Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "sacramentoyolo mutual housing association"

Three Sacramento nonprofits receive “Facebook grants” from Umpqua Bank

2013-01-09T17:31:39Z

Three Sacramento nonprofits recently received grants from Umpqua Bank through its Joy of Giving campaign on Facebook.

Mutual Housing California was awarded $5,000. Women’s Empowerment was granted $2,000 and Roseville Home Start $1,000.

On November 20, Umpqua Bank asked people to post comments about local nonprofits on its Facebook page. The campaign ran through December 16.

Nominated nonprofits had to be located within Umpqua Bank’s four-state territory—Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada.

Mutual Housing staff posted the campaign to its Facebook page on November 27. Executive Director Rachel Iskow sent out an email asking people to respond.

The bank selected 25 nonprofits to share in grants totaling $50,000.

The $1,000 and $2,000 recipients were announced throughout the campaign.

At the end of the campaign, Umpqua announced the five grants at the $5,000 level.

“Every day, our communities are enriched by the dedication and contributions of nonprofit organizations that provide a great service to our communities,” said Ray Davis, Umpqua Bank President and CEO.

“Like Umpqua, our customers and neighbors are passionate about the nonprofits in their communities and we wanted to provide an opportunity for them to join with us in celebrating these organizations – and giving back in a meaningful way.”

Mutual Housing California has received grants from Umpqua in the past as part of the bank’s mission to give back to the communities they serve.

“This grant from Umpqua Bank will help us continue our mission of housing families of modest means in safe and affordable housing,” said Iskow.

Headquartered in Portland, Ore., Umpqua Bank is a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation. For more information, go to http://www.umpquabank.com.

Founded in 1988, Mutual Housing California develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents, half of whom are children.

Through its focus on leadership, the Sacramento-based nonprofit provides training and mentoring as well as educational programs, community-building activities and services for residents and neighbors.

For more information, visit http://www.mutualhousing.com.

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Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. The nonprofit Mutual Housing California is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Mutual Housing families receive holiday dinners from Kings

2012-12-24T18:29:15Z

On Saturday afternoon, Sacramento Kings joined with Nokia Siemens Networks and Verizon Wireless to give away 200 holiday dinners for local families at Sleep Train Arena.

Twenty-five Mutual Housing California families were among the recipients of the traditional turkey dinners that serve six to eight people.

Mutual Housing community organizers worked with property management staff to identify the families who would need dinners the most this holiday season. Families had to be on available the day of the event and have transportation.

Latrise James, a resident at River Garden Estates Mutual Housing Community, and her family were grateful recipients. “It was a blessing having help in my time of need,” said James.
“This Christmas will be better because of it.”

James and her family recently a Kings games, thanks to the free tickets the team donated to the nonprofit. “The family bonding was great during the Kings game,” said James.

James earned her tickets by attending a Mutual Housing voter-education workshop prior to the November elections.

“Mutual Housing works with residents to build a strong sense of community and mutual support,” said Rachel Iskow, Mutual housing California CEO. “That the Kings are reaching out into the community to ensure families have food for a holiday celebration is an example of this spirit."

A long-time Mutual Housing California supporter, Sacramento developer Sotiris Kolokotronis was instrumental in seeing that Mutual Housing families were included in the Maloof Sports & Entertainment “Home for the Holidays” campaign. The annual program hosts a series of charitable events to brighten the lives of children and families in the region during the team’s “Season of Giving.”

“Rachel, her staff and board do an extraordinary job,” said Kolokotronis. “For me, I thought of what they’re doing and how valuable it is when I put their name at the top of my list.”

Families from other nonprofits also included Big Brothers Big Sisters, Centers for Fathers & Families, United Christian Centers, La Familia Counseling Center, Cottage Housing, Roberts Family Development Center and the Phoenix Park Community Empowerment Center.

Sacramento Kings players Tyreke Evens, Aaron Brooks, Chuck Hayes, John Salmons and Travis Outlaw, Slamson, Kings Dancers and volunteers from Nokia Siemens Networks and Verizon Wireless distributed boxes of food to families chosen from various local non-profit organizations.

This is the 11th year that the Kings and their players have passed out dinners to families.

Season of Giving festivities continued Tuesday as DeMarcus Cousins teamed with Wells Fargo and Walmart to treat 50 local children to a holiday shopping spree. This past Saturday, Jimmer Fredette, Thomas Robinson, Isaiah Thomas and Jason Thompson visited patients at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Sacramento. Players and volunteers delivered gifts and spent time with kids and their families.

Founded in 1988, Mutual Housing California develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents, half of whom are children.

For more information, visit http://www.mutualhousing.com.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. The nonprofit Mutual Housing California is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Mutual Housing nominated for real estate award

2012-09-06T17:15:51Z

Mutual Housing at the Highlands, a 90-apartment community in North Highlands, has been nominated by the Sacramento Business Journal for their 2011-2012 Real Estate Projects award. Winners will be announced September 21.

