SGV Habitat CelebrateS 20 YearS—buildinG HomeS and Hope

1

A publication of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity February 2010

Much of the public isn’t aware that Habitat for Humanity’s motto is, “A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out.” The San Gabriel Valley Habitat chapter is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year. It is especially joyous, in this 20th year, to dedicate the four Sherman Homes and the 11 Kenwood Homes which will bring SGV Habitat for Humanity’s impact to 54 homes built and 277 men, women and children who are leading safer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. Habitat homes have given these families a “hand up” for a hopeful future. Strong evidence of the success of this affordable housing ministry is that there have been no sales and no defaults by SGV Habitat for Humanity’s homebuyers in the 20-year history of this organization. Ace Cain started the SGV Habitat for Humanity affiliate with a group of committed friends who volunteered to build affordable housing that families could purchase with a 1% down payment and a mortgage that bears no interest (0%). Each homebuyer family is required to work 500 sweat equity hours toward the building of their homes. In the early days, the funding

for building and to purchase the property came from the founders. From this grass roots beginning, the first home was built as a duplex on Maple Street in Pasadena. For a while progress was slow---about one home per year. Today there is an overlap, so that as one development is finished, another begins. The turning point came when four units were built in Glendale from property that was given by Los Angeles County. Since that time, municipalities have partnered with SGV Habitat for Humanity by providing property for new builds and taking back silent second trust deeds from the homebuyers which make the new homes truly affordable. A member of the Honorary Board, Jack Conroy states, “Sonja Yates, as Executive Director, has brought leadership and organization. She has energized the board with her enthusiasm and vision.” Former and present Board leaders---Jack Conroy, Barbara Hudson and Tom Doud---shared that they have seen this vision become a reality. They praised the affiliate’s ReStore program as both a benefit to all residents of the San Gabriel Valley and a

substantial source of generating funds to support the affiliate’s affordable housing mission. Nationwide, Habitat ReStores accept donations of new and gently used building materials, furniture and appliances and resell these to the public. The Board has adopted a goal to build continuously without lags between builds. Once 110 homes have been completed locally, there will be a larger cash flow into the Fund for Humanity to touch the lives of more people in need and to make a still greater impact toward the goal of eliminating poverty housing. The Board’s passion is united to help people to help themselves. All those who are committed to the vision of Habitat share Board President Jan Berentsen’s attitude. “It’s a joy to watch community form. It’s a gift that home buyers offer to all of us—their hope, pride of ownership and connection to community.” Let’s joyfully celebrate these accomplishments! Let’s work together to make the next 20 years even better!

32

Humbled bY tHe KindneSS of otHerS, tHe naVaS await Home dediCation

On a warm day in August of 2008, Antonio and Irma Nava answered a knock at their door and discovered that their lives were about to drastically change. The Habitat for Humanity Family Selection Committee was standing outside ready to share the great news---the Navas had been selected to be Habitat homeowners! This incredible news was the capstone of the Navas’ dream! Antonio (Tony) and Irma started as a young couple who took a leap of faith to come to the United States where they had neither family nor friends. As high school sweethearts, they dreamt of leaving Guadalajara and becoming American citizens. They wanted to raise a family in this land of opportunity. With the addition of their three beautiful children, Daniele, Valeria and Anthony, along with being selected as Habitat homeowners, their American dream had materialized! With 500 sweat equity hours to do, months of building to complete and volunteers coming and going, the Navas watched the final pieces fall into place. They finished their 500 hours in record

time, but this didn’t stop them from giving still more hours to have this dream fully realized. Somewhere along the way their dream grew from not only wanting to do their part to become homeowners, but also wanting to honor all those who had been part of making their hope for homeownership a reality. Tony explained, “The volunteers came each week and they gave from their hearts, for us. As much as we can, we want to honor them and give back for their generosity in any way we can...we want to say thank you to them. We know that God works through them, and we just want to be there with them.” With their whole family in agreement, the Navas continue to serve. They exemplify that same spirit of giving also apparent in our Habitat volunteers. Humbled by the kindness of others, they know the profound ways in which their lives will change once they receive the keys to their new home in Monrovia. Looking forward to moving into their new home in March, the Navas already anticipate how this will change their lives.

