Empowering Residents.Investing in Futures.
Every story begins with a home. As the philanthropic arm of Fresno Housing, one of California’s largest public housing authorities, Beyond Housing Foundation turns stability into opportunity for more than 42,000 residents across Fresno County. Together, we connect local experience to broader opportunity, creating a model for mobility that’s earning national attention as a proven, people-centered approach to lasting change.
We help families turn stability into strength by supporting education, workforce training, and first-time homeownership for Fresno Housing residents. Working alongside community colleges, local employers, and financial institutions, we’re building a regional pathway from affordable housing to economic mobility.
Who we serve
We know our residents
We are neighbors and partners. We know the people we serve by name, by story, by neighborhood. Because we work directly with Fresno Housing, our programs begin where stability already exists. That proximity and trust lets us see needs early, respond quickly, and deliver results that last.
- 42,000+ Residents served annually throughout Fresno County 23,463 adults and 18,643 children
- $19,000 Average household income
- 60%+ Of our families earn less than 30% of Area Median Income in Fresno County
Area Median Income (AMI)
The midpoint of family income in a region, calculated annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine eligibility for housing and support programs. In Fresno County, the current Median Family Income is $88,500.
Where stability meets opportunity
Measured impact
Beyond Housing Foundation serves Fresno Housing residents who have already taken the first step toward stability. Because they have a safe, affordable home, we can focus on what comes next: education, employment, and long-term financial strength.
Scholarship applications reviewed
First-generation college students
- 63% First-generation
- 37% Not first-generation
Academic performance · three-year average
The challenges
What stands in the way
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Economic barriers
Low wages and limited support services — childcare and transportation among them — hold back income mobility.
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Educational gaps
Adults need credentials that unlock sustainable careers.
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Financial exclusion
Many residents lack access to credit or savings tools.
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Systemic inequities
Disinvestment in Central Valley neighborhoods, particularly Southwest Fresno and rural communities, has long shaped who reaches opportunity.
Our approach
- Housing
- Stability
- Learning
- Earning
- Ownership
Stability is where mobility starts
Housing creates stability. Stability enables learning, earning, and ownership. That progression defines our model for upward mobility.
We meet people where they are, often literally. Because we know our residents and their communities, our programs address barriers with practical, proven solutions: scholarships for students, financial empowerment for families, and down payment assistance for first-time buyers.
It’s a holistic model built on trust and partnership — connecting education, income, and ownership so families can build independence and opportunity that lasts for generations. Our shared infrastructure with Fresno Housing ensures donor investment flows directly to programs that create lasting impact.
Results
What success looks like
Education & Scholarships
$142,000+
awarded to 109 residents through Education Advancement and HAW56 scholarships.
- Designed for youth, first-generation students, and working parents returning to school.
- Supported by Fresno Housing staff investors, community donors, and partner employers.
Workforce Readiness
23
partner-led workshops completed by over 100 residents at the Economic Empowerment Summit presented by Wells Fargo.
- Sherwin-Williams partnership — created a pipeline for trade employment and skills training.
- EECU, US Bank, and community partners — provided on-site financial counseling and education.
Homeownership
$500,000
from US Bank funds the OpenHome Down Payment Assistance Program.
- Helps families buy their first homes with up to $25,000 per household.
- Residents are building generational wealth and stability for their families.
Get involved
Signature events powering our mission
Three gatherings each year fund our programs and bring residents, employers, and policymakers into the same room.
Wine Fest
A spring fundraiser celebrating local wine, food, and community spirit.
- Audience
- 200+ guests, donors, civic leaders, and partners
- Purpose
- Supports scholarships and career readiness programs
- Sponsorship
- Tiers from $5,000 to $20,000, with recognition in print, digital, and event signage
Economic Empowerment Summit
A free workforce and economic mobility summit linking residents with employers, lenders, and colleges through 20+ workshops.
- Audience
- 100+ residents and 25+ vendor partners
- Purpose
- Connecting Fresno Housing residents with workforce leaders and educators to advance economic opportunity
- Sponsorship
- Levels from $1,000 to $15,000 with signage, vendor space, and speaking slots
State of Affordable Housing
An annual policy and industry forum convening 300–400 developers, policymakers, and advocates from local, state, and national levels to discuss housing affordability and equity.
- Audience
- Civic leaders, foundations, and housing professionals
- Purpose
- Benefits Beyond Housing Foundation programs while advancing housing dialogue in the Central Valley
- Sponsorship
- Presenting Sponsor at $20,000, plus tiered packages with high-profile visibility
The work continues
Turn housing into a foundation for lasting change
Every day our families take steps toward stronger financial futures — earning degrees, pursuing family-sustaining careers, and buying their first homes. Barriers still persist. Your investment helps close that gap.
Together, we move families beyond housing toward independence.
info@beyondhousingfresno.org