Visionary Home Builders🏗️

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By: Zachary Hulsey

For over 35 years, the nonprofit development group Visionary Home Builders has created and advocated for healthy, vibrant, and safe communities through the development of affordable housing and educational opportunities for all in low and moderate income brackets. Based in Stockton, they have been making a huge difference on the housing scene in California. They first started in 1983 with a direct mission to provide affordable housing to families, especially farmworkers, who were struggling to find stable homes. Over the years, they’ve grown into a well-known nonprofit organization dedicated to building homes that are not just affordable but also designed with sustainability and community in mind.

Grand View Village

One of their most recent and significant projects is the Grand View Village, located at 240 E Miner Ave, Stockton, CA 95202, in downtown Stockton. This housing development project offers 75 affordable housing units for lower- to moderate-income families. But it’s more than just a place to live. This wonderful development includes eco-friendly features such as solar panels and energy-efficient appliances. There are also spaces for businesses and community activities, including a future grocery store and a Head Start program for young children. The Grand View Village is a great example of how Visionary Home Builders mix both affordable housing with beneficial services that support our community.

Founder and CEO, Carol Ornelas, stated in a quote to the Downtown Stockton Alliance, “At Visionary Home Builders, we don’t just build housing — we build hope, opportunity, and stronger communities. Our mission is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.”

Liberty Square & More

Another huge project is Liberty Square, located at 807 N. San Joaquin Street. This development turned an old commercial building into 74 affordable rental units. This project was designed with veterans in mind, offering a mix of studio apartments and one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes. Liberty Square also has a vibrant community center with a computer lab and daycare facilities. Residents at the Liberty Square also benefit from their close proximity to public transportation and other essential services to access the resources they need.

In addition to these projects, Visionary Home Builders is also working on providing resources for families who want to own homes. In 2024, the organization received over $1.1 million through the Premio HOME award to support their great mission. They’re helping families overcome barriers to homeownership by offering financial education and support. This is crucial in a region where high home prices and limited availability can make owning a home feel out of reach for many families.

Founder Carol Ornelas, has played a huge role in advocating for affordable housing and economic justice. In 2023, she was honored with the Alan Fisher Economic Justice Award for her work in promoting fair housing opportunities. Her leadership has definitely helped in Visionary Home Builders’ success and their ability to make a difference in the Stockton community.

La Passeggiata

In yet another project, Visionary Home Builders is also exploring new ways to build sustainable homes. Their upcoming project, La Passeggiata (which recently broke ground), plans to bring modular multi-family homes to downtown Stockton. These homes will be energy-efficient and include features like rooftop gardens and solar power. The goal is to offer more affordable housing options for seniors and families in the area while also embracing modern construction methods to tackle the housing shortage.

In Conclusion

Overall, Visionary Home Builders has made downtown Stockton a more sustainable, livable, area that families can enjoy. Their contribution to addressing the housing needs in Stockton has exceeded expectations. Their projects not only provide affordable homes but also strengthen the communities they’re built in. Through their innovative and community-centered approach, Visionary Home Builders is proving that it’s possible to create homes that are both affordable and sustainable, helping families find stability and a brighter future. From the Downtown Stockton Alliance to the team over at Visionary Home Builders, thank you for choosing Downtown Stockton as your home!

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