THANK YOU to our Faith-Based Partners!
Your support is blessing the San Gabriel Valley in so many ways! We are honored to partner with you!
“I know that God wants us to help each other through tough times. You should help your neighbors. We see that there’s a need—a real need for this kind of housing.” – Ruben J. Corral, Saint Vincent of Paul & Saint Elizabeth of Hungary | Knights of Columbus
We are so grateful for partners like Ruben who make decent and affordable housing possible for families all over the San Gabriel Valley. Ruben, in conjunction with some of his fellow congregants, have partnered with us in numerous ways, including volunteering in Construction Build-days! We would love to partner with your Faith-based and community organization to continue making a positive difference in our community.
Some of the ways to partner with us include financial support, new construction and acquisition rehabilitation build days, repair and restore volunteering, and more!
To invite your Faith-based and community group to partner with SGV Habitat, contact Sophia Cruz, Donor Care Coordinator at scruz@sgvhabitat.org!
We are LUCKY for People Like You
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day by thanking our loyal donors, partners, volunteers, supporters, and shoppers
On St. Patrick’s Day, we want you to know how lucky we are for people like you (our Habitat heroes). When we work together, we offer hard-working families the opportunity to create a healthier and more vibrant future.
Whether you donate, partner, volunteer, advocate, or shop at our ReStores, you can make a tangible impact that will last for generations.
Here are a few reasons why your generosity matters so much to our mission to end the affordable housing crisis in the San Gabriel Valley:
- In fiscal year 2021, you donated over $3.6 million to build and repair more homes. Read more on our 2021 Gratitude Report.
- You helped us launch our three-year, $28 million campaign to help 100 families here, and abroad, build or repair their very own place to call home. Learn more.
- 6.450 total individual, youth, and corporate volunteer hours were put in at our ReStores and construction sites
- 200+ tons of goods were diverted from landfills through ReStore donations
- 40,886 customers shopped at our ReStore and all the proceeds went back to helping our mission
- And much more!
The housing crisis is ongoing. 2021 is proof, with your support, positive impact can be made in the fight to solve it. Every donation, every volunteer hour, every purchase at the ReStore, every advocacy effort – contributes to helping families live and remain in a safe, decent, and affordable home.
Recognizing Inspiring Women
As stated in The White House proclamation, “Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to honor the generations of trailblazing women and girls who have built our Nation, shaped our progress, and strengthened our character as a people.” San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity (SGV Habitat) will celebrate this month by encouraging supporters to nominate an inspiring woman as part of their upcoming Women Build event.
Since 1991, Women Build has brought women and their allies together to raise funds, recruit their friends and build homes side-by-side with those in need of affordable housing. To date, the Women Build event has helped house families in Glendale, Pasadena, Monterey Park, Baldwin Park, Monrovia, and throughout the San Gabriel Valley through volunteering, donations, and advocacy.
Our goal with Women Build is to empower women to help families build strength, stability and independence. We at Habitat have the ability to provide opportunities for hands-on learning, and given these tools, women can succeed in changing their communities.
To honor Women’s History Month, SGV Habitat is encouraging supporters to share a story about an inspiring woman in your life through our website (https://sgvhabitat.org/unsung-shero/) before May 6. Or, fill out the form below!
Who's Your Unsung #SHEro?
Who has pushed you to achieve the impossible? Who has supported you through challenging times? Share her story with us below to be featured on our social media and blog. Fill out the form below by Friday, May 6, 2022, to be considered.
For more information SGV Habitat Women Build 2022, visit https://sgvhabitat.org/get-involved/womenbuild/
We ❤️ Our Supporters
February is the month of hearts and this month our hearts are full. That’s because big dreams are coming true through the work happening at San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity and it’s all thanks to our supporters.
In 1990 a group of dedicated volunteers came together with a desire to eliminate substandard housing in our community and founded San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity. Since that day over 300 families have been served through our homeownership or home repair programs. This has all happened because of VOLUNTEERS and DONORS like you.
We L❤️ve our Volunteers
A Big THANK YOU goes out to our volunteers. Through construction, retail, home repair and more you have impacted families all over San Gabriel Valley.
With the help of volunteers we run our ReStores, assist low-income homeowners with critical repairs, help families fulfill their dreams of homeownership and so much more! It could not be done without YOU!