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association’s 16th community is one of 17 projects chosen as finalists for the award. Projects such as Sacramento International Airport Terminal B, UC Davis West Village and the California State Lottery Headquarters also were nominated.

“We are honored to be included with these other amazing projects,” said Rachel Iskow, Mutual Housing’s executive director. “The nominee list makes clear that in spite of a grueling economy, many dedicated real estate developers are striving for environmental sustainability in their projects and that the Sacramento region persists as a green leader in California.”

Sacramento architect Cynthia Easton, Chico-based project manager Sunseri Construction, Inc., and Sacramento-based Meline Engineering as well as Redwood Energy’s Sean Armstrong worked to make sure that the apartment orientation, insulation, advanced glass in the windows and other design features kept the utility bills 30 percent lower than usual for tenants.

Apartments also have tankless water heaters and a recycling center in each. Solar panels for the offices, laundry and community rooms also help keep down ongoing energy costs.

Eight years in the making, the Highlands opened in December 2011.

Other finalists were Citrus Town Center Remodel, Forestwood at Folsom, Gateway Community Charters, Greyhound Terminal, Hotel Berry, La Valentina, Palladio at Broadstone, Rochdale Grange, Sam Len Hillel house, San Juan High School Modernization, 3Fold Communications Tenant Improvement, Weintraub Tobin Chediak Coleman Grodin Tenant Improvement.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

Through Mutual Housing’s focus on leadership, the nonprofit also provides training and mentoring as well as educational programs, community-building activities and services for residents and neighbors. For more information, visit http://http://www.mutualhousing.com.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. The nonprofit Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Workshops teach young about money

2012-08-02T18:51:39Z

Students learned about money when Cathay Bank and Golden 1 Credit Union representatives recently gave workshops to young residents at two Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association communities.

Called “How Money Works”, Cathay Bank’s workshops focused on understanding the value of money, where it comes from, learning to use it and save it. The classes for children five to 11 years lasted four weeks.

“We wanted to make sure the kids have a role model to look up to when they think about money,” said Danny Vuong, Cathay Bank Sacramento Assistant Vice-President and Branch Manager. “Of course they have a lot of fun, but we are trying to give kids more tools so when they actually handle finances, they can make better decisions.

Vuong said that Cathay bank always has done community reinvestment and services. “This is something we are committed to doing in areas where we do business. And we are always thinking of the next generation,” said Vuong.

Vicky Nguyen, Cathay Bank Sacramento customer service representative, gave the classes.

As a result of the partnership, Cathay Bank Sacramento is making special checking accounts available to the residents of Lemon Hill Townhomes where the workshops were held.

Golden 1 Credit Union also gave workshops this week at River Garden Estates for children from kindergarten to third grade .

Using Goldie’s Super Saver Book, the younger students worked on learning the difference between wants and needs. “It is vital to gain these skills early on,” said Michael Lee, Golden 1 Credit Union Member Education Manager, who gave the workshops. “Once they get a job, they need to manage that paycheck.”

The children also talked about their own potential money-making skills.

Since financial education workshops started at Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association in 1999, more than 750 adults and children have taken courses to learn about banking and budgets, credit establishment or repair, savings and investing as well as homeownership.

During that time, Mutual Housing has partnered with financial institutions such as Roseville Bank of Commerce, Bank of the West, SAFE Credit Union, Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions, USE Credit Union, Bank of Sacramento, Opening Doors Inc., Wells Fargo, California Capital and Dedicated Real Estate Ambassadors for Ministries and Communities as well as Cathay Bank and Golden 1 Credit Union.

For more information on Mutual Housing’s financial education program, go to: http://www.mutualhousing.com/financial-capability/.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

Mutual Housing hires new lead community organizer

2012-07-17T15:05:53Z

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association recently hired Fernando Cibrian as the Lead Community Organizer. In that position, he will oversee community organizing, community building and leadership development in Sacramento and Yolo counties.

Cibrian was formerly with the PICO National Network and PICO California (PICO) where he focused on creating policy campaigns to improve living conditions for low- and moderate-income families. At PICO he also helped organize the network’s voter development strategy.

Cibrian has a Bachelor of Science from California State University, Pomona, and 18 years experience as a community organizer.

He is a former board member of the Santa Ana Federal Empowerment Zone Board.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households.

The communities have 2,750 residents.

For more information, visit http://www.mutualhousing.com..

Romero appointed to community service boards

2012-07-11T16:28:10Z

Mindy Romero recently was appointed to the City of Davis Social Services Commission to fill a vacancy on the eight-member board. When her term ends in September, Romero hopes to get re-appointed for a full three-year term.

