Building a Greater Los Angeles

Jordana Spiro, Star of TBS's "My Boys" Builds & Blogs

2008-10-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, October 7th we had the pleasure of building with the cast, writers and producers of TBS's series, "My Boys." They built a home in Los Angeles and were introduced to the Gaxiola Family, the future homeowners. "My Boys" star Jordana Spiro had this to say about her experience:

I knew that Habitat for Humanity was a great organization so I was looking forward to spending the day with them. I met amazing people who are interesting and dedicated to what they are doing. Ultimately, you get to have fun with your friends while doing something positive. Having the opportunity to help a family fulfill their dream of owning a home is pretty special.

I was really touched by the Gaxiola's story. They made us feel instantly connected to them, and I'm glad I was able to be a part of their lives, even in a small way.

If I had to sum up Habitat for Humanity in one word, it would be "sweat." They definitely put you to work right away.

Our sincere thanks to Jordana and everyone from the show for their support and hard work this week! We can't wait to build with you again.

More "My Boys" bloggers to come...

How About Some Good News from a Bank? Wells Fargo will Award Habitat up to $250,000 but we need your Vote!

2008-10-08T14:23:00.001-07:00

Wells Fargo is hosting a contest online called Someday Stories and we stand to benefit to the tune of $250,000! All you have to do is:

Visit the Someday Stories Contest site
Enter 90248 zip code
Vote for your favorite finalist in the Someday Stories Contest
Choose HABITAT FOR HUMANITY as your charity

And you're done! Thanks!

Here's more about the contest:

HELP HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD HOMES WITH A CLICK OF THE MOUSE DURING WELLS FARGO’S SOMEDAY STORIES CONTEST

Now Angelenos can help Local Affiliate by Voting Online – No Hardhat Required

Los Angeles, CA – October 8, 2008: Habitat for Humanity has been selected as one of three causes to benefit from the Wells Fargo Someday Stories contest with a guaranteed award of $50,000. Wells Fargo asked the public to submit their dreams and describe how Wells Fargo prize money would help them achieve it. They received 10,000 entries and narrowed it down to five finalists. Habitat of Greater Los Angeles is encouraging all Angelenos to visit www.wellsfargo.com/somedaycontest now through November 10th to vote for a Someday Stories finalist and select Habitat for Humanity as their favorite cause. The organization will distribute its award money among the three affiliates whose supporters generate the most votes, as tracked by zip code entry. To ensure Habitat of Greater Los Angeles receives credit, the zip code 90248 should be entered.

Wells Fargo will award the Someday Stories finalist receiving the most votes with $100,000 to follow their dream. Each finalist has already received $10,000 and this opportunity to share their dream on the Wells Fargo Someday Stories website. Along with finalist videos, there are videos from each charitable cause. Habitat for Humanity shares stories of children who have both benefited from and been inspired by living in a Habitat for Humanity home. The cause receiving the most votes will be awarded $250,000, second place will receive $150,000 and third place will receive $50,000.

Habitat of Greater Los Angeles President/CEO Erin Rank says, “There’s never been an easier way to help the community,” adding, “simply by clicking online, you have the power to change lives in the community. We urge all Angelenos to participate by entering our 90248 zip code, voting and telling a friend.”

Los Angeles is currently ranked last in the United States in housing affordability. Since 1990, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles has partnered with families earning 30-80% of the median income to achieve homeownership. Habitat partner families are required to invest a minimum of 500 hours of “sweat equity” to help build their home; qualify for a zero-interest mortgage and demonstrate the greatest need.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER LOS ANGELES strives to eliminate poverty housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families in need to build simple, decent affordable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built more than 230 homes, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. For more information, visit www.habitatla.org.
# # #

For more information regarding this topic, please call Jo-An Turman at Habitat for Humanity 310-323-4663 ext. 121 or Angela Moore at Starfish P.R. 310.429.8868 or email angela@starfish-pr.com.