To Join our Team of Dedicated Volunteers Click Here
We L❤️ve our Donors
San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity has been blessed with generous financial supporters. East West Bank recently signed on as the Title Sponsor for our upcoming Women Build event and C.W. Driver provided not only matching funds for our Giving Tuesday campaign, but also a cornerstone sponsorship for our Women Build days. These are just two examples of the great community support we have seen. At San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity we keep our overhead costs low to ensure our dollars go far. (Ninety-six percent of all funds received are invested to help families build or repair a place to call home.) Thank you to ALL our Donors who make this all possible.
To Join our group of dedicated supporters Click Here
The homes we’ve built, and those planned for the future, are a testament of love from our donors, volunteers, and supporters. This same love builds stronger families, stronger communities, and opens doors to the American Dream.
Join the efforts and support families all year long by joining our Builders’ Club this month during the Winter Membership Drive.
Bank of America Fights the Housing Crisis With a $40,000 Grant to Build More Affordable Housing
As one of our strongest partners in the battle to provide affordable housing in the San Gabriel Valley, Bank of America has given $40,000 to support Habitat’s mission in the San Gabriel Valley.
This grant comes at a time when the housing crisis in California has never been worse – with over 3 million units of housing required to satisfy resident needs. Coupled with the cost of living, this forces 1 in 5 families in the state to pay well over 50% of their income in housing costs alone – leaving them to choose between paying for the roof over their heads and other essentials, like medical care, nutrition, and transportation.
Bank of America’s commitment to alleviate the housing crisis through affordable homeownership is a long-lasting relationship that brings much needed funds to the organization. In addition, Bank of America team members regularly participate as Habitat volunteers – creating a deep personal connection to not only the homes they help build, but the communities they improve.
“There is no doubt the pandemic impacted affordable housing in our Los Angeles communities, exacerbating underlying economic and social disparities that already existed. Supporting the nonprofit sector as it continues to experience unprecedented demand to help vulnerable populations is more important than ever,” said Christine Bogharian, Global Risk Testing Executive, Bank of America. “Our long-time partnership with Habitat in the San Gabriel Valley is one way Bank of America is helping to advance economic progress for local families through homeownership.”
Our more than 10-year partnership is a perfect example of how organizations can impact the communities they serve through philanthropy and volunteer efforts. Thanks to Bank of America, more families will be able to achieve their own American Dream through the power of homeownership.
Is your organization interested in a partnership that helps strengthen the communities you serve? Contact Shannon Castro, Resource Development Director.
Vroman’s Bookstore – Partners for Over 14 Years
Former SGV Habitat staff at an information session inside of Vroman’s Bookstore
Since March of this year, humanity has come together during the COVID-19 crisis to help one another. Organizations worldwide have stepped up to give back to their communities at a moment when so many families have become more vulnerable than ever. Locally, small businesses are struggling, and yet some continue to give back. Vroman’s Bookstore is one of these businesses.
Even during an unforgiving pandemic that has affected millions of people, Vroman’s has continued to help organizations like ours provide important services to the community. In fact, they have been a generous and unwavering partner for over 14 years – with donations of over $44,000 – and counting! Vroman’s Bookstore CEO Julia Cowlishaw is delighted to see the impact they have had on Habitat families throughout San Gabriel Valley through their “Vroman’s Gives Back” program:.
“The success of the Vroman’s Gives Back and San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity partnership reflects the commitment to decent and affordable housing of our shared community members. Vroman’s is grateful we are able to help SGV Habitat achieve their vision of everyone having a decent place to live.”
Every time you make a purchase at Vroman’s, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the organization of your choice, and this includes SGV Habitat! You can join the Give Back program here.
Partnerships Build Communities
No matter what your organization does, you can help families in your community thrive. The importance of a safe and stable home is more prominent than ever. A partnership with us means an impact on families that will last for generations.
Whether it be through virtual or in-person team build days, corporate sponsorships, grants or donations, your support today creates bright futures for families tomorrow.
Learn more about how your organization can make a difference today!
Visit Vroman’s Bookstore Today!
Volunteer Spotlight: Justin
MEET JUSTIN
Justin (pictured below) is our last volunteer feature for #NationalVolunteerMonth. Born in San Gabriel and raised in Azusa, he has been volunteering with Habitat for over two years!
“I wanted to help local organizations that would affect a greater amount of people. Habitat’s office was just a 3-minute drive from my home! I started helping with clerical work and data entry and have been volunteering there ever since.
