Wolf Cubs Support SGV Habitat
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ourteen enthusiastic Wolf Cubs belonging to Den 5 created their very own birdhouses to help raise funds for the Chestnut Homes in Glendale. These Chandler School second-grade boys arrived with handcrafted creations and left with a greater understanding of SGV Habitat’s home building process. Linda Bermudez, Youth Programs Coordinator, enjoyed interacting with the Wolf Cubs while teaching them about SGV Habitat for Humanity’s mission. The boys were thrilled to learn how their hard work and craftsmanship helps to bring hope to others in the community. We are thankful for this troop’s eagerness to learn, and are excited to witness them continue to lead and serve their neighbors.
A Publication of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity | Issue 6.8
INSIDE THIS ISSUE PAGE 2
April 2014
BREAKING GROUND IN GLENDALE Three New Homes • Three New Habitat Families
Huge Donation Rocks ReStores Why I Give Cars for Homes
PAGE 3 Shantytown Success New Habitat Employees
PAGE 4 Cub Scouts Support SGV Habitat
CONNECTWith Us! facebook.com/sgvhabitat twitter.com/sgvhabitat instagram.com/habitatsgv
Habitat Builder is published bi-monthly by San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity Inc. 400 S Irwindale Ave., Azusa, CA 91702. Periodicals Postage Paid at Pasadena, CA. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SGV Habitat for Humanity, 400 S Irwindale Ave., Azusa, CA 91702. Tel: 626-387-6899 Fax: 626-387-6890
SAVE THE TREES FOR OUR HOMES.
Sign up for an e-copy of the Habitat Builder on our website at: www.sgvhabitat.org
A world where everyone has a decent place to live.
2014 APRIL NEWSLETTER To view more photos of the Chestnut Homes groundbreaking, go to: www.sgvhabitat.org
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nother milestone reached — ground was broken on March 15th for the eighth partnership build of the Glendale Housing Authority and SGV Habitat! This brings the total number of affordable homes built by SGV Habitat, just in Glendale, to 37 and advances the affiliate’s goal to reach the production level of 75 homes within the next three years. The life-changing groundbreaking event brought tears of joy to the three new Chestnut families, and all family members, including 1½-year-old Alejandro, picked up golden shovels to break ground. As 300 attendees listened intently, a designee for each of the families introduced family members, telling of their struggles to buy a home of their own and giving thanks to all of those who are helping make this dream a reality. Seven-year-old Maya Castaneda inspired the audience by asking for prayers for the hundreds of other needy children who, as yet, do not have the opportunity to have a home of their own. The following major home and community sponsors were introduced and celebrated by Kelly Nardoni, member of the Board of Directors and the Fund Development Committee: The Don and Lorraine Freeberg Foundation, The Walt Disney Company, Avery Dennison, Caring Housing Ministries, Glendale First United Methodist Church and Glendale Association of Realtors. Corporate Build Days for these and
new corporate partners will take place throughout the next 15 months. Honored guests included the Chestnut buyers and their extended families, State Senator Carol Liu, Glendale’s Mayor Dave Weaver and members of the Glendale Housing Authority, City Staff who will support the Chestnut Homes build, representatives from Assemblymember Mike Gatto’s office and members of SGV Habitat’s Board of Directors. Kaiser Permanente volunteers supported the event en masse with a successful “Paddle Fundraiser.” Attendees purchased doors, windows, kitchens and nails by selecting the appropriate paddle and donating the cost of each item. Close to $5,000 was raised through this effort. Because of the fast-paced nature of this build, volunteers and donations are urgently needed to complete the build on schedule! Thank you to all supporters who came to help celebrate the groundbreaking day and make it an inspirational memory for the Chestnut families! To get involved with this sensational new build, visit www.sgvhabitat.org or contact Chelsea McHenry, Volunteer Manager, at 626-387-6899 x17. All help will be graciously accepted and is treasured by our new Habitat parents, their delightful children, and our affiliate.
