Testimonials:

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.