USC Trojans Womens Basketball Team Catches Habititis

2008-10-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

We recently came across this post from a member of the USC Trojans Womens Basketball team discussing a day of building with us. We hope you enjoy it and we encourage you to share it with friends.

From USCTrojans.com:

On September 6, our team had the opportunity to partake in a life-changing experience.
Having the privilege to help build a home with Habitat for Humanity has helped me realize that I take some things for granted. We helped build homes for families that are less fortunate than we are; for families that are struggling to survive. But we weren't just building homes, we were helping create their futures.

Read the whole story>>>

If you are interested in changing lives with us, please visit our website and sign up as a volunteer.

USC Student Athletes are Helping us Build Homes in Lynwood

2008-10-07T16:29:00.002-07:00

USC Student Athletes have partnered with us to raise money and help build homes in the Greater Los Angeles area. We are greatful for their hardwork, dedication and enthusiasm.

Read about how this amazing group of athletes is making a difference here.

If your school is interested in partnering with Habitat for Humanity, please visit our website for information on volunteering and fundraising.

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2008-10-07T16:29:00.001-07:00

Gala Attracts Gov. Schwarzenegger, Hollwood Community & Raises over $225,000!

2008-10-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday evening (Oct. 1) we held our first Building a Greater Los Angeles Gala - it was a Diamonds & Denim theme and we honored some individuals and organizations for their support and longtime dedication to the city.

Young Hollywood came out as well as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver and throughout the evening we raised over $225,000 to help us build more affordable homes in the community. It was a great evening and we are so thankful for all the support we received.

Today, we launched some amazing auctions on ebay that includes rare experiences and donated items from celebrities, sports figures and musicians. Visti ebay to bid and stay tuned for more details as we highlight each auction item throughout the month of October.

Donated items came from Carrie Underwood, Linkin Park, Jon Bon Jovi, Ricky Martin & More!

Bidding is open now through October 30th. Read the press release here.

We are on Facebook & MySpace

2008-09-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

If you have an account on Facebook or MySpace be sure to connect with us so we can give you updates on current and future volunteer opportunities; news about our wonderful Habitat Partner Families and of course amazing homeownership opportunities!

On Facebook, our Group name is"Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A. Volunteers."

LOW-INCOME FAMILY OF THREE CELEBRATE NEW HOMEOWNERSHIP WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY – DESPITE CHALLENGING ECONOMY

2008-09-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

A Home Dedication is planned for the Diaz-Echavarria Family on Wednesday, 9/24 at 4:00 pm to celebrate homeownership! Why not apply for your own Habitat for Humanity home?

Tomorrow the Diaz-Echavarria Family will be handed the keys to their new home in Lynwood during a home dedication ceremony with city officials, Habitat for Humanity staff, volunteers, neighbors and well-wishers. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, in partnership with the City of Lynwood, helped the Diaz-Echavarria family achieve their American Dream on a refurbished home, which the family helped build as part of their 500 hours of “sweat equity.” The ceremony will begin at 4:00 pm and will include a short presentation, a key presentation and home blessing. Refreshments and tours will be available.

Los Angeles is ranked last in housing affordability in the United States and the Diaz-Echavarria family would never qualify for a traditional home loan. By partnering with Habitat for Humanity, families like the Diaz-Echavarrias are able to achieve homeownership through zero-interest loans and a willingness to help build their home and other Habitat homes. Their home was built in partnership with the City of Lynwood and with the generous support of Buildable Hours & City Yoga.

This is also the 7th Habitat for Humanity home to be completed on Louise Street in the City of Lynwood since 1994.

Think you or someone you know should apply? Visit our website for more information.

TUNE IN: Erin Rank will be on The Sound 100.3 This Sunday!

2008-09-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

President/CEO Erin Rank will be on the radio this Sunday as a special guest on 100.3 fm The Sound's community affairs show "5900 Wilshire."