The Davis resident also was appointed to the Yolo County Community Services Action Board. She will serve a four-year term on that board.

Both boards help administer federal community block grants.As part of the 15-member Yolo County board, Romero also will help create a community services action plan for the region.

“We are pleased to appoint Mindy Romero to the Community Services Action Board,” said Don Saylor, Yolo County Supervisor District 2. “Yolo County will benefit from her strong, demonstrated commitment to supporting the most vulnerable populations in our region.”

In March, Romero graduated from the Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute, a Sacramento Housing Alliance program. The six-month training teaches leadership skills. Members learn how boards and commissions work, which will make them more effective public servants.

“I’ve been given such enormous opportunities in the past, I am really glad to be able to give back to the community,” said Romero.

A researcher at the UC Davis Center for Regional Change, Romero also is finishing her doctorate. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and political science with highest honors from the University of California, Davis.

The current chair of Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association Board of Directors, Romero is a resident of Tremont Greens in Davis. She has been on Mutual Housing’s board for four years.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

Assets and Opportunities choses Mutual Housing for local lead

2012-06-28T17:27:32Z

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association recently was chosen to lead the Corporation for Enterprise Development’s (CFED) new Assets and Opportunity Network in the local area.

“Participation in this network allows us to work with other communities and take advantage of information on asset-building and ways to promote resident financial stability,” said Amy Williamson, Mutual Housing’s Special Projects Coordinator.

As the local lead for the network, Mutual Housing and their partners will continue offer financial workshops at their 16 communities in Sacramento and Yolo County.

Some of the partners are Golden 1 and Roseville Bank of Commerce as well as Bank of the West, SAFE Credit Union, Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions, USE Credit Union, Bank of Sacramento, Opening Doors Inc., Wells Fargo, California Capital and DREAM-C.

Mutual Housing has been offering these workshops since 1999.

The nonprofit CFED works to alleviate poverty and create economic opportunity.

One of the ways CFED does this is by helping low-income people build savings and people without bank accounts learn how to use the financial system.

Since home ownership is the single largest part of most people’s wealth, CFED also helps low-income people buy homes.

Owning a business is another avenue to wealth. As such, CFED works with nonprofits nationwide to help people start their own businesses.

For more information, visit: http://cfed.org,

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

Volunteers start building a fence during national neighbor week

2012-06-05T17:26:05Z

On Saturday, June 2nd, 50 local neighbors and residents started building a fence for the River Gardens Mutual Housing Community garden plots. Volunteers from Boy Scouts of America Troop 122 also helped.

To keep everyone going, the Health Education Council brought their people-powered “smoothie bike” that made treats for the day-long event.

“We also had a resident DJ during the lunch break,” said Brandon Louie, Mutual Housing community organizer. “Despite the extreme heat, we had a great mix of people working all day long and hope to have the 900-ft. fence finished by the end of the week.”

“Mutual Housing does so much good for Sacramento that it’s always a pleasure to be part of their events,” said Sacramento City Councilmember Steve Cohn, who came by to help.

The “smoothie bike” was the hit of the day. Kids peddle the bike to run the blender attached to the fender. Part of a statewide nutrition program for children, fresh smoothies encourage kids to eat more fruits and vegetables.

“The smoothie bike is definitely popular,” said Zandi Llanos, Health Education Council community organizer. “It has its own calendar and is always booked in the summer.”

The week-long event, sponsored by NeighborWorks America’s, mobilizes tens of thousands of businesspeople, neighbors and civic leaders to rehab and repair homes, paint and landscape properties, conduct neighborhood tours and recognize successful public-private partnerships.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

The Health Education Council works to increase the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as the physical activity of adults and children. For more information, go to http://healtheducationcouncil.org.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NeighborWorks® America has 235 community-based nonprofits serving more than 4,500 communities nationwide in its network. Together with its national and local partners, NeighborWorks gives grants, program support, training and technical assistance to its members.

For more information on NeighborWorks® America, go to http://www.nw.org.

Mutual Housing receives award for the Highlands

2012-05-31T17:24:39Z

Sacramento Housing Alliance recently gave Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association the Community Development Award for its work on Mutual Housing at the Highlands.

Mutual Housing received the award partially because the 90-apartment complex took nine years to build. Securing funding from the public and private sector—as well as creating partnerships with other local nonprofits to supply the onsite support services for the homeless residents of the community—created particularly difficult challenges for the local nonprofit developer.

“That this development got built at all is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Mutual Housing, its staff and board,” said California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones.

Jones also noted that Mutual Housing “does more than build quality housing for families. They also develop resident leadership skills through their organizing program.” Jones was on the Mutual Housing board of directors.

