👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/jweAvO99hZE • 👂 Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r
How does a history major from New Jersey end up transforming housing for farm workers in California’s San Joaquin Valley? In this episode, Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Tom Collishaw, President & CEO of Self-Help Enterprises, a nonprofit that has pioneered affordable housing solutions since 1965.
Tom shares his 43-year journey from a VISTA volunteer digging fence posts to leading one of the nation’s most respected community development organizations. He explains the mutual self-help housing model where families build homes together, the role of water infrastructure in creating livable communities, and the challenges posed by political shifts and immigration fears. Along the way, Tom highlights the importance of mentorship, trust, and reputation in nonprofit leadership — and why he still believes in the resilience of communities to overcome today’s housing crisis.
Chapters
(02:15) The Mutual Self-Help Housing Model Explained
(06:50) From New Jersey to California: Tom’s VISTA Journey
(10:40) Learning Affordable Housing on the Job
(14:20) Weathering Political Shifts in Housing Policy
(18:35) Community Trauma, Immigration, and Housing Access
(22:45) Water, Infrastructure, and Rural Development Challenges
(27:30) The Lofts at Fort Visalia Project
(33:40) Mission-Driven Leadership and Mentorship Lessons
(38:45) Reputation, Resilience, and Looking Ahead
Links
YouTube: https://youtu.be/jweAvO99hZE
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9