Self-Help Enterprises has grown from building homes for low income families into an organization providing a variety of services to eight counties in the San Joaquin Valley - Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Stanislaus, and Tulare. Since 1964, Self-Help Enterprises has helped over 6,200 families build their own homes, develop 1,300 rental properties, and provide other services in an effort to improve living conditions for disadvantaged communities and low income families.

Through a partnership with the Water & Energy Technology Center at Fresno State, Self-Help has hired an intern to focus on reaching out to disadvantaged communities to further deploy efficient and renewable energy through survey tabulation and outreach. Betsey McGovern-Garcia, program director for Self-Help Enterprises stated, “Our goal is to identify barriers in these disadvantaged communities and reduce them for energy conservation.” By working with fellow WET members, they are able to brainstorm ideas and develop solutions by improving communities.

With plans to grow in the future, Self-Help will strive to build sustainable communities by being energy and water efficient. With the necessary funding, they plan to launch a plug-in electric rideshare program giving residents access to transportation. Through these efforts, Self-Help has provided much needed assistance, touching thousands of families, and building stronger, sustainable communities.