The Housing Alliance award also recognized this unique community for the:
• high-quality design and construction of this green housing that affirms the dignity of the residents,
• contribution this development made to the revitalization of the McClellan redevelopment area,
• partnership with service providers that created a supportive environment for formerly homeless individuals and families, and
• increasing need of affordable housing in a region where more than half the renters cannot afford market rates.

Chet Hewitt, Sierra Health Foundation President and CEO, was given the Community Partner Award.

Other honorees this year were:
• Attorneys Mark Merin, Cathleen Willams and Ron Blubaugh, Homeless Justice Award, and
• Cindy Cavanaugh, Nancy Conk, Chris Glaudel, Greg Sparks and Mona Tawatao, SHA supporters, the Change Makers Award for their commitment to the cause.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

Through advocacy, education, leadership development and civic engagement, the Sacramento Housing Alliance works for safe and decent, accessible and affordable housing as well as healthy communities for homeless and low-income people. For more information, visit http://sachousingalliance.org.

Sacramento Housing Alliance gives award to Mutual Housing Association

2012-05-30T21:01:33Z

On Thursday, May 24, Mutual Housing at the Highlands received the Community Development Award from the Sacramento Housing Alliance for its work on Mutual Housing at the Highlands. To secure funding for the Highlands, which includes onsite support services for the homeless residents, took nine years.

“That this development got built is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Mutual Housing, its staff and board,” said California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, when he presented the award.

A former Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association board of director, Jones also noted that Mutual Housing “does more than build quality housing for families. They also develop resident leadership skills through their organizing program.”

The Housing Alliance award recognized this unique community for the:
• partnership with service providers that created a supportive environment for formerly homeless individuals and families,
• decade-long struggle to build this innovative housing program,
• contribution this development made to the revitalization of the McClellan redevelopment area,
• high-quality design and construction of this green housing that affirms the dignity of the residents and
• increasing need of affordable housing in a region where more than half the renters cannot afford market rates.

Other honorees this year were:
• Attorneys Mark Merin, Cathleen Willams and Ron Blubaugh, Homeless Justice Award,
• Chet Hewitt, Sierra Health Foundation President and CEO, Community Partner Award, http://www.sierrahealth.org and
• Cindy Cavanaugh, Nancy Conk, Chris Glaudel, Greg Sparks and Mona Tawatao, SHA supporters, the Change Makers Award for their commitment to the cause.

Through advocacy, education, leadership development and civic engagement, the Sacramento Housing Alliance works for safe and decent, accessible and affordable housing as well as healthy communities for homeless and low-income people For more information, visit http://http://sachousingalliance.org.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents.

Mutual Housing hires Chin as operations manager

2012-04-10T14:59:32Z

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association recently hired Ryan Chin as Operations Manager. At Mutual Housing, he will oversee human resource, risk management, contracts administration, computer networks and systems, and office management. He also will play an integral role in organizational development of the nonprofit and be a member of Mutual Housing’s management team.

Chin was formerly California State University, Sacramento, Publications’ Director where he managed the publications for the university, including the online version of Sac State Magazine as well as materials for the colleges and departments.

As an Associate Director of Marketing at Stanford University, he promoted the Stanford University Center for Professional Development. He also worked as marketing manager for Ensim Corporation and was an operations officer for Wells Fargo Bank.

With an M.B.A. from the University of California, Davis, in marketing and technology, Chin has worked in the field since graduating in 2000. Chin also was a planning commissioner with the Sacramento County Policy Planning Commission.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,750 residents, half of whom are children.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

New bill offers hope for housing crisis

2012-03-27T15:34:13Z

With lenders tightening credit and the housing market still in flux, renters and homeowners are finding it hard to find an affordable place to live.

Because funding is at all-time lows, nonprofit developers of multi-family and for-sale housing are looking for new ways to finance communities for people of modest means. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is no exception.

The recent introduction of California bills like the HOMeS Act (Senate Bill 1220) could help. Introduced by Mark DeSaulnier (C-Concord) and Senate President pro tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) as well as co-author Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) on the Assembly side, the bill would generate an estimated $700 million a year through a document recording fee on real-estate transactions.

“Affordable housing is the backbone of our communities and for those struggling to get by,” said Steinberg. “A permanent ongoing source of funding dedicated specifically to affordable housing development will prevent homelessness and generate much needed construction jobs.”

If enacted, the Housing Opportunity and Market Stabilization Act will support the development, acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable homes for Californians on fixed incomes and modest budgets, including home ownership opportunities, emergency shelters, transitional and permanent rental housing, and foreclosure mitigation.

For as little as $75 per transaction, California affordable housing developers could continue building apartments and homes for families who need them most. Having to decide between buying food for your family, paying the light bill, gas bill or rent is an overwhelming revelation for most people,” said Denise R. McCoy, National Association of Realtors instructor and Mutual Housing Association Board of Directors Vice-Chair. “People with no access to affordable housing are making those decisions every single month.”

