Emily Baranek appointed to leadership position
CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing’s (PSHH) has announced a new Director of Homeownership: Emily Baranek.
As the Director of Homeownership, Emily leads a team of dedicated professionals working to make the dream of homeownership a reality for families across the Central Coast of California. With over two decades of experience in new home design, construction, and affordable real estate development, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge and strategic insight to PSHH.
“I am incredibly proud of the years spent working and learning with Habitat for Humanity. Providing affordable homeownership opportunities for our friends and neighbors throughout the Central Coast is a true passion of mine,” said Baranek. “I have always felt that homeownership is more than just a roof over your head – it’s a foundation for stability, growth and meaningful connection, and I am absolutely thrilled to be joining People’s Self-Help Housing in this shared mission.”
Serving four years as the past Director of Construction for Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County, and a longtime volunteer prior to that, she has been instrumental in designing, developing and building self-help housing.
“We are thrilled to welcome Emily aboard,” said Veronica Garcia, PSHH Chief Real Estate Development Officer. “Her past experience and vision for the homeownership program is exciting and I have every confidence she will develop new and forward-thinking opportunities.”
A sixth-generation native of San Luis Obispo County, Emily resides in Atascadero with her husband, daughter, and a lively assortment of farm animals. She volunteers with the City of Atascadero Design Review Committee and the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy as PTSA President. She enjoys gardening, hiking, and camping, and is always looking for new ways to connect with nature and our community. To learn more, please visit pshhc.org/leadership.
For over 50 years, People’s Self-Help Housing has brought the stability and wealth-building opportunities of homeownership to the Central Coast. Over 1,200 homes later, the Homeownership program continues to help families realize the American Dream.
People’s Self-Help Housing secures land and, through an application process, invites groups of families to build their homes together. This amazing program leverages the time, effort, and sweat equity of neighbors working alongside each other to transform their hard work into the investment of a lifetime. Used in lieu of a cash down payment, and with the help of an affordable mortgage, this collective effort creates a sense of pride and long-lasting connections.
About People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH)
Founded in 1970, PSHH is the longest-serving nonprofit affordable housing organization on the Central Coast. With a mission of building homes and providing services to strengthen communities and change lives, PSHH serves low-income households, families, seniors, veterans, farmworkers, those living with disabilities and the formerly homeless. It also provides homeownership opportunities through a self-help “sweat equity” program that has seen over 1,200 homes successfully completed. PSHH has a presence in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Monterey counties, manages over 2,000 rental units, and employs over 250 team members. PSHH acknowledges the Indigenous Peoples and unceded territories that our organization now occupies. We recognize the YTT Northern Chumash, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash, Barbeño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians, Cruzeño Chumash, and Salinan elders, current and future generations as the protectors of these lands. To read the full land acknowledgement, visit pshhc.org/IDEA. For more information about the organization, visit pshhc.org, email info@pshhc.org or phone (805) 781-3088.