Ricardo

Habitat Volunteer and Life-Changer

Ricardo’s story is one of perseverance and compassion. Growing up, he lived no differently than other struggling families in our world today. He has gone from having to sleep on the floor on a stack of blankets to serving his community as a Habitat volunteer. His struggles, like those of many, are what made him who he is today.

“I came from a family of nine kids…we grew up in the outskirts of South Central Los Angeles. We were latchkey kids. My dad worked two jobs and my mom worked one job. For the most part, the kids looked after each other.”

Despite the circumstances his family lived under, Ricardo was taught to be respectful and to give back to those who were less fortunate.

“My mom was always considerate of others. She would always think of those who were less fortunate. She always taught me to be respectful and was always giving back.

“I grew up with very strong Catholic Christian values. One of the passages in the Bible that speaks volumes to me is the parable of the Good Samaritan – where it says if you see someone suffering, you do something about it. You don’t just walk by and leave them suffering on the road.

“There is something bigger than myself. People are important. We need to take care of others who are less fortunate.”

Ricardo’s journey with Habitat was by coincidence, but it was something he knew he needed to do – and it started with an invitation from a group at work to volunteer with Habitat to build a home.

“I always wanted to do something like this. There is nothing more important than to provide someone with shelter. When I go home, I have a very comfortable house. There are lots of people out there who don’t have homes. I thought – what greater gift than to help someone have a home.”

What keeps Ricardo coming back? The experience and the people.

“They were so welcoming, so polite, and so friendly. […] What really impressed me was the way that they cared. They believe in what they are doing. There is a sense of family, cohesion, partnership, and friendship. That was the catalyst that made me want to be engaged with Habitat forever.”

The moment Ricardo cherishes most is no surprise. As many of our supporters have said, the home dedications are among the most emotionally charged events that leave a lasting impression.

“To see the families go into their [completed] homes for the first time – I could tell how excited and happy they were. That brought everything full circle. I could see the fruit of everyone’s labor. The expressions on their faces, their happiness, their sense of disbelief. Just seeing those emotions on their faces was very fulfilling.

“I’m proud to be part of the Habitat legacy because I can put my Christian values into action. It is one thing to be able to talk the talk and the other is to walk the walk. When your actions match the words and you’re doing something you believe in and helping others at the same time, there is nothing that makes me prouder.”

Greg

Dedicated Long-Time Habitat Volunteer

Greg has been a Habitat volunteer for over ten years. He has impacted the lives of families throughout the San Gabriel Valley by lending a helping hand and a lot of elbow grease at our home repair and new home construction projects.

“I started volunteering with Habitat for Humanity’s home repair projects in Temple City, Azusa, Altadena, San Gabriel and El Monte. It was a way to keep busy after retiring from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. I also worked on new home construction projects like the Kenwood, Geneva, Chestnut and Lomita condominium builds as well as the more recent home construction sites – the Desiderio, Manzanita and Collegian projects.”

Greg was inspired to volunteer with Habitat after learning more about our home repair and homeownership programs. He appreciates the skills that homeowners are able to achieve when building or repairing their own home.

“I choose to volunteer with Habitat because I truly believe in the principle of sweat equity and affordable homeownership for first-time homebuyers. I have met great people through volunteering and have built strong relationships. I’ve enjoyed meeting the first-time home buyers and helping new volunteers develop some skills along the way.

“I would tell anyone that is considering volunteering to just do it!  Everybody has something to contribute. And it is very satisfying to know that you are helping these deserving families acquire their first-time home and have a new beginning.”

Being on time is important to Greg, but he recalls the days when he wasn’t as timely. This was just one of the many fun moments he had out on the construction sites.

“Being a volunteer, it’s very important to be on time for work. It was especially important to the superintendent. As each year passed, my ‘on time’ promptness began to lag; prompting one of my friends to faithfully greet me with, ‘What happened? Did your alarm clock fail again?’ To which, I replied, ‘What’s an alarm clock?’”

Greg continues to volunteer when he can – and we asked him what keeps bringing him back.

“What I appreciate the most about San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity is the friendships that I have developed with volunteers and staff. I especially enjoy the small group of volunteers I call, ‘The Regulars.’ We have been working together for many years. We usually work on the same projects, helping and relying upon each other when needed.”

There is no doubt that over the years, Greg’s impact on families has created a ripple effect of self-reliance and independence. His Habitat legacy is a 10-year effort of giving back – and one that will last for generations to come.

Elaine

Home and Relationship Builder

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Elaine Wilkerson began her planning career in the private sector. Elaine’s commitment to excellence and passion for public service opened new opportunities for her as a consultant, city planner and community development professional in Canada and the United States.

