New affordable apartment rental complex opens its doors in North Visalia

VISALIA, California -- A few dozen families are ready to move in to a new affordable housing community in the South Valley this weekend.

Highland Gardens is an affordable and sustainable apartment rental community in north Visalia. The $8 million complex is a joint project between Self-Help Enterprises and the city of Visalia. It includes 36 two and three bedroom apartments, a community center and a playground. There's also a community garden where residents can plant their own fruits and vegetables.

"Give them a stable place to live, a place with affordable rent, and then they can start to improve their lives in other ways, educationally, economically," said Self-Help President & CEO Tom Collishaw. "This is a walkable project to all kinds of services including groceries including healthcare, including other shopping."

Collishaw says residents will receive 100% solar energy to help offset their electrical bills. On-Site solar carports will also create renewable energy.