Families now make up the fastest growing segment of the state’s homeless population. In Sacramento, the average monthly cost for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,050. To afford this rent as well as utilities, a household must earn $3,500 monthly or $42,000 annually. This means $20.19 per hour. The average wage for a renter is $13.78 an hour.

“This legislation could make a tremendous difference,” said Rachel Iskow, Mutual Housing Association Executive Director. “People I talk to say they’d gladly pay $75 when buying their next home if it was targeted to this state fund and meant that seniors could be comfortably housed, that a single mom working hard could get support in buying a home, and that a returning vet can return to our country and afford a roof over his head. To me, that’s money well spent.”

Housing construction also helps the economy. According to the National Association of Home Builders, every $1 million spent on housing construction creates 12 jobs.

For a $20 million project like the recently opened Mutual Housing at the Highlands, that meant the creation of 240 jobs. “We create or save 100 – 200 jobs in construction and related sectors every time we build one of our mutual housing communities,” said Iskow.

Estimates are that every $1 million spent in construction also produces $825,000 in direct and indirect activities. “In addition to being a basic need, housing construction also stimulates the local economy,” said Iskow.

Although this bill has a long way to go before it becomes legislation, it is one innovative piece of complex puzzle that needs to be solved before the housing crisis will be brought to an end.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,700 residents, half of whom are children.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

City resolution honors youth mentor programs

2012-02-14T17:25:32Z

City Councilman Kevin McCarty recently sponsored a resolution honoring local volunteers during National Mentoring Month.

President and CEO Rhonda Staley-Brooks accepted for the nonprofit Big Brothers Big Sisters. Program Manager Emily Bender represented the South Sacramento Coalition for Future Leaders (SSCFL). Mary Lynn Perry, City of Sacramento Volunteer Coordinator, also was given one for her work.

“Mentoring youth is so important to our city,” said McCarty, who represents District 6. “For some youth, a mentor might be the only adult in their life who is listening, guiding and helping them to achieve their hopes and dreams.”

Mentoring helps youth:
• Boost communication skills and self-confidence,
• Improve academically and stay in school,
• Increase chances of those students attending college, and
• Reduce crime and violence.

“In accepting this resolution, we were pleased to be able to represent the many youth mentoring groups throughout the city,” said Bender, a Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association Community Organizer. “Programs like this make such a difference in the lives of these youth.”

By recognizing the work of these programs, McCarty and others hope to encourage more individuals such as seniors, working adults and other youth as well as businesses, foundations, non-profits, schools and faith-based institutions to become involved in mentoring.

The resolution followed a celebration and awards ceremony, sponsored by SSCFL and the Sacramento City Unified School District. Attended by more than 100 people, 35 awards were given to people at the event.

Founded in 2006, SSCFL has 150 youth and adult members. A Drug-Free Communities grantee, SSCFL is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,700 residents, half of whom are children.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Mutual Housing chosen as finalist for Inspired Giving

2012-01-25T19:07:22Z

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association recently was chosen as a finalist for the Inspire Giving award, a program of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce that encourages civic-minded leadership, volunteerism and philanthropic giving.

The other finalists are Raft, Roseville Home Start, Seniors First and Soil Born Farms.

Mutual Housing develops and operates permanently affordable housing in Sacramento and Yolo county that builds strong and stable communities through resident participation and leadership development. With more than 900 homes, it serves some 2,700 low- to moderate-income residents, half of whom are children.

Raft helps educators transform the learning experience through "hands-on" education that inspires the joy and discovery of learning.

Roseville Home Start transitions homeless families into affordable, sustainable permanent housing and self- sufficiency, through a system of housing and support services that is comprehensive, flexible, accessible and accountable.

Seniors first strives to keep Placer County senior citizens living independently and comfortably in their own homes as long as possible.

Soil Born Farms is an urban agriculture and education project that connects food, health and the environment.

Winners will be announced at the 117th annual dinner and business awards of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce on January 27.

Inspire Giving is the endowment fund of Project Inspire, a program of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce. Inspire Giving was established in 2009 in partnership with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and the Leadership Sacramento Class of 2009. Project Inspire offers businesses turnkey activities that encourage their employees to lead, volunteer and give. For more information about Project Inspire, visit: http://www.metro-inspire.org/.

For more information about mutual housing, visit www.mutualhousing.com.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Local families need food and toys for children

2011-12-19T20:16:25Z

For families barely making ends meet, holidays are a difficult time. Many parents at Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing communities are having a hard time providing gifts for their children this year.

“This time of year can be especially trying for parents in our communities,” said Rachel Iskow, Executive Director of Mutual Housing. "In fact, half of Mutual Housing's 2600 residents are children."