“On my first day of volunteering at Habitat, I learned that Habitat builds homes for people in need and bring communities together! Through many programs and events, such as Women Build, there are many opportunities for the community to gather, communicate, and give back.”
He continues to volunteer every few weeks – but why you ask?
“I choose to help others because it makes me so happy to improve or ease someone’s day in any way. I believe that helping others helps us stay connected, and helping out as much as you can brings more joy into the world.
“I think that a safe and stable home is important because it is crucial for one’s mental and physical health. A person needs a safe place to reside and rest at the end of the day. Further, a safe home is especially important for families because it is the place where they grow and create meaningful relationships. A stable home is essential. It offers protection and helps people flourish.
“I encourage everyone, no matter your age, to support Habitat for Humanity by volunteering. There is always something engaging and productive to do, and it is an amazing environment to work in. I know that every task I do when I volunteer will impact so many people. Whether you volunteer in the office or help build a home – there are always friendly people there to assist you. Volunteering at Habitat is always the highlight of my week and I am so glad I get to help this amazing organization.”
Volunteer Spotlight: Crissy
MEET CRISSY
In honor of National Volunteer Month, this week’s volunteer cheers goes to Crissy (pictured below).
Never scared to pick up a hammer and put her muscles to work, Crissy is one of Habitat’s most well-known volunteers. Wherever she’s volunteering, she does it wholeheartedly!
“When I first got involved with SGV Habitat, I wanted to go big. I wanted a weekday, hands-on volunteer project that resulted in an outcome that I could see and touch. It’s a great fit for me.”
Crissy has helped in more ways than one. Whether it’s at a construction site, at the office, or as a donor, her commitment to helping others is unwavering.
“Since I started volunteering with Habitat, I continue to support the mission in a number of ways. I’ve helped build the Lomita Ave. and Manzanita Ave. homes and worked on the Pasadena home repair projects.
“I am a member of the Women Build Planning Committee where I offer Habitat staff a volunteer perspective and I enjoy my duties helping to recruit and coordinate Crew Leaders for the event. I am also really thrilled about volunteering at the new ReStore in Duarte opening soon. You can bet I’ll be there as a customer as well as a volunteer in the store.
“I feel very fortunate to be a member of the Carpenter’s Club because I know those dollars are going to help support the Habitat mission and strengthen our community.”
Parting words of wisdom from Crissy:
“Invest in your communities, and be role models for the next generation of youth as we seek to make the San Gabriel Valley and our world a better place for everyone in it.”
We are so grateful for Crissy and the significant impact she has had on families and her community. Cheers to Crissy!
Volunteer Spotlight: Ruben
MEET RUBEN
In honor of National Volunteer Month, this week’s volunteer cheers goes to Ruben (pictured below).
Ruben has been a proud Habitat volunteer and Carpenters’ Club member for the past two years! He is also part of SGV Habitat’s Catholic Coalition, one of the handful of partnerships we have with several denominations to bring strength, stability, and self-reliance to families of all faiths!
“The first time I heard about Habitat I thought it was a great program for low-income renters to become homeowners. I have witnessed the impact the housing crisis has had on many in our community.
“A close friend of mine lives in a single room with his wife and child. Even though he works very hard to provide for his family, our region’s sky-rocketing rents prevent him from living anywhere else.
“The thing I love most about Habitat is that it’s a real solution, not a band-aid!
“I recently had the opportunity to volunteer alongside nine home repair families in Pasadena. Their hard work and dedication inspire me every day!” Ruben said. Ruben not only helps families through his volunteer work, but he is also part of the monthly giving program that keeps us building – the Carpenter’s Club!
“I feel great knowing that my monthly contribution has transformed families’ lives and will transform many more in the future. It is that very reason that I am proud to call myself a Carpenters’ Club member!”
Although you cannot currently volunteer on the construction site to help build with hammers and nails, you can join Ruben and the other Carpenter’s Club members to keep us building all year long!
Volunteer Spotlight: Melinda
MEET MELINDA
Meet Melinda (below), our amazing AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. Melinda oversees faith, youth and community partnerships at SGV Habitat. She chose to do her one-year term with us because she values our mission and wants to advance affordable housing in her community. Volunteers like Melinda make the work that we do possible! Cheers to you, Melinda! Thank you for helping families achieve safe, decent, and affordable housing here in the San Gabriel Valley!
