Testimonials

When Emille first learned that applications were open for the El Sereno homes, she didn’t hesitate. “Oh, I’m going to apply,” she thought, “and [my partner] is going to apply along with me.” But when she received the life-changing news that she had been chosen, the feeling was beyond what she imagined. “I was overwhelmed with excitement,” she recalls. “It was a great feeling.”

For Emille, El Sereno is more than just a place to live—it’s home in every sense of the word. “It’s a close community, very close. There are so many people I’ve known for years.” Born and raised in El Sereno, she has built a life here, watching her four children grow into adulthood with bright futures ahead. The chance to become a homeowner without leaving the neighborhood she loves was a perfect fit. “The homes were right in the community I grew up in. It was a big convenience for me that I didn’t need to go out of my community. I’m rooted in El Sereno.”

Becoming a homeowner with SGV Habitat was more than just getting a future home—it was about building something with her own hands. Volunteering to restore homes in El Sereno was a new experience for Emille, one that gave her the opportunity to work on her own future home. “I worked on the home that was chosen for me, and I worked on another [El Sereno] home. It’s exciting to know you’re helping another homeowner. Putting in your Sweat Equity is rewarding because you’re doing it for a good cause. For someone to live in their home and be rooted in that home with their family.

She wasn’t alone in the process. Her partner, Ignacio, volunteered alongside her, even helping lay the flooring in one of the rooms of their future home. Her children also pitched in to help her complete her Sweat Equity hours. “Working with the construction team has been amazing. They’re so courteous and welcoming, always there to help.” And the volunteers? “Everyone is very kind and very courteous.

Now, with the home nearly ready, Emille looks forward to the memories she’ll create there. “Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Making cookies with my grandson. Bonding in the kitchen.” She’s especially excited about the backyard, where she plans to put her green thumb to work. “I can’t wait to plant vegetables out there. I’m definitely planting a blueberry bush.”

Reflecting on the journey, Emille is deeply grateful for SGV Habitat and the opportunity they’ve given her. “The qualities of Habitat are compassion, courtesy, honor, and readiness. They are always ready to help.” And thanks to that support, she’s ready to step into this new chapter of homeownership, right where she belongs—rooted in El Sereno.

Thanks to the Critical Home Repair Program, we are helping elderly in our community age in place. Liz, a vibrant, 81-year-old Pasadena resident, lives in a 1930’s bungalow on a fixed income. Liz was recently faced with several repairs she was unable to afford. This past summer was exceptionally hot and extremely dangerous for Liz when her air conditioning/heating unit broke. That repair, coupled with the pipes bursting in her only bathroom, created a serious living hazard. She was incredibly grateful to the Critical Home Repair team that addressed her with dignity and her repairs with efficiency.

“Other types of programs have a feeling of judgement towards the applicant, questioning the recipient as if they have done something wrong in their life to require help,” Liz explained. “SGV Habitat was positive, uplifting, and partnered with me throughout the entire repair process. The attitude I felt from SGV Habitat was, ‘let’s help this person live a happy vibrant life’,” Liz said. Liz shared that the repairs to her house eased her stress, and allowed her to refocus on living her life, focus on her part-time business, and plan for her next personal adventure.

Manuel, 80, was enjoying his retirement years living in Duarte. In the past year, he faced difficulty with the loss of a cherished relationship and his beloved dog, who was his daily companion for 20 years. The challenges he faced kept him secluded inside his home, with little desire to do the activities he once enjoyed. His home for more than 30 years was showing significant signs of disrepair; with floors that were splintering and warping, and a leak that created a gaping hole in his bathroom and garage—all creating an unhealthy environment, compressing his emotional well-being.

When he received the news that SGV Habitat would begin repairing his home, the darkness that had constricted him was brightened with a renewed sense of hope. He started once again enjoying the community of Duarte, attending concerts every week in the park. “I felt like I was in high school again,” Manuel exclaimed. He began to visit the senior center regularly, making new friends. He now has pride in his home. Instead of closing himself up, he opens his doors and welcomes friends over for lunch.

“SGV Habitat did more than fix my father’s home. They uplifted his spirits and gave him a fresh outlook on life. Habitat renewed his faith in humanity,” Anna Lisa, Manuel’s daughter, shared with tears in her eyes.

“If the Red Cross is for healing people, Habitat for Humanity is for fixing and building communities. They upgrade the quality of life. I love Habitat,” Manuel said earnestly.

Xochtil, is the mother of two children, Daisy (17) and Robert Jr. (13). Last year the family suffered a tragedy. Robert, Xochitl’s husband and father to Daisy and Robert Jr. passed away after battling an illness. Xochitl, who was a stay-at-home mom, was now faced with managing so much more than just the household and the children’s busy schedules. Her husband was the main income earner, and Xochitl contributed with a small baking business. Several of the repairs needed in the home, were in the kitchen. With her kitchen finished, free from dangerous electrical issues, Xochitl feels energized to expand her baking business, allowing her to provide for her family contributing to their long-term stability.

This multi-faceted home repair project had a significant emotional impact on Xochitl. “I cry every day in gratitude for the generosity of Habitat staff, donors and volunteers,” Xochitl’s said with tears. “It has been so difficult with Robert gone, he took care of all of the repairs to our house and our hearts, we will always miss him, but now we have hope that things will be ok,” she said.