A publication of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity
February 2010
SGV Habitat Celebrates 20 Years—Building Homes and Hope
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!
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