For nearly 60 years, Self-Help Enterprises has helped families achieve the dream of homeownership. Since 1965, their unique, hands-on model has empowered families not just to buy homes—but to build them. Groups of ten families commit to 40 hours of labor each week, working side by side to construct all ten homes. No one moves in until every home is complete. The results are powerful: stronger communities, a deep sense of ownership, and more than 6,600 families who have achieved homeownership through hard work and solidarity.

In 2008, Self-Help set its sights on Lamont, California—a farming community southeast of Bakersfield with a critical need for affordable housing. Many families there were living in overcrowded conditions or spending more than half their income on rent. The need was clear. But so were the obstacles.

The entire Lamont area sits in a floodplain, making development both difficult and expensive. For many traditional lenders, it was simply too complex a project to support.

But not for RDF.

We saw what was at stake. This wasn’t just about building houses—it was about creating stability and opportunity for families. We provided Self-Help with the flexible capital needed to move their vision forward, supporting the development of 35 single-family self-help homes and a multi-family rental project to serve even more families.

At RDF, we believe homeownership is one of the most powerful tools for building lasting prosperity—something families can pass on to their children and grandchildren. Those who start their journey with organizations like Self-Help Enterprises often go on to use their home equity to start businesses, send their children to college, and transform their futures.

Thanks to Self-Help’s determination—and with RDF’s support—more families in Lamont are doing just that.