Please tune in at 7:45 am to 100.3 fm in Los Angeles!

On October 1st we will be Honoring the California First Family & More to Celebrate our Building a Greater L.A. Campaign

2008-09-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

Tickets are still avaiable for our Diamonds & Denim fundraiser!
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S “BUILDING A GREATER LOS ANGELES” GALA CELEBRATES THE DREAM OF HOMEOWNERSHIP & LONG-TIME SUPPORTERS

Gov. Schwarzenegger, First Lady Maria Shriver & Family; Hon. Henry Cisneros; Citi Smith Barney & Jerrold Eberhardt and Ed Begley Jr. will be honored for their commitment to Building a Greater (and Greener) Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA – September 17, 2008: Habitat for Humanity has built over 230 affordable homes in the Greater Los Angeles over the past 16 years thanks to the support of numerous volunteers, donors and government officials. To thank those who have helped make a difference in the lives of hundreds of hardworking low income families and to ensure several more are afforded the same opportunity, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles is hosting a “Building a Greater Los Angeles” Gala. >>more

Habitat Home Improvement Store Celebrates 4 Years of Reuse

2008-09-05T16:43:00.001-07:00

Four years ago we opened our Home Improvement store in Gardena to resell donated items to the public as a way of generating more revenue to build more homes. We had no idea how successful the store would be or the impact we'd have on the environment and community.

By donating your unwanted household and buiding materials to our store, the public has diverted several thousand tons of materials from our landfills. It's amazing how much of a difference we have all made togther in four years.

Our store is also very popular with the community, some folks stop by daily to check out the new arrivals. We have seen some pretty cool stuff come through our doors like Barry Bonds hot tub, movie sets, classic novels, artwork, patio furniture, windows, doors, flooring and appliances that were never installed.

By donating and shopping at our store, you can help us build more decent, affordable homes in Greater L.A. because 100% of proceeds go back into building homes.

If you haven't visited our Home Improvement Store, please stop by and check it out. We are open Tuesday through Saturday. And if you have items to donate, just call Nicki and she'll arrange for a pick up. Heck, we'll even take your non-working vehicles!

Habitat Homeowner Mar'Lyn Bland Give Thanks & Reminds us Why we do What we do

2008-08-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

New Habitat homewoner, Mar'lyn Bland gave a moving speech to volunteers last June as we gathered for a block party in San Pedro to celebrate the completion of 16 news homes. Her words remind us why we work so hard. We hope you'll be equally moved and encourage you to share her speech with friends and family.

The Bible tells us to give thanks unto the Lord, from whom all blessings flow. Today, I stand before you all with a heart of thanksgiving and gratitude.

I truly count my experience with the Habitat for Humanities program as a blessing from God. Without God, none of this would be possible.

I am thankful for all of the hard work of the Habitat staff, volunteers and families. Everyone has worked so hard and diligent throughout this project. Your effort is appreciated and will not be forgotten.

I was listening to a talk radio program and the caller made mention that she had just purchased a house from Habitat for Humanities. That immediately sparked my interest. I rushed home from work and typed in Habitat for Humanities in the search engine on the Internet. The Carson office was listed. I wrote down the number and called the very next day. That was in 2006. I had just missed the application window, but I gave Sylvia my information to be put on the mailing list for the next year.

In 2007 my husband and I set out to go to the orientation. I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant. I didn’t know if we would qualify or not. But, I sort of set myself up for failure before I even began. With the urging of my husband, we decided to just go for it. (I learned that it’s always good to listen to you husband).

We quickly learned that there are many steps to the application process. It was always a sigh of relief when we were told that we were going to the next phase.

We found out on June 22nd of 2007 that we were one of the families chosen to receive a new home. When Erin made that announcement on the microphone, it was like a wave of emotion just came over me. I cried and cried and cried. My children were asking me what was wrong, my husband was excited and smiling, but all I could do was cry. At that moment God came and lifted that weight on my shoulders off. This had been seven years of wanting and needing a place of our own for our family.

