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.
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!