People can help by dropping off non-perishable food and new, unwrapped children’s gifts at the Mutual Housing office, 8001 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento 95820 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, until Thursday, December 22nd.

“We will make sure your donation gets to a family right away,” said Iskow.

For after-hours or alternative drop-off locations, call Trish Nguyen, Mutual Housing community organizer, at 916-595-9431.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for the diversity of the region’s households.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Waldorf School Fair Celebrates 23rd Anniversary

2011-12-12T05:04:48Z

Two years ago, Camellia Waldorf School’s Winter Faire was hit by something unexpected: rain. It flooded the parking lots, turned a dry creek into a creek and threatened the good spirits of the day. Participants shifted into the school for cover, while vendors put up their canopies and served hot chocolate and soup. Despite the rain, it was one of the busiest fairs that school has hosted, with reportedly 1,000 visitors.

“It didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s feelings,” event co-chair Sarah Rucker said. “It’s a reflection of the norm at Waldorf School. If it were snowing, we’d still have a blast.”

This year, the Winter Faire began under a cloudless sky on Saturday, December 10th, on the school grounds. Despite microphone trouble, the fair opened with the Southern Brothers Drum and Dance group, which had children to teens to adults performing dances of Native American origin. As they had for the past four years, they set the stage for the significance behind the event, with dances like “The Caterpillar Dance” involving transformation and change.

“It’s a blessing when they come,” co-chair Marisa Cheung said. “It sets the tone for the event. I always feel truly awakened when they perform.”

This year was the Winter Faire’s 23rd anniversary, which isn’t much younger than the school itself. When the fair was first created, Camellia Waldorf School was only a kindergarten and had yet to form its additional eight grades.The co-chairs shared the two main purposes for the fair: having a good time and public outreach.

The fair has always had an education room available, organized by school admissions director Deirdre Johnson, where families can see the schoolwork and artwork of the students and ask any questions they might have about the curriculum.

Aside from this, the fair is oriented to family fun. Children run around playgrounds with painted faces, older kids meet up by the vendors and artisans, and parents encourage their little ones to make candles or find the arts-and-crafts table.

A newer addition to the fair is the gingerbread house exhibit. Run by Nancy Ciraulo, the exhibit displays over 30 gingerbread houses for silent auction, donated by many nonprofit organizations. This year, houses were donated by the Asian Community Center, McKinley Library, My Sister's House, One Village, Sacramento/Yolo Mutual Housing Association, Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, Sharing Parents, and Short Center South. Ciraulo described it as a “community collaboration.”

Inspired children can also make their own gingerbread homes for $3. The small cost goes into school funds, as does the silent auction. The 40 vendors and artisans nearby also donate 20 percent of their revenue, making the Winter Faire a fundraising opportunity as well.

The vendors sell everything from toys and books to clothes and jewelry, and a few even have fresh treats. The school has a cafe offering fresh soup meant for the Golden Ladle Soup Competition, with soups from Capitol Garage, Taylor’s Kitchen and Cafe Bernardo. By the outdoor seating of the cafe, students and parents play music, the Christmas-themed tunes falling into the hum of hundreds of voices.

Even kids lend a helping hand at the fair. At The Children’s Store, no adult is allowed entry, only children with tickets for purchasing items. For those a bit too young to read or count, the store has fifth graders from the school ready to guide them. There was also a circus performed this year by sixth, seventh and eighth graders, with kids walking on stilts, riding unicycles, balancing plates and wearing goofy hats.

Other performances this year included puppet shows and a magician. A “pocket person,” or a clown covered in pockets, roams the fairgrounds. Children can give the pocket person a ticket in order to take a pre-wrapped gift out of one of these pockets.

“(Winter is) traditionally a time that people want to hibernate,” Rucker said. “But not here. They get into the spirit of the season.”

Camellia Waldorf School began small, as did the Winter Faire. Now, both the school and the fair have grown to something greater than first intended. The future looks bright for them, even in the depths of winter.

Editorial Note: Spelling corrections have been made to Deirdre Johnson's name and Sarah Rucker's name after this article was published.

Mutual Housing celebrates opening of the Highlands

2011-12-09T15:37:09Z

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association celebrated the grand opening of the Highlands yesterday. The celebration included tours of the 90-apartment community and a ceremony honoring Darrell Steinberg, State Senate President Pro Tem and author of the California Mental health Services Act (Proposition 63) that provides partial operating support for the development.

Located on a 3.5-acre parcel in the McClellan Redevelopment Area, the Highlands has 66 efficiency apartments for formerly homeless people and 12 studio apartments and 12 three-bedroom ones for people of modest means.

The complex has a community room and kitchen, a computer lab and conference room as well as offices for staff. The community room will be used for educational workshops in energy conservation, leadership training, financial management and youth programs. Resident councils also will use the room for meetings.

