People’s Self-Help Housing names new director of home ownership
Emily Baranek.
Baranek previously served four years as director of construction for Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County
– Local nonprofit People’s Self-Help Housing has announced the appointment of Emily Baranek as its new director of home ownership, effective June 30.
In her new role, Baranek leads a team focused on supporting families across the Central Coast of California in achieving home ownership. She brings more than 20 years of experience in home design, construction, and affordable real estate development to the organization.
“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.”
Baranek previously served four years as director of construction for Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County and volunteered with the organization before that. She played a key role in designing and developing self-help housing projects.
“We are thrilled to welcome Emily aboard,” said Veronica Garcia, chief real estate development officer at People’s Self-Help Housing. “Her past experience and vision for the homeownership program is exciting, and I have every confidence she will develop new and forward-thinking opportunities.”
Baranek is a sixth-generation resident of San Luis Obispo County and lives in Atascadero with her husband, daughter, and several farm animals. She volunteers with the City of Atascadero Design Review Committee and serves as PTSA president at the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy. She enjoys gardening, hiking and camping.
To learn more about her role and background, visit pshhc.org/leadership.
People’s Self-Help Housing, founded in 1970, is the longest-serving nonprofit affordable housing organization on the Central Coast. The organization provides housing and services to low-income families, seniors, veterans, farmworkers, individuals living with disabilities, and formerly homeless individuals in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Monterey counties.
The organization’s home ownership program has helped build over 1,200 homes. Through this program, People’s Self-Help Housing secures land and invites groups of families to build their homes together through a structured application process. Families invest sweat equity in place of a cash down payment and receive affordable mortgage assistance. The model fosters long-term financial investment and community connections.
People’s Self-Help Housing also manages over 2,000 rental units and employs more than 250 people. For more information, visit pshhc.org or call (805) 781-3088.
