Big Sandy Rancheria of Western Mono Indians near Auberry, Big Sandy photo

Community West Bank announced Thursday that it helped secure a $500,000 grant for the Big Sandy Rancheria of Western Mono Indians through the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco’s Tribal Nations Program. 

The funding will support a 12-unit supportive housing development on tribal trust land in Auberry. The project includes two six-unit buildings with dedicated parking and is designed to serve tribal members experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 

“It is our honor to partner with the FHLBank of San Francisco to help address the critical need for affordable housing for members of the Big Sandy Rancheria,” said James J. Kim, president and CEO of Community West Bank, in a news release. “Fostering initiatives that strengthen this region, and the communities we serve throughout Central California, is at the heart of what we do.”

The Tribal Nations Program launched in January 2024 and strives to increase the supply of affordable housing in Native American communities through infrastructure funding. 

“We truly appreciate Community West Bank’s efforts in helping secure a grant under the FHLBank of San Francisco’s Tribal Nations Program,” said Tom Zizzo, tribal administrator for Big Sandy Rancheria. “Their dedication to our region reflects a genuine commitment to improving the lives of families throughout Fresno County.”

Community West Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Community West Bancshares, headquartered in Fresno, with banking centers across Central California.

The FHL Bank of San Francisco is part of a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity and change lives for the better, according to a news release. 

The FHL Bank of San Francisco sets aside 10% of its earnings each year to fund affordable housing and downpayment assistance. Since 1990, the Bank has awarded over $1.35 billion in grants to aid in the purchase, development and rehabilitation of over 154,600 units of quality affordable housing for lower-income households.