San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, Inc. 400 South Irwindale Avenue Azusa, CA 91702
Board of Directors Elaine Wilkerson, President Greg Barsamian, Vice President Paul McAnnally-Linz, Treasurer Andrew Pittroff, Secretary Nicolas Alparaz Thomas S. Bunn III Glen Dawes Ann Dougherty George Hernandez John Mac Lean Kelly Nardoni Herb Rim
Staff Sonja L. Yates, Executive Director Damien Allen, Director of Construction Catalina Velez, Office Manager Sayaka Ota, Accountant Brenton Kelly, Marketing Manager Chelsea McHenry, Volunteer & Youth Programs Manager Linda Bermudez, Grant Writing & Partnerships Manager Marty McBride, Family Services Coordinator
ReStores Micah Hillis, Pasadena ReStore Manager Merric Drake, Pasadena ReStore Assistant Manager Matt Vincent, Azusa ReStore Manager Cesar Baltazar, Azusa ReStore Assistant Manager
Why I Give
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abitat for Humanity is my favorite charity. Habitat is by far one of the most amazing organizations that builds and promotes affordable housing across United States. I take time to volunteer and donate with SGV Habitat. I do this because I know there are many families that don’t have affordable homes that fit their needs and many people in our community struggle with overcrowded and substandard housing. There’re a lot of great things going on with SGV Habitat and it’s your turn to get involved. Whether you give your time, money, or help promote the cause, you’ll be serving a great organization that makes affordable housing a reality. By donating my time and money, I’m able to make a difference in the lives of others. You can, too. Together and with your help, we’re building more affordable homes. This year, the Chestnut Homes; next year, the Desiderio Homes, the project you’ve heard so much about. I’m proud to say that I’m affiliated with Habitat for Humanity and Herb Rim all the good that it does. Board Member
Shantytown 2014 Inspires Students
Huge Donation Rocks ReStores
SGV HABITAT’S LEADERS
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ou never know what the next phone call will bring. For Merrick Drake, Pasadena ReStore Assistant Manager, one call from Mike Quinn at Paramount Construction Services in early March yielded a windfall of over 2000 brand new kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Paramount Construction is a largescale developer, often building 1000+ units at a time. These cabinets came from HRA Woodlake Village in Seattle, Washington, and were stored in a Glendale warehouse. Micah Hillis and Matt Vincent, managers at our ReStores quickly planned to take full advantage of this amazing opportunity. First, a very large truck was needed. Enter HFHI, whose account with Penske Rentals enabled us to obtain the use of an 18-wheel triple-axle tractor/trailer, and Phil Pasos, Sales Associate at the Azusa ReStore. “Phil was a key player in this,” said Micah. “It was a team effort, but we couldn’t have done this without him.” Merrick sums up the story well: “I believe he (Mike Quinn) called me Tuesday, March 4th. We scheduled the pick-up for Tuesday, March 11th and worked with his team, which included four labor personnel, and a few of our staff to remove about 2000 cabinets from Glendale
business property. The pick-up lasted three full days, and we took home five 53’ trailers of brand new bathroom and kitchen cabinets. Phil was our tractor driver as he’s the only one on our team with a Class A license. Mike’s (Paramount Construction Services) team was extremely helpful, and their energy was optimistic and enthusiastic throughout the three days of work. We wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what we did in a full week without that labor support. So, in reality, Paramount donated cabinets and their labor so that we could, in a timely manner, extract the cabinets from their property and deliver them to our new ReStore location. It was a win-win for all involved. Donations this big aren’t typical for our ReStores but are always accepted with open arms. Individuals looking to purchase some cabinets of their own are already pouring into our ReStores. “Whenever we receive larger donations like these cabinets they seem to sell quickly. We are excited that our ReStores will be able to continue playing a large part in our affiliates success,” says Matt. “This way donor dollars can make the biggest impact for our Habitat families.”
Cars for Homes: Call 1-877-277-4344 to donate! Do you have a vehicle you would like to donate to San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity? Through Cars for Homes™, Habitat’s car donation program, thousands of donors help fund local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. By donating a car, truck, boat, RV, motorcycle or other vehicle, supporters help build homes in their community, and around the world. All net revenue from the sale of donated vehicles—over $2 million each year—is distributed to local Habitat for Humanity affiliates where donors live. Call 1-877-277-4344 today to donate.
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he 2014 Shantytown Youth event was a creative and enlightening look at homelessness and the effect it has on those who lack sufficient, affordable housing. The youth, ranging from ages 14-18, participated in a night full of activities! Mr. Nicholas Alparaz spoke about the profound impact becoming homeowners has had not only on his parents, but on him and his siblings. Another guest was the actress and motivational speaker, Rae’ven Larrymore Kelly. Rae’ven engagingly spoke about the incredible impact volunteerism has on a community. In addition to mingling with all who attended, the students joined together with the others from their school to compete
in the Shantytown building competition! Each team created shelters made only of cardboard, tape, and garbage bags. The “homes” were each large enough to host the entire team for the night, and every one was incredibly creative! The winners (Mayfield Girls and Alhambra Boys) built a representation of LA County landmarks and a place complete with furniture and a basketball court respectively. Local business sponsors donated food, prizes, and goodies! Funds raised are for the future Desiderio Homes. Hope to see even more participants at next year’s Shantytown! Chelsea McHenry Youth Programs Manager
Welcome to New Employees Chelsea McHenry Volunteer & Youth Programs Manager A Pennsylvania native, Chelsea enjoys watching the Penguins and Steelers, going to the vast number of beaches near her new home, and being involved in her local community of San Gabriel.
Matthew Vincent Manager Azusa ReStore Matt Vincent has worked with SGV Habitat for Humanity since 2010. He grew up in the Seattle area, graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Biblical Studies, and now lives in Glendora with his wife (Angie), two wonderful boys (Elijah & Caleb), and their energetic dog (Bailey).
Brenton Kelly Marketing Manager
A recent Azusa Pacific graduate, Brenton has a passion for beautiful marketing. Outside of work, he enjoys playing with his new puppy and driving his convertible to the beach, taking photos along the way.
Cesar Baltazar Assistant Manager Azusa ReStore Cesar quickly demonstrated his value as a member of the Azusa ReStore team. He is very hard working and loves helping people with their projects. He is a San Gabriel Valley native and has a great deal of experience in the construction industry.
Jenna Calamusa Office Assistant
A current business student at Azusa Pacific, Jenna is a youth leader for a group of junior high girls. One of her most exciting adventures involved bungee jumping off the tallest bridge in South Africa.
Jenifer Gonzalez Clerical Assistant Azusa ReStore Jenifer grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and is now raising her two daughters here as well. She was a teacher for 12 years before she joined the Habitat for Humanity team and still works as a substitute teacher for both Charter Oak and Bonita Unified School Districts.