The journey after that has been a pleasant one. Working alongside the volunteers and families was a unique experience. The Jimmy Carter Work week let me see people at their best. I worked side by side with people I didn’t know, who didn’t know my family, my situation or me. People who came to build on the house that I would live in and didn’t ask for anything in return. People who actually thanked me for the opportunity to work on my house. It was fantastic.

Through out this experience I’ve learned how beautiful it is to help others. It is truly a wonderful thing to do for others and not ask or expect anything in return. To give from the heart, not based on status, looks, prestige, honor or class. All that God has given us; we are to give to others – freely.

I leave this final thought with you….We haven’t told our children the details of our new home. We’ve decided to wait until we were able to furnish the house – as much as possible, gather them all up – all seven of them and introduce them to their new home in a most spectacular way we possibly could. Imagine seven tiny people with smiles covering their faces. Imagine the laughter, the tiny footsteps running from room to room and up and down the stairs, as they explore the home that they will call theirs. Imagine that first night sleeping in their own rooms – the peaceful sleep they’ll have snuggled in contentment. Imagine the first morning as the run downstairs for breakfast. And, thereafter…Lord willing, many joyous days to follow.

I pray that God will richly bless you all for your effort, energy and time you put forth to help build a home for the Atlas family.

Thank you.

How Do You Describe Habitat for Humanity in Just One Word?

2008-08-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

Andrea Schroder of Bravo's Top Design Writes about her Experience at "Power Women, Power Tools"

2008-07-29T13:50:00.000-07:00

I have read about Habitat for Humanity for years and wanted to get involved, but never took the initiative. Finally with the help of a friend Nicole, I experienced the satisfaction and joy of helping build a home for another in need. My professional background is design and real estate so Habitat is the perfect fit. Habitat for Humanity believes in pride of ownership, in community and in caring for others.

On a personal level I believe a beautiful home begins with love. I arrived on the home build site that morning feeling down and overwhelmed with life in general. Focusing on another combined with the physical labor of hammering nails, was so therapeutic and I left later that afternoon with renewed energy, sensitivity and gratitude.

I can't wait to go back and work again.

Thank-you.

Andrea Schroder

Look for Andrea on the upcoming season of Top Design on Bravo starting September 3rd!

CSI Miami's Emily Procter has Habititis!

2008-07-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

Check out a great interview with Habitat for Humanity Power Woman, Emily Procter, at CelebrityEverything.com.

"Power Women Power Tools 2008"

2008-07-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

Our fourth annual “Power Women, Power Tools” event on Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19 was our biggest and best one yet! We held it in the City of Lynwood where we are building 3 new homes and for two days and four build shifts, women from all industries came out to help us frame them.

The City of Lynwood was gracious and welcoming to all the volunteers and staff (some of whom arrived as early as 6 am.) Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity rallied hundreds of power women from the entertainment industry, such as Julie Bowen, Tia Carrere, Sarah Carter, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Sarah Chalke, Rachael Harris, Sarah Lancaster and more, to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A. Three houses are now in progress on the site thanks to the lovely ladies who came out and poured their hearts into the first floor walls.

It was moving how the voiced their feelings to us about what they were thinking about while building. The families who will live, eat, pray and grow inside these walls were top of mind all day. Laughter was louder than the hammering and smiles were brighter than the summer sun.

This event could not have come close to being as brilliant as it was if it were not for the hard work and dedication of volunteers and staff, but no one works as hard as Alison Treleaven. She is amazing and makes it look so easy. We love you, Ali!

Thanks so much to our fantastic contributors and our food and beverage donors who kept everyone fed and hydrated thoughout the day! They were all amazing!

