Location: Oildale, Kern County, California

Problem:  A nonprofit, affordable apartment complex wanted to provide community programs but lacked the necessary space

Solution: Rural Community Assistance Corporation’s (RCAC) Loan Fund provided an affordable housing loan to build a community center

Oildale is located in Kern County, California, near Bakersfield. The median household income (MHI) is $33,818, much lower than Kern County’s $48,574 and the statewide MHI of $61,489. The majority of community members are renters.

Self-Help Enterprises purchased North Park Apartments, a 102-unit affordable apartment complex, in 1996. In the ensuing years, SHE has made multiple improvements to the complex, but it lacked the necessary community space to offer tenant services, such as after school programs, English as a Second Language courses and healthcare programs.

RCAC’s Loan Fund provided a $667,200 loan to SHE construct a community center, which will include a computer lab and site improvements including picnic facilities. SHE will conduct a survey to determine which programs to offer at the center and hire an onsite coordinator.