Six courtyards with deciduous trees, tables, benches and planter boxes connect the buildings. One courtyard boasts a recycled metal sculpture, named "Gertie", by Sacramento artist Steve Cook.

All units have tankless water heaters with ductless heating in the smaller units and evaporative coolers in the larger as well as energy-efficient appliances. Solar panels also were installed. Mutual Housing staff expect the project to be certified green by Building It Green later this year.

Mutual Housing's first foray into homeless housing, a medical clinic and social services, provided by the nonprofits Turning Point, The Effort and Lutheran Social Services of Northern California, are on site. Funding for Turning Point services comes from the Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services.

Development costs were $5 million. Construction costs were $14 million. Long-term operating costs are supported by substantial capitalized operating revenues. Wells Fargo Bank was the construction lender.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act partially funded the development. Operating support comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency and the California Mental Health Services Act Housing Program.

The Highlands is the 15th multifamily development of the local nonprofit in the two-county region.

Sacramento-based Cynthia Easton Architects and Chico-based Sunseri Construction, Inc. were the architects and general contractor, respectively.

Founded in 1988, Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,600 residents, half of whom are children.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Ciraulo hired by Mutual Housing

2011-11-21T17:48:15Z

Rich Ciraulo has been hired as the Director of Asset Management by Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association. In this role, he is responsible for planning and monitoring the operations and financial performance of Mutual Housing’s 15 regional communities. Ciraulo will handle acquisitions, refinancing and rehabilitation to preserve the portfolio as well as develop and maintain investor and lender relationships. He also will implement long-term strategies to improve performance that meets the nonprofit’s goals.

Prior to joining Mutual Housing, Ciraulo was a Senior Project Manager at Mercy Housing California. At Mercy, he oversaw the planning, financing, design and construction of their mixed-use, multi-and single-family developments. He also secured financing, negotiated contracts and leases, managed contractors and carried out community outreach.

Ciraulo has been in the housing and construction field for more than 17 years. He has a Master’s degree in civil engineering from Stanford University.

Founded in 1988, Mutual Housing develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,600 residents, half of whom are children.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Nearly $500,000 given to "green" Mutual Housing community

2011-08-22T19:28:33Z

Sacramento, CA – August 18, 2011. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association recently was awarded a $450,000 grant to add green elements to the rehabilitation of a local housing community, Mutual Housing at Norwood. Mutual Housing is one of 115 local NeighborWorks organizations to receive $34.9 million in Capital Funding for the Rehabilitation of Affordable Housing (CFRAH) grants.

“Rehabilitating and maintaining rental property in the Sacramento area is one of our goals,” said Rachel Iskow, Mutual Housing Association’s Executive Director. “Receiving this grant will help us with the ongoing restorations we are doing in our communities.”

“Sacramento Mutual Housing Association is dedicated to providing affordable housing for our region,” said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. “I want to congratulate them on receiving this award. “

The Norwood rehabilitation will include:
-- Replacement of HVAC systems with Energy Star condensers.
-- Installation of Energy Star/CFL lighting and the
-- Installation of Energy Star refrigerators, ranges and hoods.

The NeighborWorks America grant also will:
-- Significantly increase the number of water heater replacements with high-efficiency water heaters and
-- Increase the number of toilets with low-water models.

“This federal investment will help reduce energy consumption and costs for those who need it most,” said Matsui, Sacramento Democrat for the U.S. House of Representatives who voted to approve the funding.

The total cost of the rehabilitation at Norwood is $2.7 million. Funding also came from Community Housing Capital and the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency.

In addition to helping nonprofit small businesses acquire and rehab properties, the nearly $35 million in funds also will jump start local economies through the creation of more than 1,000 jobs that produces more than $300 million in economic activity.

Applicants requested more than $53 million in CFRAH grants—which far exceeded the amount available. Because of the high demand, a cap had to be placed on the funds each applicant could request. Without this cap, the amount requested—and need for these funds—would have been much higher.

Just four months after the CFRAH funds were given to NeighborWorks America to distribute, organizations like Mutual Housing are starting to use the funds to maintain local neighborhoods.

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,600 residents, half of whom are children.

NeighborWorks America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and safe, affordable rental housing. In the past five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $19.5 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals. For more information, visit http://www.nw.org.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Romero appointed new board chair

2011-08-08T19:50:28Z

Mindy Romero has been appointed the new chair of the board of directors Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association. She replaces Greg Chew, who remains on the board.

A researcher at the Center for Regional Change, University of California, Davis, Romero also is a doctoral candidate in the UCD Department of Sociology.

Romero has been on the board for the past three years and was with the Yolo Mutual Housing Association’s board before the two nonprofits affiliated. She lives in Davis.

Mutual Housing develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,600 residents, half of whom are children.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards is the principal of Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client of the Sacramento public relations firm.

