On the RIse: Self Help Housing: Families Building Their Own Homes

The Mutual Self-Help program is a "process that creates a sense of ownership, sense of place and sense of community," according to Nadia Villagran. Cathy Creswell, former acting director at the California Department of Housing and Community Development agrees and notes that, "The Self-Help model has been and should continue to be a fundamental affordable housing strategy in rural California. Research has demonstrated the success of this model in increasing home ownership, especially among minority households, stabilizing families, creating wealth, and building strong, healthy communities." Creswell is currently a member of the California Planning Roundtable.