It will mean the children can wake up at a reasonable hour---there will be no more long commutes to and from school. Homework can really be done “at home” and friends can visit easily without the need to make special arrangements. While the children excel now in their studies and sports, there will be no limits on how far they can go in school thanks to the stability a home of their own will provide. When the journey to homeownership is completed for the Nava family, this milestone won’t stop them from continuing to share and pass on the blessings that they have received. “We have always been independent people with a strong sense of responsibility. We have been dealt a great hand in life. It is the least we can do to give back and help others,” states Tony. The kind hearts of the Navas will never stop, even when their dream is fulfilled. It is this belief in giving back that makes us so very proud to introduce you to one of the newest members or our Habitat family--the Navas! Please share in their joy on March 6th at 11 a.m.

Save the Date!San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity

Kentucky Derby Party

Please join us to help make homeownership possible for local low income families

Saturday, May 1, 2010Club Court of Santa Anita Race Track285 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia

12:00-4:00 p.m.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities and early reservations contact 626.387.6899 ext 18 or KentuckyDerby@sgvhabitat.org

The San Gabriel Valley can “bet” on Habitat for Humanity to be continuously building homes for deserving and hard-working families. Mark your calendar now to support this affordable housing work by attending a day of fun, music, food, races and camaraderie at Santa Anita’s Club Court from noon to 4:00 p.m. The event will feature a buffet lunch, visits from two retired jockeys, a handicapper, a jazz band and live feeds from the Kentucky Derby

and other races. Tickets are $90 per person and reservations made in advance include free parking vouchers. Attire is casually elegant and guests are encouraged to wear hats for this festive event! To donate items for the live and silent auctions or for more information, please contact Brittany Klaassen at 626.387.6899 x18 or kentuckyderby@sgvhabitat.org.

maY 1St KentuCKY derbY fundraiSinG eVent

The setting could be Port-au-Prince in Haiti, Chiang Mai in Thailand, or Sherman Avenue in Monrovia. No matter where a deserving and hard-working Habitat family receives the keys to their new home, there are tears of joy, thousands of thank-yous to volunteers who have helped make this dream come true, and vows made to continue the incredible affordable housing work of Habitat for Humanity which has produced over 350,000 homes to date. More than 1,750,000 people in 90 countries around the world have been touched by caring donors and volunteers

who participate in building Habitat for Humanity homes that provide safe, decent, affordable shelter. We at San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity are humbled to be part of this immense affordable housing ministry as we prepare for the March 6th Dedication of the Sherman Homes in Monrovia. We offer you who have made these new homes possible our hugs of appreciation and a large measure of the joy and gratitude that is in our hearts because Habitat supporters in our region have given generously even in these difficult economic times. You are invited to join the Del Grosso, Naccarati, Nava and Quiroz families on March 6th at 11:00 a.m. when their homes are dedicated on Sherman Avenue. City of Monrovia has authorized the closing

of Sherman Avenue between Cypress and Cherry Avenues for this ceremony, and parking will be first-come, first served on neighboring streets. There will be a drop-off point just north of the stage area on Sherman Avenue for guests who require accommodation for handicapping conditions. This is a day that will sing in your heart for years to come! Don’t miss it! Please contact Catalina Velez at 626-387-6899 x10 to R.S.V.P. May God bless you for your faithfulness in making affordable housing possible in the San Gabriel Valley.

With appreciation,Sonja Yates

it’S uniVerSal...

Get involved with our Youth programs!SGV Habitat now has two new youth programs. Youth United (ages 5-25) is a program where youth fundraise for and build an entire house. Building on Youth (ages 5-15) is a program to involve youth under the age of 16 in partnering with Habitat in activities outside the construction sites. For more information about these programs, contact Brittany Klaassen at youthprograms@sgvhabitat.org or 626.387.6899 ext 18.

donate for HaitiHabitat International is focusing on clean up, shelter kits and transitional housing. Be a part of these efforts by donating through SGV Habitat! Please note “Haiti Relief” online or on your check.

