In January 1970 a group of various religious groups and others concerned of the lack of housing for the elderly and handicapped met to discuss their dreams for better housing. The lead was taken primarily by Dr. Curtis Nagel and a retired professor from Fresno State named John Masten. Older Americans Housing, Inc was originated and became a non-profit corporation. The original sponsors were the Episcopal Diocese Of San Joaquin, Catholic Charities of Fresno Diocese, Fresno Commission of Aging, Fresno United Methodist Parish, Jewish Welfare Federation, Lutheran Social Services and Older Americans Organization.
Four Years later, May 1974 under the direction of the Resident Administrator, Walt Wingell, their dream was attained. The doors were opened accommodating an 11 story building in downtown Fresno. The project was called Masten Towers, in honor of one of the most enthusiastic members, John Masten. Older Americans Housing, Inc. dba Masten Towers had gotten its wings and provides 206 subsidized apartments for low income seniors and individuals under the age of 62 with a disability.

Mission Statement: The specific and primary purpose is to provide, on a non-profit basis, housing facilities and services specially designed to meet the physical, social and psychological needs, and to promote the health, security, and happiness and usefulness in longer living for the elderly and persons with disabilities of low and moderate income. We provide 206 apartments in our community for low income elderly and those under the age of 62 with a disability. Monday thru Friday we provide a morning social that serves coffee and light snack.

With the assistance of food programs and donations we are able to distribute over 10,000 pounds of food to our tenants to help supplement their nutritional needs. Our tenants are on a low income and many receive no more than $25.00 per month in income. Programs such as this will help feed those individuals in needs within our community.