Contributors
Art of Food & Wine, Bauble Bath, Beau Jones Photography, EcoBags, Frais, Glen Ivy Spa, Hidden Garden, Malibu Secret, OPI, Paige Denim, PinUp, PZI Jeans, Reel Security, Susan's Healthy Gourmet, Synthia Saint James, The Home Depot, UBU Designs, Warner Bros., Welk Group, WellPoint Inc., Teresa Whitmore

Food and Drinks
California Pizza Kitchen at the Pike in Rainbow Harbor, Edible Arrangements, Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market, Larabars, Trader Joe’s, Glaceau Smart Water, FRS Healthy Energy Drink, Go Girl Energy Drink, Hansen’s Natural, O.N.E, POM and Starbucks. Yummy!

We interviewed many of our power builders and we will post them to our Habitat GLA YouTube channel in the next few days. (link coming soon)

We are all going to take a little breather but in September we will get started planning “Power Women, Power Tools 2009” event so if you are interested in being a sponsor, builder or donor please contact Alison Treleaven.

For information on how you can help complete these houses and others in the Greater Los Angeles area please visit our website.

Power Women, Power Tools = Powerful

2008-07-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

I'm Michelle, and through my summer internship I was lucky enough to be able to go to the Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity "Power Women, Power Tools" event on Friday and Saturday.

While there I found that the many reasons people first come out to build, whether it is community service hours, good publicity, or that they were dragged out by friends, are far different from the reasons they stay.

These friendly, powerful women put up the first floor walls on three homes in two days and those who had never built before were sweaty and empowered by the time their shift was done. On the build site there are no complaints or tired faces, only excited energized ones that are having fun while changing lives by building a home for hard working families.

During the lunch time speeches one of the women who received a home through Habitat for Humanity spoke of her experience. These stories are always the ones that make everyone feel even more like being dirty and sweaty is all worthwhile. I have only seen three speeches given by Habitat homeowners and all have been inspiring and touching.

It’s difficult to describe Lulu's emotion or how truly thankful she is without listening to her words and seeing her face, but through them it is evident how much her life has been strengthened due to the many volunteers that help with Habitat for Humanity.

This was my first time going to a Habitat for Humanity build site, and it is easy to see why people become so passionate about the cause. All the women were amazing and did an exceptional job. It is so incredible to see the progress everyone made in just two days and it’s something that I think is so much fun to be a part of. And maybe while the reason you will come out is to get those community service hours done, they won’t be the reason you keep building.

A Brush With Kindness Gets A Brush with Fame - MTV Style

2008-07-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

Fresh from Real World Hollywood Dailies - check out our own Jo-An Turman and our awesome AmeriCorps members as they work on A Brush With Kindness home with the cast.

Special Thanks to Pin Up Lip Balm for Adding Some Sass to Our Power Women Event

2008-07-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

It takes a lot of volunteers, sponsors and donors to put on our annual Power Women, Power Tools event and in true Hollywood style, we have a gift bag for our lovely ladies. We would like to thank our donors for all their support.

Pin Up Lip Balm is super cute and they were generous enough to donate a lip balm to all of our power women - nearly 300!

Check them out, they are so sassy!

Hundreds of Women Trade-in Heels for Hammers During Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity’s Annual “Power Women, Power Tools” Event

2008-07-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity’s most popular event, "Power Women, Power Tools," is here. This year the build has been extended to two days to make way for the hundreds of powerful women who have RSVP'd to help us build 3 homes in the City of Lynwood.

Julie Bowen returns for her 3rd time and leads the list of hundreds of power women including actors Emily Procter, Rachael Harris, and Sarah Carter; and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez.

The event is this Friday and Saturday (July 18 & 19) and should be our most successful year yet. Pictures will be posted after the event.

If you want to be a part of this and other Hollywood for Habitat events, as a sponsor or volunteer, please visit our website.

Multi-Platinum & Covered in Paint: 30 Seconds To Mars offers a Local Family a Brush With Kindness

2008-06-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

30 Seconds To Mars recently auctioned off some chances to join them in offering A Brush With Kindness home repairs for the Jones family in Carson, California.

