Special Initiatives

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

OUR GOAL IS INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

A Letter From Our CEO – As a black man who has lived experience with multiple dimensions of diversity throughout my lifetime, including not learning about my dyslexia diagnosis until college, I am absolutely committed to our work at Fresno Housing to strengthen Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).  I have turned numerous stumbling blocks into stepping stones.  I have been, and always will be, committed to opening doors of opportunity for others, because others have opened doors of opportunity for me.  As a proud graduate of Prairie View A & M University and MIT, I am proof that with the right support and resources, we all can rise to higher heights and maximize our full potential.

Belonging and inclusivity have a strong impact on those we serve, but also on employee retention, satisfaction, and engagement.  This is why the first two goals in our DEI Strategic Framework focus on our colleagues and culture.  By prioritizing the initial focus on the climate in our workplace, Fresno Housing recognizes that change will begin at home, and radiate out through the actions of our employees to positively impact our customers and partners.

With a goal of inclusive excellence, Fresno Housing strives to be an Agency where all employees, residents, and stakeholders recognize our organization as a great place to work, live, and thrive. We aim to be an Agency where a sense of inclusion and belonging has been realized for those who have historically been marginalized or underrepresented. We will continue being intentional and ensuring that efforts to be inclusive and develop a sense of belonging are embedded in all aspects of our work, and should sustain all elements of diversity that make each of us unique. While we are each informed by our own lived experiences through differences in ethnicity, political philosophy, spiritual beliefs and relation, socio-economic status, gender, culture, veteran status, sexual orientation, ethnicity and so many other dimensions, we are aligned in our appreciation for what makes us unique and our dedication to empowering the residents we serve.

Fresno Housing remains committed to prioritizing our DEI work, and will continue to uphold the belief that our differences, backgrounds, and talents enrich Fresno Housing and the larger city and county community.

Sincerely,

Tyrone Roderick Williams

DEI Vision Statement – Fresno Housing will demonstrate how diversity, equity, and inclusion can transform a community.

DEI Mission Statement – Our mission is to influence the power of diversity through an increase in representation throughout multiple dimensions of diversity across the organization, specifically at the leadership level, and to highlight the importance of Fresno Housing’s culture of inclusion and belonging in accordance to the Agency’s behavioral standards and practices. As a public facing organization, we will use our knowledge, skills, awareness and an appreciation of diversity, equity, and inclusion to increase the Agency’s impact on creating and supporting vibrant communities throughout Fresno County.

DEI Strategic Framework – Additional information on our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts can be found by viewing the DEI Strategic Framework.

The California Avenue Neighborhood (CAN) Initiative is a comprehensive neighborhood transformation planning effort to reinvest in the people, housing and neighborhoods of southwest Fresno. The goal is to positively impact the quality of life, housing, and community within the California Avenue Neighborhood and see excellent schools, jobs, quality housing, engaged neighbors, clean parks and sidewalks, and more. These are all a part of having a vibrant community.

CAN seeks to partner with the community to learn the needs of the neighborhood, create a vision, gather innovative ideas and thoughts as we – together – work to reimagine and reinvest in the future of southwest Fresno’s California Avenue.

For more information, visit WestFresnoCAN.org.