The housing crisis is not just a headline—it’s a daily reality for many of Fresno’s residents, particularly for seniors living on fixed incomes. As rent costs rise, more and more seniors are finding themselves unable to afford safe and stable housing, pushing them to the brink of displacement. 

One local church is stepping up to meet this need in a unique and inspiring way. Westside Church of God in Southwest Fresno is building tiny homes for seniors struggling to pay rent in their community.

The Housing Crisis Hits Home

In California, and particularly in Fresno, the shortage of affordable housing is acute. According to Esther Carver, Executive Director of the Lowell Community Development Corporation (CDC), “If someone is paying more than one-third of their income toward housing, they are considered housing burdened.” This is a reality many seniors face, especially in communities like Southwest Fresno, where rising costs and fixed incomes leave little room for stability.

For these seniors, housing insecurity is not just a financial burden but an emotional and physical one. Data from the California Budget Department shows that older Black, Indigenous, and Pacific Islander Californians disproportionately experience homelessness. This crisis hits Southwest Fresno’s seniors particularly hard, where economic hardship has lingered for decades. 

Westside Church’s Tiny Home Project: A Creative Solution

Westside Church of God, in partnership with the South Tower Community Land Trust, Southwest Fresno Development Corporation (SWFDC), and PreFab Innovations is turning a portion of its 4.4-acre property into a place of refuge for seniors. With 1.3 acres of developable land, they have a vision to create a community of affordable homes specifically designed for seniors who are at risk of losing their housing.

The South Tower Community Land Trust worked alongside an intern from SWFDC to increase their capacity for community design work including site documentation, design and 3D visualization of a three
phase senior housing development at the rear of the church property.

Each of the three project phases includes seven prefabricated homes arranged in a cottage court
layout. Phase 1 of the project will see the development of seven tiny homes ranging from 440 to 576  square feet, each with one or two bedrooms, with solar panels added to reduce utility costs. “Our vision is to ultimately have 21 cottages on this acre,” says Allysunn Walker, President and CEO of the Southwest Fresno Development Corporation.

“These homes not only provide shelter but also create a safe, healthy, and vibrant community for seniors. The design includes green space, gardens and walkable areas to encourage recreation, socializing, and a sense of belonging.  Services will be provided by our partners.”

A Model for Other Churches

Westside Church’s tiny homes project is an inspiring example of how churches can use their resources to meet urgent community needs. As Esther Carver notes, “There are around 500 churches [in Fresno]. If the majority of those churches own property… and look really deeply at the underutilized areas of their property… I believe that we can solve Fresno’s housing crisis.”

The Senior Cottages at Westside are more than just a housing solution—they represent a movement toward creative thinking and a relentless commitment to being a good neighbor.

A Call to Action: How Can Your Church Be a Good Neighbor?

Westside Church’s tiny home project is a model for what is possible when churches use their space to serve their community. But this is just the beginning. As more churches begin to explore how they can leverage their land and resources for the long-term restoration of their neighborhoods, the possibilities are endless.

You don’t need to be a professional real estate developer or a property manager to make a difference. As Esther Carver said, “You don’t have to know all the nitty-gritty… You just have to be willing.” 

Whether it’s providing affordable housing for seniors, single moms, foster youth or the unhoused; offering community services; or creating spaces for people to connect, churches have an incredible opportunity to be good neighbors in Fresno.

How can your church use its space to serve its neighbors?

If you’re not sure where to begin or what the needs are in your neighborhood, we encourage you to reach out to a community development organizations like these ones who are active in your area!

Through creativity, commitment, and partnership, we can begin to address some of the most pressing issues in our city.