Ritzpa Bellard is taking steps to help provide a roof over the head for those in low-income communities.

“I focus on providing housing for people who come from mental health facilities or come out of prison, people who just need affordable housing who used to be homeless,” Bellard said.

A detached house is called Blynd Essence Ranchlocated on the corner of N. Blythe and W. Shields avenues in west central Fresno.

This is the second home for independent living that Bellard operates in Fresno County, which meets the quality standards of the County Independent Living Association.

Bellard’s enthusiasm for helping people as well as the lack of affordable housing encouraged her to expand her services.

“I don’t see it because I do a lot,” she explained. “I’m just doing what I think is right.”

The 11-bedroom house will house five men and four women. There will be single and dormitory rooms.

Rents range from $ 800 to $ 950, which includes a lunch prepared by the chef each evening.

There will also be animals in the huge yard, as Bellard plans to share his love for agriculture with the residents.

“The whole point is to bring agriculture to the city center, to bring agriculture to those who are disadvantaged and marginalized,” she said. “Not only as a way of therapy, as animal therapy or natural therapy, but also as a way to teach the development of the workforce in the agricultural sector.”

Bellard hopes to populate the residents by June 1.

An open day is scheduled for her, where interested residents can come in and apply. It is scheduled for May 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 4396 W. Shields Avenue.

Bellardo also has Fr. GoFundMe set up and she still accepts furniture donations to finish the home decoration. Her contact information is (530) 867-7994.