Building Community: Salt + Light’s Impact on Homelessness in Tulare County
Introduction to Salt + Light
In the heart of California’s Central Valley, Salt + Light is pioneering a compassionate approach to homelessness. Founded by Adrianne Hillman in late 2019, the organization challenges conventional views on homelessness by treating all individuals they work with as “neighbors.” This inclusive ethos has become central to their mission of providing permanent supportive housing.
The Inspiration Behind Salt + Light
Adrianne Hillman’s journey into nonprofit work started with a local faith-based homeless aid organization. After experiencing an overly transactional approach toward homelessness, where services were conditional, Hillman sought a more empathetic model. A transformative visit to Community First! Village in Austin, Texas— a 51-acre master-planned housing community—ignited her passion for community-based living as a solution for the unhoused.
“It was intoxicating to watch people really live in community with one another,” Hillman remarked. However, when she attempted to implement a similar model in her Tulare County community, the board she was advising declined her proposal. Undeterred, she launched Salt + Light, which further abstracts the notion of community support.
Achievements and Recognition
Salt + Light, along with its Neighborhood Village—the first master-planned permanent supportive housing community in California—received the prestigious James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award in 2024, including a $350,000 grant to support its initiatives. Together with Erin Garner-Ford, who joined as Chief Strategy Officer in 2023, Hillman’s leadership has transformed the support system for the unhoused in Tulare County.
Addressing Immediate Needs
The organization faced its first major obstacle shortly after its inception, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. With limited resources, Hillman and Garner-Ford acquired a used food truck to address the immediate needs of those living on the streets. Despite criticism for “feeding the homeless,” Hillman underscored the importance of addressing basic needs, stating, “A peanut butter and jelly sandwich does not a home make. We were just meeting an immediate suffering need.”
This hands-on approach paid off when they applied for a state Encampment Resolution Funding grant, successfully securing nearly $200,000 to assist those in encampments by providing case management and facilitating a transition to safer environments.
Transformative Community and Housing Solutions
Thus far, Salt + Light has successfully housed over 250 individuals, approximately 20% of Tulare County’s unhoused population, with minimal return to homelessness. Garner-Ford estimates only three households have become homeless again, contrasting starkly with the national average of 14% of individuals in permanent supportive housing returning to homelessness within a year.
The Neighborhood Village features 53 furnished modular homes spread across 6.5 acres in Goshen, a struggling area in Tulare County. The community includes a center for activities, a dog park, a memorial garden, and even a market where residents can use currency earned through community work for experiences like trips to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks.
Every home is designed with a front porch, facilitating casual interactions that Hillman proudly points to as essential for fostering a sense of community.
Comprehensive Support Services
Hillman strongly believes that building a supportive community goes beyond mere housing. Each of the village’s residences comes equipped with job training, financial literacy classes, and addiction recovery meetings. Regular medical care is also provided through collaboration with Fresno State’s family nurse practitioner program, ensuring that residents have ongoing support for their well-being.
Building Trust and Collaboration
Establishing trust within the local community has posed additional challenges, especially when interacting with law enforcement, which had historically been the go-to response for mental health issues. Initially, Hillman noted a tense relationship with the sheriff’s department, which has since evolved into a more collaborative partnership as both parties recognize the shared goal of caring for the community.
This partnership has even extended to local law enforcement, as the Visalia Police Department has taken proactive measures to address homelessness issues through their own task force, further validating Salt + Light’s mission.
Future Directions
The funding from the James Irvine Foundation will support staff training and operations, enabling Salt + Light to expand its reach and continually enhance its services. Hillman aims to demonstrate the efficacy of human-relational care in sustaining long-term housing.
Future plans for the village include expanding facilities and potentially introducing multi-story buildings, showcasing Salt + Light’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation in addressing homelessness.
Conclusion
In a world where homelessness often feels insurmountable, Salt + Light is proving that a neighborly approach can make a significant difference. Their combination of comprehensive services, community-oriented design, and collaboration with local resources exemplifies how we can work together to create a more inclusive society. As Hillman aptly states, “Belonging is my heartbreak,” signaling a passion for ensuring that every neighbor has a place to call home.
For a deeper understanding of effective housing solutions and programs that prioritize community, see more about the transformative work at Salt + Light. Visit the James Irvine Foundation for further information about their awards and initiatives supporting innovative approaches to social challenges.
