Premio HOME Winner Q&A: Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc. (Stockton, CA)

In June 2024, the UnidosUS HOME initiative awarded over $1.1 million to the winners of its national competition, Premio HOME, which aims to elevate and invest in organizations finding innovative solutions to America’s housing supply crisis. One of the 19 organizations recognized for their work was Stockton-based Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc. (VHB). Below you can learn more about VHB’s origins and how they are lifting up Latinos through homeownership in central California.

Q: What inspired your organization’s founding?

Visionary Home Builders of California, Inc. (VHB) was founded out of an overpowering desire to address the growing need for affordable housing for farmworker families. Our mission was driven by the recognition that housing stability is the foundation for overall well-being, economic empowerment, and community growth. VHB saw the potential to transform neighborhoods through housing development, advocacy, and strong partnerships with local organizations.

Q: What are the biggest barriers to homeownership in your community? How does that compare to national trends?

In our community, the biggest barriers to homeownership are affordability, limited inventory, and lack of access to financial education. Many families struggle with the rising costs of homes and the stringent requirements for mortgage approval. This trend mirrors the national landscape, where income disparities and increasing housing prices have made homeownership a significant challenge for low- and middle-income households.

Q: What is your organization’s mission and how do you tailor your approach to the specific needs of the communities you serve?

VHB’s mission is to provide affordable housing solutions that nurture stability and growth in underserved communities. We tailor our approach by collaborating closely with local stakeholders, understanding the unique challenges of each community, and offering housing opportunities that not only meet financial needs but also provide supportive services, such as financial literacy programs and homebuyer education, to ensure long-term success.

Q: How has your organization evolved since its founding alongside America’s housing landscape?

Since our founding, VHB has adapted to the evolving housing landscape by expanding our services from affordable housing development to include community revitalization projects, homeownership assistance programs, and advocacy for housing policy reform. As the housing crisis has intensified nationwide, we have strengthened our focus on sustainable development, including green building practices and leveraging new funding sources to maximize our impact.

Q: What need did you identify in your community that prompted you to apply for Premio HOME?

We identified a critical need for accessible homeownership pathways for first-time buyers, especially those from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The lack of affordable housing stock and financial barriers to entry motivated us to seek the Premio HOME grant to help bridge this gap and provide families with the opportunity to achieve homeownership.

Q: What opportunities has the Premio HOME grant created to enable your organization to serve your community?

The Premio HOME grant has allowed us to explore down payment assistance options and support the pre-development of new affordable housing projects. It has also enhanced our ability to offer financial counseling and homebuyer education, equipping individuals and families with the tools they need to succeed in purchasing and maintaining their homes.

Q: What is the most exciting housing innovation on the table today?

One of the most exciting innovations is modular and prefab housing, which offers cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions to the affordable housing crisis. By significantly reducing construction time and costs, these homes provide a scalable option to meet the growing demand for affordable housing.

Q: What’s next for your organization?

VHB is looking to expand our footprint in underserved regions by increasing the production of both single-family and multi-family affordable housing units. We are also exploring partnerships to develop mixed-use projects that integrate housing with community services, creating vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods.

Q: Is there a family or individual story you could share that illustrates your organization’s impact and the power of homeownership?

One powerful story involves a single mother who, after years of renting, enrolled in our homeownership education program. With the help of our financial counseling she was able to purchase her first home. Not only has this provided stability for her family, but she is now an advocate in her community, encouraging others to pursue their dreams of homeownership. This story reflects the ripple effect that affordable housing and homeownership can have, empowering individuals and strengthening entire communities.