Emily Baranek has been appointed director of homeownership at People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH), where she and her team will work to make the dream of homeownership a reality for families across the Central Coast.

Baranek brings more than two decades of experience in new home design, construction, and affordable real estate development, to her job at PSHH.

Serving four years as the past director of construction for Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County, and a longtime volunteer before that, she has been instrumental in designing, developing and building self-help housing, PSHH said.

“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,” Baranek said.

“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,” she said.

“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, Baranek lives in Atascadero with her family.

Learn more at pshhc.org/leadership.

People’s Self-Help Housing secures land and, through an application process, invites groups of families to build their homes together. The program leverages the time, effort, and sweat equity of neighbors working alongside each other to transform their 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, PSHH said.

For more, visit pshhc.org, email info@pshhc.org, or phone 805-781-3088.