Cultivating Hope in the Central Valley: Salt + Light’s Neighborhood Village is Transforming Lives

Nestled in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Salt + Light’s Neighborhood Village is planting the seeds of change – offering more than just housing, but a thriving community where residents can rebuild their lives. The village demonstrates how intentional support, care, and community engagement can cultivate hope and growth. 

A Mission Rooted in Care

Salt + Light’s approach goes far beyond providing shelter. Residents have access to holistic support, including case management, health services, job training, and programs designed to help them regain independence and purpose. The Neighborhood Village shows that when people are given the right resources and guidance, they can flourish. 

Building a Village That Works

California’s first master-planned permanent supportive housing community, the village currently includes 53 homes, housing over 78 residents. Each home is fully furnished, and the community offers wraparound services to ensure residents feel safe, valued, and empowered.

Abby Jackson, who led our tour and is the Marketing + Development Specialist, explained, “Our goal is to create a community where residents feel safe, supported, and valued. Every decision we make is about restoring hope and helping individuals rebuild their lives.”

Cultivating Health and Community

True to its name, the Neighborhood Village is embracing agriculture and healthy living as part of its community model. The property includes stone fruit and citrus plantings along with a community garden, offering access to fresh foods while teaching sustainability and nutrition. Cooking classes, wellness programs, and engaging activities further strengthen the sense of purpose and community among residents.

Looking Toward the Future

Salt + Light remains committed to strengthening its model of permanent supportive housing in the Central Valley. Their ongoing focus is on creating safe, stable communities that restore dignity, provide opportunity, and help individuals rebuild their lives. By continuing to refine and grow their programs, Salt + Light is ensuring this vision of hope and healing has a lasting impact for years to come.

Beyond the Village

Their impact extends beyond the gates of the Neighborhood Village. Every week, their team prepares and serves meals to the unhoused in Visalia—feeding the community three times a week. This ongoing outreach ensures that care and compassion reach those who are still waiting for permanent housing.

Join the Movement

Salt + Light invites the community to get involved through volunteering, donations, or advocacy. Supporting this initiative is an opportunity to help cultivate hope, promote healthy living, and restore dignity to individuals, right here in the Central Valley.

If you want to support Salt + Light or learn more about their work, visit saltandlightworks.org