By Aaron R. Bock
On November 11, 2020, local non-profit Salt + Light submitted a proposal for a 52-unit village to the Resource Management Agency (RMA), taking a significant step in addressing Tulare County’s housing challenges. Developed in partnership with Self Help Enterprises (SHE), the Neighborhood Village was designed to provide permanent supportive housing in the Goshen Village East area. After years of collaboration and overcoming challenges, the Neighborhood Village opened its doors to new residents on September 26, 2024.
The Neighborhood Village is part of the 190-unit Goshen Village East subdivision, which was approved in 2015. In 2018, the County reclassified the area to allow mixed-use development, enabling Salt + Light’s vision of affordable, modular homes to become a reality. The project’s housing units were classified as a mobile home park under Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) rules, meaning there could have been an extended timeline in getting the project approved at the state level.
A Swift Approval Process
Tulare County has long been a leader in addressing homelessness. When Salt + Light’s proposal came through, the County recognized the urgency and acted quickly. In February of 2021, the Tulare County Planning Commission approved a use permit for the project, allowing it to proceed as permanent supportive housing. This fast-tracked approval ensured SHE could meet crucial funding deadlines, with building permits secured in just six months.
The project’s success relied on strong collaboration between the County and state. Since the mobile home park fell under state jurisdiction, Tulare County worked closely with HCD to accelerate the state-level permitting process, preventing delays. By March of 2021, the County of Tulare Board of Supervisors approved a Housing Regulatory Agreement, unlocking further funding and solidifying the project’s path to completion.
With groundwork and permits in place, construction on the Neighborhood Village moved quickly. The village was meant to provide homes and essential wraparound services, creating a supportive environment for its residents. The opening ceremony in September featured remarks from local leaders, including Salt + Light’s Adrianne Hillman, HCD’s Gustavo Velasquez, and County Supervisors Eddie Valero and Amy Shuklian, all highlighting the importance of collaboration in bringing this project to fruition.
As the community of Goshen continues to strengthen and grow, Salt + Light’s residents, or “Neighbors,” will benefit from nearby amenities, including dining options accessible from the Betty Drive interchange. Additionally, a final map for 73 single-family homes in the same area as the Neighborhood Village is nearing approval, further expanding housing availability in the area.
Salt + Light’s Neighborhood Village reflects Tulare County’s commitment to innovative, community-centered housing solutions. This project provides a fresh start for families and individuals in need and demonstrates how collaboration between the County and nonprofits can drive meaningful, lasting change.
To learn more about the RMA’s permitting process, please visit https://tularecounty.ca.gov/rma/. To explore economic development opportunities in Tulare County, please visit www.GrowTulareCounty.org. RMA staff may be reached by emailing economicdevelopment@tularecounty.ca.gov.