Established in 1988, Mutual Housing California is celebrating its 35th anniversary while continuing its mission to develop, manage and support sustainable affordable housing where residents are partners in advancing equitable communities. “We revitalize low-income communities by offering housing options, building community bonds and strengthening neighborhood leaders,” says Tejal Shah, director of resident services.
Dedicated staff members work within each Mutual Housing community to create activities and programs — resident gatherings and barbecues, food bank distributions, health and wellness programs, youth leadership and resident councils — that meet the needs of residents, from families and seniors to the formerly unhoused, and help them connect as neighbors.
Mutual Housing’s community organizers rotate among the communities and link residents to opportunities to advocate for more affordable housing or for legislation that promotes housing stability. “Teaching self-advocacy and connecting our residents with opportunities to be heard at the Capitol or by elected officials is part of furthering our mission,” Shah says.
Supported by public and private funding, Mutual Housing currently owns and operates 20 communities with 1,201 individual residential units throughout Sacramento, Davis and Woodland, and has three more communities under construction that will add another 385 residential units. More Mutual Housing communities are in the planning stage and will extend the organization’s reach to Stockton.
“We revitalize low-income communities by offering housing options, building community bonds and strengthening neighborhood leaders.” —Tejal Shah Director of Resident Services
“Society needs safe, affordable places for people who cannot afford market-rate housing and we provide innovative affordable communities throughout our region,” Shah says. “In addition to this vital housing, we invest in our residents so they are able to stabilize their lives, rebuild pathways to their goals and dreams, and flourish as citizens of our greater community.”
Mutual Housing invites the community to join them in their mission on Big Day of Giving on May 4. Sponsorships are available for their annual fundraiser, Building Up 2023, on Sept. 28. Contact BrendaM@mutualhousing.com.