Bandmembers and the winning fans worked alongside volunteers and the partner family to make much-needed repairs to the home. All part of Habitat's A Brush with Kindness program that provides free repairs to local homeowners.

The auction raised over $10,000 for Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity and changed the lives of all involved.

Read the press release here.

Sixteen Local Families Come Home in San Pedro

2008-06-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

We hosted a community block party to celebrate the completion of our Harborside Terrace neighborhood in San Pedro this weekend.

We honored sixteen families who are now proud homeowners! Most of them found out one year ago (June 22, 2007) that they had qualified in a surprise announcement. Here we are one year later and they own beautiful new homes!

The Daily Breeze ran a story about the event.

Wondering if you qualify for a Habitat home? Visit our website and apply today.

Local Habitat Youth Volunteer is KABC-7 "Cool Kid of the Week"

2008-06-19T11:25:00.000-07:00

TUNE IN: Today at 4pm on KABC-7 News:

Natalie Millman is a youth volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A. & she came up with a great way to raise money for a Habitat home, while combining her love of music. Natalie plays her viola during lunchtime at La Serna High, where she is a sophomore, and has raised several hundred dollars. She even takes requests.

Today, KABC-7 will feature Natalie as the “Cool Kid of the Week” so please tune in and see why we think she is so inspiring! The piece will repeat Sunday morning and you can see the video archive online following the broadcast.

Read Natalie's blog that caught the attention of KABC here.

For information about Youth Programs, please visit our website.

Natalie is also featured in today's Whittier Daily News.

Guest Blogger Mark Bixby Talks about Team Building for a Good Cause

2008-06-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

When I came to work at Pacific Retail Partners a few months back, one of the conditions Mike Jensen (President/CEO) set for me was to work on three community service projects. It’s the type of guy he is, and one of the reasons I wanted to work for him; he’s successful in business and generous in service. I called Erin Rank, the president/CEO of Habitat, who I’d known through the Rotary Club of Long Beach, and who had helped a team from my former employer participate in the “Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build” several years ago. Every volunteer on that program felt something incredibly positive and rewarding in their Habitat experience. Our goal was to get the Pacific Retail Partners team out of the office for a day to work on a construction project in Long Beach. Team bonding for a good cause.

Erin put me in touch with the right staff, Deborah Lewis, Programs Manager, who shared available projects and dates. There weren’t any current or near term projects in Long Beach, but a variety of projects the following month (June). One of the programs offered is called “A brush with kindness” and the date worked for our team, June 5th. I remember a similar Habitat program from my days in college in Durham, North Carolina. Several fraternity brothers and I went into an older neighborhood and spent a rewarding day fixing up an aging home.

But the location for our June 5th Habitat day was in Los Angeles, an hour’s drive and not our “home” community - although Pacific Retail Partners does business throughout Southern California. I was a little worried that the team wouldn’t be as excited about heading out of town during heavy traffic hours to work somewhere outside of Long Beach. Out went the e-mail to the team: we’re on for a Habitat project, meet at PRP parking lot 7 am.

June 5th dawned a beautiful, sunny day. We carpooled to Los Angeles and found the home, spying the telltale Habitat “POD” (large container) and dumpster in the front yard. John, one of our Habitat leaders, awaited our arrival. John is a former general contractor with years of experience leading Habitat projects. The homeowner is 70 years old woman, a widow of 10 years and a bit slower getting around. Her home was in need of attention and had been selected by Habitat for this Brush with Kindness. We greeted her as several other volunteers appeared, joining our Habitat team. They were from all walks of life – teachers, students, office workers and AmeriCorps members. To get the morning started, the 15 of us gathered in a circle and held hands as the homeowner led the team in a prayer that set the tone for the day’s work.