32

Humbled bY tHe KindneSS of otHerS, tHe naVaS await Home dediCation

On a warm day in August of 2008, Antonio and Irma Nava answered a knock at their door and discovered that their lives were about to drastically change. The Habitat for Humanity Family Selection Committee was standing outside ready to share the great news---the Navas had been selected to be Habitat homeowners! This incredible news was the capstone of the Navas’ dream! Antonio (Tony) and Irma started as a young couple who took a leap of faith to come to the United States where they had neither family nor friends. As high school sweethearts, they dreamt of leaving Guadalajara and becoming American citizens. They wanted to raise a family in this land of opportunity. With the addition of their three beautiful children, Daniele, Valeria and Anthony, along with being selected as Habitat homeowners, their American dream had materialized! With 500 sweat equity hours to do, months of building to complete and volunteers coming and going, the Navas watched the final pieces fall into place. They finished their 500 hours in record

time, but this didn’t stop them from giving still more hours to have this dream fully realized. Somewhere along the way their dream grew from not only wanting to do their part to become homeowners, but also wanting to honor all those who had been part of making their hope for homeownership a reality. Tony explained, “The volunteers came each week and they gave from their hearts, for us. As much as we can, we want to honor them and give back for their generosity in any way we can...we want to say thank you to them. We know that God works through them, and we just want to be there with them.” With their whole family in agreement, the Navas continue to serve. They exemplify that same spirit of giving also apparent in our Habitat volunteers. Humbled by the kindness of others, they know the profound ways in which their lives will change once they receive the keys to their new home in Monrovia. Looking forward to moving into their new home in March, the Navas already anticipate how this will change their lives.

It will mean the children can wake up at a reasonable hour---there will be no more long commutes to and from school. Homework can really be done “at home” and friends can visit easily without the need to make special arrangements. While the children excel now in their studies and sports, there will be no limits on how far they can go in school thanks to the stability a home of their own will provide. When the journey to homeownership is completed for the Nava family, this milestone won’t stop them from continuing to share and pass on the blessings that they have received. “We have always been independent people with a strong sense of responsibility. We have been dealt a great hand in life. It is the least we can do to give back and help others,” states Tony. The kind hearts of the Navas will never stop, even when their dream is fulfilled. It is this belief in giving back that makes us so very proud to introduce you to one of the newest members or our Habitat family--the Navas! Please share in their joy on March 6th at 11 a.m.

Save the Date!San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity

Kentucky Derby Party

Please join us to help make homeownership possible for local low income families

Saturday, May 1, 2010Club Court of Santa Anita Race Track285 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia

12:00-4:00 p.m.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities and early reservations contact 626.387.6899 ext 18 or KentuckyDerby@sgvhabitat.org

The San Gabriel Valley can “bet” on Habitat for Humanity to be continuously building homes for deserving and hard-working families. Mark your calendar now to support this affordable housing work by attending a day of fun, music, food, races and camaraderie at Santa Anita’s Club Court from noon to 4:00 p.m. The event will feature a buffet lunch, visits from two retired jockeys, a handicapper, a jazz band and live feeds from the Kentucky Derby

and other races. Tickets are $90 per person and reservations made in advance include free parking vouchers. Attire is casually elegant and guests are encouraged to wear hats for this festive event! To donate items for the live and silent auctions or for more information, please contact Brittany Klaassen at 626.387.6899 x18 or kentuckyderby@sgvhabitat.org.

