WHO WE ARE
The Family Villa Program is more than just housing, it’s a place where families begin again. As a Permanent Supportive Housing program, we provide safe, stable homes for 26 families who are overcoming the challenges of homelessness and disability. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the County of Fresno, our program is rooted in compassion, dignity, and long-term care.
At Family Villa, we believe that every family deserves the chance to thrive. That’s why we offer wraparound support services designed to help parents rebuild their lives and children grow up in a nurturing, consistent environment. From case management and life-skills coaching to connection with mental health care, employment resources, and educational support, we walk alongside our families every step of the way.
Here, families are not just housed, they are empowered, supported, and given the tools they need to build brighter futures.
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Families participating in the Family Villa Program have access to a wide range of supportive services designed to promote long-term stability, wellness, and self-sufficiency. Available services include:
• Case management and individualized service planning
• Life skills classes (budgeting, parenting, conflict resolution, etc.)
• Assistance with accessing and maintaining income (employment support, government benefits, education)
• Connections to mental health and substance use treatment services
• Referrals to healthcare providers and transportation coordination
• Educational advocacy and school enrollment support for children
• Linkages to after-school programming and youth enrichment opportunities
• Support in enrolling children in sports, clubs, and community events
• Coordination with Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health services
• Crisis intervention and conflict mediation
• Tenant education and housing retention support
• Community-building activities to strengthen social ties
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Our mission extends far beyond housing, we are committed to helping families heal, grow, and thrive. Our program goals are centered around creating long-term stability, nurturing strong family bonds, and building a supportive community that empowers parents and children alike.
We aim to provide each family with the resources and support they need to achieve lasting independence. This includes helping parents connect to stable sources of income, whether through employment, government assistance, or educational opportunities and ensuring they have access to life skills classes, case management, and individualized support plans.
We are equally committed to the success of our youngest residents. Children in the program are supported through connections to educational services, after-school programming, youth sports, and community events that encourage healthy development and social engagement.
Our overarching goal is to foster a sense of belonging and create opportunities for growth. By promoting positive social ties, lifelong skills, and family-focused support, Family Villa helps build the foundation for stronger, more resilient futures one family at a time.
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Referrals to the Family Villa Program are received through the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care (FMCoC) Coordinated Entry System (CES), which prioritizes families based on vulnerability and housing need. All referrals are reviewed by program staff to ensure they meet eligibility criteria outlined by our funding partners.
The Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health maintains primary referring privileges and may prioritize families involved with or eligible for County programs. Residents referred through the County may be required to participate in supportive services to help them maintain long-term housing stability.
We partner closely with FMCoC and County agencies to ensure each family referred to Family Villa receives not only a home, but the wraparound support, resources, and compassion needed to rebuild and thrive.
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HUD & Fresno County DBH
Eligibility:
To qualify for the Family Villa Program, households must meet specific eligibility criteria as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and our funding partners.
At least one adult in the household must:
• Meet the definition of chronically homeless, which includes experiencing long-term or repeated episodes of homelessness, and
• Have a verifiable disability, such as a physical, developmental, or mental health condition, certified by a qualified provider.
All applicants must be referred through the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care, Coordinated Entry System. While the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) holds primary referring privileges, all DBH referrals must also go through CES to ensure fair and coordinated access across the system of care.
The Family Villa Program is designed to serve the most vulnerable families in our community.
NAISHA’S STORY
Naisha, a single mother of three children (ages 18, 10, and 8), joined our program in July 2019. Before arriving at Family Villa, she and her family were referred by several agencies, including DBH, El Puente Temporary Housing, and the DSS Homeless Assistance Program. At the time, Naisha was experiencing chronic homelessness, moving between shelters and motels with her children.
Her primary source of income was public assistance, including welfare and food stamps. Although she held a high school diploma, Naisha faced significant barriers to employment due to mental health challenges and dyslexia. Additionally, her youngest child also struggled with mental health issues and a learning disability, which further limited her ability to work full-time.
During her time at Family Villa, Naisha received comprehensive support, including access to mental health services for both herself and her children. Despite a few setbacks, she and her family gradually stabilized, mentally, physically, and financially.
Naisha’s determination led her to secure full-time employment with the City of Fresno’s Parks and Recreation Department. With a steady income, she began saving money and was able to purchase a vehicle, improving her independence and mobility. With the help of her case manager, she applied to several permanent housing programs.
In June 2025, Naisha’s persistence paid off, she was selected for permanent housing at Manzanilla Commons and is expected to move in soon. Her journey is a powerful example of how resilience, support, and hard work can lead to lasting change.
Naisha and her family embody the spirit of transformation that Family Villa strives to inspire in every client. We are proud to celebrate her success.
Office: 4806 E. University Ave #A, Fresno CA 93703
Hours: [8 am-10 pm Mon-Fri]
[9 am-2 pm Sat & Sun]
Phone: (559) 276-3934