“A Brush with Kindness” - the name doesn’t tell the whole story. I was hoping our team would get to do more than just paint, and we weren’t disappointed. Habitat has been organizing these type of projects for decades and knows how to give volunteers a great experience while extracting a healthy amount of volunteer labor. John explained the available tasks and queried the crowd to understand as to construction experience and interest, but denying no one an opportunity to try something new. Most of the Habitat leaders have construction experience and are trained to teach the volunteers what they need to know. This makes for a compelling experience – learning new skills in a low pressure environment, having fun, partnering with friends and co-workers and new friends to complete projects. Our options were many: frame and pour concrete, plaster, stucco, build stairs, repair screens, frame doors, haul construction debris, surface a deck or paint.

So we donned our safety glasses and dove into our work. Paul, our burly man, and Annika, our not burly woman, joined forces to haul a rather large construction debris pile from the backyard to the dumpster. Mike mixed stucco and mortar, Kevin and I framed out a footing and mixed concrete while Mark S. and Brendan and Sally painted. We paused for a burrito lunch and talked with the other volunteers, learning more about AmeriCorps, one of the organizations that partners with Habitat to help provide solid leadership. As the day progressed, the team members switched tasks as needed. Annika and Mike stucco’ed, Mark S. framed a basement access cover, Kevin pounded nails and Paul framed a door.

The day wrapped up before we knew it. A new porch and stairs completed, three walls stucco’ed, screens and hatches and vents repaired, the yard cleaned and swept, and the house trim repainted. Our team shared a great sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of a heartfelt hug and thank you from the homeowner. We drove home a happy, tired crew. There was more work to do, but we could rest assured that the next team Habitat for Humanity assembled would be there ready to work at 8:00 am Friday.

Click here for a photo slideshow.

Posted by: Mark L. Bixby

We are looking for weekday volunteers! For information about how you can offer "A Brush With Kindness," please visit our website.

Sharing in a Celebration of Giving, Hope & Homeownership

2008-06-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

As president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A., I have the privilege of meeting some amazing people. My staff for example. They are extremely hard-working and they truly care about serving this community. Their selfless dedication warms my heart on a daily basis. Our supporters – donors, volunteers, city officials – are always going above and beyond to help change the lives of people, some of whom they have never met. Our AmeriCorps members who sign on to work with us each year are so young and full of hope. Their presence gives me faith that our future is in good hands.

I derive my daily motivation from one thing above all - our partner families. These men and women have worked so hard to provide a safe place for their families to live. If you have ever considered donating time or funding to Habitat, I guarantee not only will your gift be transformational for these families, but working along side them will forever change your heart and your perspective. They are the reason we rally through the challenges of building affordable homes in the least affordable county in America.

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of celebrating the completion of 14 townhomes in S. Los Angeles. I got to see the smiles on the faces of 14 families who recently moved into their own home, which they helped build. It’s a Habitat tradition to celebrate a new home with the family and when we are able to create an entire neighborhood, like Vermont Village, we throw a block party!

Vermont Village has 14 townhomes comprised of 3 and 4 bedroom units and they all surround a one-of-a-kind playground designed by the children who live there. Resources for the tot lot were generously donated by KaBoom! and The Home Depot Foundation.

Thousands of volunteers came to L.A. last fall to join President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter for a week-long blitz build at this location (and another in San Pedro.) Now the structures are completed and better yet, the homes are now inhabited by the special families who worked so hard for them. We don’t give homes away - these families are homeowners with a real, yet affordable mortgage. They have also put in at least 500 hours of build time, which we call “sweat equity,” as their down payment.

This coming Saturday is going to be another memorable day for all of Los Angeles as we welcome another 16 of the city’s newest homeowners into their new homes in San Pedro!

If you or someone you know would like to experience the magic of Habitat for Humanity, please contact us and start building hope and changing lives today.

Posted by Erin Rank, president/CEO, Habitat for Humanity GLA