About Us
BLACKOAK PROJECT operations are guided by an integrated core value of humanity.
When applied to a nonprofit low-income housing model, BLACKOAK PROJECT core values adapt to prioritize community stability, accessibility, and dignified living for our veterans and under-served communities.
The integrated core values for a housing-focused initiative are structured as follows:
Pioneering & Bold Strategy
Creative Financing: Leveraging mixed federal and state grants, corporate sponsorships, and innovative community land trusts to secure real estate below market rates.
Transformative Urban Development: Reclaiming and redeveloping underutilized commercial properties or historic spaces to continuously revitalize urban corridors.
People & Partnerships
Targeted Supportive Care: Constructing dedicated living spaces tailored specifically to vulnerable demographics, including seniors and disabled veterans.
Community Integration: Partnering closely with local veteran organizations, social services, and school networks to build environments where families can build long-term stability.
Profound & Lasting Vision
Generational Inclusion: Preserving community diversity by creating permanent, affordable units so long-time neighborhood residents are not priced out by gentrification.
Designing solutions for maximum real-world impact and sustainability, ensuring outcomes endure well past the immediate project lifecycle.
Holistic On & Off Site Opportunities
Integrating enriching amenities like computer learning rooms, educational resources, fitness center, therapy pool, community gardens, and off-site referral supportive care.
Operational Excellence
Structured Resource Allocation: Working directly with local housing authorities to coordinate tenant placement, manage voucher programs, and streamline entitlements.
High-Quality Environments: Ensuring that all low-income projects are built to meet rigorous safety, accessibility, and environmental standards without compromising quality.
Our Story
Journey back to year 2020, the company was formally known as THE OAK PROJECT (conceptual idea). As times gone by during the COVID era, many days and nights the founder had countless spiritual conversations with God.
Many nights of prayers, God spiritually said to the founder, Go my son, Go forth and do the great work that is set before you. You were once in a life of darkness, and I have given you the light of life. Now you must give the light of life to others. You were created for the greater good of humanity.
And that's when BLACKOAK PROJECT was born.
Our CEO
Bio
Mr. Black-Oak was never much to brag or boast about his life. He understand the values of words. Words should only be used to uplift others and not wasted on yourself. But just to enlighten the world a bit about his life, he was raised in Fresno, CA. He graduated from Fresno State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology.
He is a child of war who values and appreciates freedom. And that's why he gave his life of service back to this great country he calls home (USA). He operated in the shadows during his time with the federal government.
He was appointed as Vice-chair (collateral duty), overseeing a program that he created and now widely used within the federal government sectors. After years of service with USMC-DOD & DHS combined, Mr. Black-Oak medically retired, due to his injuries in-the-line of duty.
Mr. Black-Oak never seeks to be recognized or expects a thank you, because he does it for the love of his country and for the people. He continues to do the great work that God set before him.
Mr. Black-Oak is a man of peace and harmony. He is a man of faith, a man of God. He values and respects the dignity of humanity. He lives his life for the greater good of humanity.
He has given his time and energy back to the communities, including meals and monetary values. God is calling on him to take on another great cause...
Building Better Lives For Veterans.
Clint Shelton
Board Secretary
Clint has over 12 years experiences as a Regional Account Manager at The ICEE Company. He also served as a board member and secretary for the Fresno Masonic Lodge, and he is a Past Master of the lodge. He is still very much active for over 14 years.
Clint has overseen and taken part in many fundraising events. His universal knowledge will bring different perspectives to BLACKOAK PROJECT mission.
Chief Financial Officer
Ruben Rios
Ruben has over 25 years experiences in corporate finance with Prudential Financial, dealing with business fund operations, structure capital, and making investment decisions. His main goal is to maximize the overall value of a business. Managing financial risks and maintaining cash flow.
Ruben is a combat veteran of the
United States Army.
Chris Guillen
Board Member
Chris has decades of insurance financial investment service background. He is the founder of CJG Insurance Services, Inc.
He is a combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he served during the Desert Storm era and in Mogadishu, Somalia.
His military service continues to influence his approach to leadership, client service, and team development.
Michael Duarte
Board Member
Mr. Duarte is a prominent housing executive in Fresno, California, currently serving as the Deputy Executive Director and former Chief Real Estate Officer for Fresno Housing (formerly Fresno Housing Authority).
He has been with the agency since 2007, overseeing the development of thousands of affordable housing units with investments exceeding $800 million. He is a lifelong resident of Fresno County, Mr. Duarte also serves on the Board of Directors for Housing California and the San Joaquin Valley Housing Collaborative, where he contributes to advancing affordable housing policy and advocacy statewide.