Former Mutual Housing resident takes honors in essay contest

2011-05-31T19:32:24Z

A young Vietnamese woman—who came to the U.S. for burn treatment and helped get a start in a Mutual Housing community—has been given an honorable mention in a local college essay contest.

Nhi Vo’s essay on her struggle to survive a family fire in 2000 that killed her mother and severely burned Vo and two of her sisters recently took honors in the “Sacramento News & Review” 2011 College Essay Contest.

Vo has been accepted into the University of California, Davis, where she will study cellular biology. She plans to become a doctor.

“Becoming a doctor would allow me to give back all the love and kindness that has been shown to me by my parents, sisters, doctors and counselors, social workers, and people in the community,” she wrote in the essay.

After her father’s death of cancer in late 2009, Vo raised her sisters while attending high school, dealing with family finances and continuing medical treatment.

When her family of six first moved to California, they were able to live in Mutual Housing at Lemon Hill, a community for low and modest-income residents. These Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association communities help people get back on their feet by providing decently priced rental housing.

In high school, Vo joined the South Sacramento Coalition for Future Leaders. The coalition creates a place where youth can be safe, able to grow and realize their full potential.

“We are so proud of Nhi, not just for the wonderful essay she wrote, but for who she is and what she has done with her life,” said Emily Bender, Program Coordinator for the coalition, who works for Mutual Housing.

Students from every high school in the region submitted essays to the Sacramento News & Review. The May 5th issue featured the top finalists. The winners received $2,011 for the first-place, $750 for the second-place and $250 for each third-place winner of a three-way-tie.

Vo was one of two chosen for an honorable mention. To read her essay, go to http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/im-not-crazy/content?oid=1982117.

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,600 residents, half of whom are children.

The South Sacramento Coalition for Future Leaders is funded by a drug-free communities grant from SAMHSA. For more information, visit http://www.samhsa.org.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards owns Sacramento's Dell Richards Publicity. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is a client. For more information, visit www.dellrichards.com.

"American Idol" this Friday as South Sac students perform for prizes

2011-05-23T17:55:06Z

Some of South Sacramento’s best young performers will compete for cash prizes at Hiram Johnson High School Auditorium Friday, May 27, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Sponsored by the South Sac Coalition for Future Leaders, there also will be an art show by local youth.

“These student performers are really talented… well worth coming to see,” said Rachel Iskow, Executive Director of Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association, one of the SSCFL sponsors.

Hiram Johnson is located at 6879 14th Avenue, Sacramento. Admission is free.

The South Sacramento Youth Coalition for Future Leaders is partially funded by a drug-free communities grant from SAMHSA. For more information, visit http://www.samhsa.org.

Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,600 residents, half of whom are children.

For more information, contact SSCFL Youth Coordinator Staphonya Cabrellis, (916) 200-9428.

Disclosure: Dell Richards runs Dell Richards Publicity, a Sacramento public relations firm. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is one of her clients.

NeighborWorks America gives nearly $500,000 to local mutual housing association

2011-05-18T18:36:24Z

NeighborWorks® America recently gave $464,985 to Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association. Of these funds, $329,485 was a capital grant for programs and services, real estate development and maintenance, $110,500 was for organizational underwriting and $25,000 for green initiatives and cash flow.

The grants will help support Mutual Housing’s healthy housing by developing new, sustainable communities for the Sacramento region’s diverse households as well as upgrading older multifamily housing to make it greener and more energy-efficient.

“If you can show strong outcomes,” said Rachel Iskow, Mutual Housing Executive Director, “NeighborWorks will let the organization use the funds as it sees fit.

“Because we have a strong business plan and strong strategic goals, these funds will help us continue developing healthy housing in the local region, maintain and upgrade our communities as well as providing programs and services for our modest-income residents.”

Mutual Housing also received $2,000 for the continuation of their action plan to respond to natural disasters from NeighborWorks® America.

With the mini-grant, resident leaders will be able to educate families on emergency preparedness principals and practices. The grant was given to Mutual Housing’s resident s who participated in a national Community Leadership Institute by NeighborWorks® America where they created a plan for their neighborhood to withstand an emergency.

With communities in the Sacramento and Yolo county, Mutual Housing develops and operates well-designed rental housing for modest-income households. The communities have 2,600 residents, half of whom are children.

NeighborWorks® America is a public-private partnership with locally-driven community development and leverage of public investment as its hallmarks.

Over the past 30 years, NeighborWorks® America and affiliated community-based NeighborWorks organizations such as Mutual Housing have replicated this model of housing development in more than 4,500 communities across the U.S., the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit http://www.nw.org.

Disclosure: A former journalist, Dell Richards runs Dell Richards Publicity, a Sacramento public relations firm. Sacramento|Yolo Mutual Housing Association is one of her clients.