Homeownership Dreams Coming True
with 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom under construction in Baldwin Park
The first SB9 lot split project is underway in Baldwin Park. This new law has enabled us to offer two first-time homebuyer opportunities on what was one lot (and is now two). The home that already existed on the front of the lot was rehabbed. The garage at the back of the property is being converted into a single-family residence for our first household of 1 as we provide what would be considered a “starter home” to the underserved homebuyers “under 30 (Young Professionals).”
Meet the Future Homeowner
There was no shortage of love and support for future San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity homeowner Kiana when family and friends gathered in Baldwin Park on Saturday Feb. 10th to work side-by-side building Kiana’s dream: a home of her own.
For millennial and Gen Z homebuyers, purchasing a starter home seems out of reach with today’s housing market. At 25 years old, Kiana, will be SGV Habitat’s youngest homeowner and is providing hope for her generation, which does not come as a surprise to her family and friends. “Kiana is a go-getter. She makes things happen. She was determined to be a homeowner and began saving her paychecks for years,” Erica, Kiana’s mother proudly shared. “When she heard about the SGV Habitat homeownership program, she took it upon herself to proceed with the necessary paperwork by herself,” Erica continued.
The sentiment was unanimously and consistently repeated throughout the day, with family proudly sharing Kiana’s personality of inspiration, perseverance, and helpful nature. “She does a lot of service as a community worker, so it is coming back to her ten-fold and it is well deserving,” her sister Amanda expressed proudly.
Kiana’s is no stranger to what she calls the “heartbreaking struggles” and restrictions that renters face. She is an advocate and community supporter for renter’s rights. Daily, she assists renters with conflicts stemming from a myriad of rental issues including, unsafe living spaces, relocating tenants after their rental property is sold, lack of heat and air conditioning and other problems associated with renting a home. The emotional trauma she has seen inflicted on renters, many who are low-income and minorities, solidified her resolve to become a homeowner.
“If it were not for SGV Habitat, I would be looking to move hundreds of miles away from Baldwin Park, the community I was raised in, where my friends and family reside and a community that I love,” Kiana said. Kiana will be living a mile from her sister, mother, and grandparents.
Kiana’s future home is the first SGV Habitat has built using Senate Bill 9. SB9 is a new law that allows splitting the lot of a property, establishing additional units for housing. Kiana’s home is a garage conversion which when completed will be a roomy one bedroom, one bathroom home.
“As her mother, I feel not just pride of Kiana’s accomplishments, but I am relieved because this home means more than a roof over her head; it means stability, greater opportunities, freedom, building equity, and setting a foundation for her future,” Erica, said with tears in her eyes.
“I am filled with gratitude to SGV Habitat and everyone who has been involved in making my dream come true,“ Kiana said with sincerity as she surveyed the surroundings of her new home.
Home Dedication Details will be announced soon!
