Mercy Housing California
In Her Own Words: Building Something Better
Rachel reflects on finding stability, pursuing her education, and building a future for her family at 600 Seventh St.
“My journey is one of resilience and determination. As a mother of two, I have faced housing instability, financial challenges, and the demands of returning to school while raising my family. Through perseverance and hard work, I remained focused on building a better future for my children.
“Before returning to college, I spent more than a decade working in construction as a cement mason finisher. That hands-on experience inspired me to pursue higher education and advance into leadership, safety, and project management within the construction field.
“With the support of Mercy Housing, I have gained the stability needed to fully commit to my education and personal growth.
“Today, I’m proud to be a college undergrad soon to be with a degree in Construction Management, a milestone that reflects years of sacrifice, strength, and dedication.
“I am deeply grateful to Mercy Housing and its supporters for helping make this achievement possible. I hope this story encourages others to keep going, even when the path feels uncertain. You will always find a way when you believe in yourself.”
By The Numbers
22,655
residents
12,769
homes
171
properties
2025 Highlights
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1
Elevated MHC resident voices in Washington, D.C., advocating for strengthened federal support for affordable housing and expanded access to HOME program resources.
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2
Began or completed construction on more than 950 affordable homes across 11 communities in the Sacramento, Bay Area, and Los Angeles regions.
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3
Celebrated the first year of The Hub in Sunnydale, expanding access to resident services and community gathering space.
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4
Opened Villa St. Joseph in Orange County, transforming the historic Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange motherhouse into 50 service-enriched homes for low-income seniors.
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5
Opened The Heights on Stockton — one of Sacramento’s largest affordable housing developments to date — featuring 200 homes specifically designed to serve families and individuals with disabilities.
About Mercy Housing California
As the largest regional affiliate of Mercy Housing, Mercy Housing California is home to 22,655 residents, including low- and very low-income families, seniors, veterans, and adults exiting homelessness.
Through strong partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations, we deliver affordable housing to communities where it is needed most. Many residents also have access to free onsite services that support stability, health, and progress toward personal goals.
2025 Board of Directors
Ellen E. Jamason (Chair)
Julie Brandt
Bradley Cox
Rocky Fried
Kay Fernandez Smith
Jamarah Hayner
Phyllis Hughes, RSM
Jennifer Keith
Lynn King-Tolliver
Christopher Lee
David Levine
Kacey Lizon
William Pavão
Guillermo Rodriguez
Thank you to our Partners
We want to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to the individuals and organizations who share our vision to create stable, vibrant, and healthy communities and that make our work possible through their generous contributions.