maY 1St KentuCKY derbY fundraiSinG eVent

The setting could be Port-au-Prince in Haiti, Chiang Mai in Thailand, or Sherman Avenue in Monrovia. No matter where a deserving and hard-working Habitat family receives the keys to their new home, there are tears of joy, thousands of thank-yous to volunteers who have helped make this dream come true, and vows made to continue the incredible affordable housing work of Habitat for Humanity which has produced over 350,000 homes to date. More than 1,750,000 people in 90 countries around the world have been touched by caring donors and volunteers

who participate in building Habitat for Humanity homes that provide safe, decent, affordable shelter. We at San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity are humbled to be part of this immense affordable housing ministry as we prepare for the March 6th Dedication of the Sherman Homes in Monrovia. We offer you who have made these new homes possible our hugs of appreciation and a large measure of the joy and gratitude that is in our hearts because Habitat supporters in our region have given generously even in these difficult economic times. You are invited to join the Del Grosso, Naccarati, Nava and Quiroz families on March 6th at 11:00 a.m. when their homes are dedicated on Sherman Avenue. City of Monrovia has authorized the closing

of Sherman Avenue between Cypress and Cherry Avenues for this ceremony, and parking will be first-come, first served on neighboring streets. There will be a drop-off point just north of the stage area on Sherman Avenue for guests who require accommodation for handicapping conditions. This is a day that will sing in your heart for years to come! Don’t miss it! Please contact Catalina Velez at 626-387-6899 x10 to R.S.V.P. May God bless you for your faithfulness in making affordable housing possible in the San Gabriel Valley.

With appreciation,Sonja Yates

it’S uniVerSal...

Get involved with our Youth programs!SGV Habitat now has two new youth programs. Youth United (ages 5-25) is a program where youth fundraise for and build an entire house. Building on Youth (ages 5-15) is a program to involve youth under the age of 16 in partnering with Habitat in activities outside the construction sites. For more information about these programs, contact Brittany Klaassen at youthprograms@sgvhabitat.org or 626.387.6899 ext 18.

donate for HaitiHabitat International is focusing on clean up, shelter kits and transitional housing. Be a part of these efforts by donating through SGV Habitat! Please note “Haiti Relief” online or on your check.

NONPROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE PAID

PASADENA, CAPERMIT NO. 224

Inside: Celebrating 20 Years 1

Executive Director’s Message 2

Kentucky Derby Event 2

The Nava Family 3

New Youth Programs 3

Sherman Home Dedication 4

Please e-mail us so we can update your e-mail for our mailing list: info@sgvhabitat.org

San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity 400 South Irwindale AvenueAzusa, CA 91702

San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity400 South Irwindale, Azusa CA 91702

Tel: 626-387-6899 Fax: 626-387-6890

www.sgvhabitat.org

Board of Directors

Claus Agger-Nielsen, Jan C. Berentsen, Michael T. Davitt,

Ann Doughtery, Tom Doud, Geroge Garfield, Donald W.

Goodman, Jay Harvill, Cynthia Heydt, John Mac Lean,

Daric Lee, Deborah A. Loveland, Paul McAnnally-Linz,

Judd Reas

StaffSonja L. Yates Executive Director

Chris Olson Director of Construction & Procurement

Damien Allen Director of Corporate & Community Sponsorships

Sayaka Ota Accountant

Amy Borton Volunteer Coordinator

Brittany Klaassen Youth Programs & Marketing Coordinator

Sandy Yu Fund Development VISTA

Catalina Velez Office Manager

ReStore Bill Anderson Manager

Michael Krecker Assistant Manager

Ryan Greer Assistant Manager

Erik Kristiansen ReStore Associate

Eric Bridges ReStore Associate

Ricky Brownlee Driver

Craig Chew Sales

David Hill Sales

Michael Schutz Newsletter Editor

Linda Magarian Reporter

The Housing Authority of the City of Monrovia

together with San Gabriel Valley Habitat for

Humanity’s Board of Directors

Joyfully invite you tothe DeDication of the

Sherman homeS

march 6, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.

1214 -1218 Sherman avenue

monrovia, Ca 91016

Please arrive early to find street parking. Handi-capped drop-off will be available on Sherman

Avenue near Cypress Avenue.

Please R.S.V.P. to Catalina Velez at 626-387-6899 Ext. 10 or cvelez@sgvhabitat.org

Thank you for supporting this affordable housing development!