. “His support for USDA Rural Development programs, including the funding that makes Mutual Self-Help Housing possible, has helped make homeownership a reality for families in this community. We are grateful for his partnership and for the opportunity to honor his family’s connection to Goshen through this park.”
According to the press release, the dedication was a surprise to Congressman Costa, who became visibly emotional as the plaque bearing the park’s new name was unveiled. The moment was made even more meaningful by the surprise presence of his sister, Betty, who joined him for the celebration.
“My family has deep roots in Goshen, and my father taught us the value of hard work, perseverance and giving back to the community. It is incredibly meaningful to see his legacy honored here today,” stated Congressman Jim Costa in the press release. “Self-Help Enterprises has an incredible history of helping families throughout the San Joaquin Valley and beyond. I am grateful to the entire Self-Help Enterprises team for their commitment to making housing and homeownership a reality for families across our region.”
The press release stated that the park’s connection to the Costa family grew from a conversation between Collishaw and Congressman Costa more than two years ago, when Collishaw shared an update on Self-Help Enterprises’ growing work in Goshen. During that conversation, Costa spoke about his father’s roots in the community and what Goshen meant to his family. The connection inspired Self-Help Enterprises to find a way to honor the family’s history in the community.
According to the press release, the park is part of a growing community that brings together affordable rental housing, supportive housing and opportunities for local families to become homeowners. Surrounding the park are three Self Help communities that represent different pathways to stable and affordable housing.
The press release stated that the nearby Sequoia Commons Apartments provides 126 affordable rental homes along with programs and amenities for residents. Nearby, The Neighborhood Village provides 50 permanent supportive housing homes with onsite whole-person care for individuals transitioning from homelessness.
Across the street from the park, 53 new Mutual Self-Help Housing homes are being developed for families working toward homeownership. The homes are currently in various stages of development and will welcome new homeowners to the growing Goshen community.
Through Self-Help Enterprises’ Mutual Self-Help Housing program, families work together to build their homes with guidance from Self Help construction staff, according to the press release. Their “sweat equity” helps reduce the cost of their homes, while Self Help assists with financing to make homeownership attainable for families who may otherwise be unable to afford a new home, the press release stated.
The development of this community has been supported through funding including Tulare County’s Permanent Local Housing Allocation program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, CalHome and the Joe Serna, Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program.