In 2005, as part of her work as Planning Director for the City of Glendale, Elaine attended a San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity home dedication on Pacific Avenue where she and hundreds of attendees celebrated the completion of four new homes. After Elaine retired in 2006, she became a Habitat volunteer. “The wonderful experience I had at the home dedication of watching families open the doors of their new homes inspired me to get involved,” said Elaine. “With Habitat, I knew I could help make a difference in the housing crisis.”

Elaine fully invested herself in helping families, in need, become Habitat homeowners, as she moved from the site selection committee to the SGV Habitat board and the homeowner selection committee. In 2012, she was appointed to board of directors. In 2014, her leadership propelled her into the role of Board President.  Just as in her professional career, Elaine approached each of her volunteer roles at Habitat with the same tenacity and persistence. Habitat staff, donors, supporters, and homeowners would agree!

“Something I will always remember about Elaine is her leadership and commitment. Elaine would show up at the construction site nearly every morning at 7:50 am to thank the volunteers and give the usual morning talk. No matter how many times she’d give her talk, her speech never grew old. It was so inspiring that volunteers would start their shift with a smile and end their day inspired to come back.”

– Alejandra, Habitat Homeowner

“When I was on the design review board for the City of Glendale, [Elaine] was planning director. I can’t tell you how much she supported me and helped me. When I ran for city council, Elaine was my campaign manager. She got me elected. If it wasn’t for Elaine, I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now. In terms of my political life, she is the foundational woman in my political career.”

– Laura Friedman, Habitat Advocate & California State Assembly Member (District 43)

Elaine retired from the board of directors in 2018, but her legacy and involvement continues to this day. Thanks in part to her efforts, more than 50 families, including Alejandra’s, live in safe, decent and affordable housing in the San Gabriel Valley region.

Nick

Habitat Family Member and Community Builder

Nick’s (Pictured Right – Rear) life is an example of how a stable home can lead to brighter futures. As the eldest of five born in Manila, Philippines in 1986, he and his family immigrated to the United States in 1994. As successful as he has become, however, his family didn’t always have it easy.

“We [used to] moved around often. The factors that usually contributed to my parent’s decision to move included rising rent, relocating to a better school district, and finding more space for a growing family.”

Like so many families, overcrowding was also a challenge, but his parents tried their best to make a better life for their children and relatives.

“We usually had my aunt or grandmother also staying with us. My parents worked very hard to make sure we had the essentials.

“It was difficult finding quiet times to study when living in a crowded room. There were plenty of times when it was easier to do homework in the very early mornings or the very late evenings when everyone else was sleeping in order to help me focus.”

Living in these conditions was difficult – but then things changed for the better after moving into their Habitat home.

“Our home certainly solved the practical day-to-day concerns such as making sure we had adequate space to study, but I know that it also alleviated stressors and concerns that burdened their thoughts.

“My parents were patient with me and helped me understand that this was far from ‘charity’ and that Habitat’s mission was to provide a ‘hand up’. Moreover, being involved in the actual build process of our home only solidified this notion and helped me gain a unique perspective to home ownership.“

After moving into his new home, Nick got more involved with SGV Habitat, including participating in a six year term on the board of directors.

“My time on SGV Habitat’s board was my way of paying forward all the amazing things the organization has done to help my family and the community. I look back at my time on the board as a reminder that for meaningful, worthwhile things to happen – people need to come together and dedicate their time to solve complex issues that usually don’t have a clear path forward.”

Nick was able to flourish in his own career as well.

“I graduated from the USC Marshall School of Business and Leventhal School of Accounting. From there, I started my career as a CPA with EY before moving on to PwC as a management consultant in its Deals Advisory group. Following my stints in the financial services industry, I moved on to the media and entertainment industry, where I’ve largely worked in finance and strategy teams.

“In 2017, I moved to Singapore with my wife as she pursued a career opportunity. I was fortunate enough to find a role in The Walt Disney Company as part of its strategy and business development teams overseeing efforts across Asia Pacific.”

Throughout his life, Nick has seen the value of stability at home. Today, he shares his story and encourages others to get involved.

“I can’t think of a more effective way to raise current and future living standards, increase opportunities, and elevate the trajectories for families than giving them a chance to own their own homes. Families are increasingly excluded from the chance to own a home, whether it be for economic or regulatory reasons. Habitat is fighting that uphill battle to try to remedy this less than optimal situation.

“there are few missions that organizations strive to achieve that directly improve the lives of families and the community at large. Housing, especially in California, is a dire need and Habitat is working towards bridging the gap. There is no price that can be given to the peace of mind home ownership can give to a family.”

Alan

Son of Habitat Homeowner

Alan was 12 when his family moved into their Habitat home in El Monte. It was struggle to find safe and stable housing for the first few years of his life. 

“The conditions that we were in before were very cramped. We didn’t have a creative space of our own or privacy” 

All was not lost however. Thanks to donors and volunteers, the family was able to build and purchase their own home. The family did not hesitate to put their personal touches on their forever home when they moved in. 

“My dad […] finally had a yard of his own. He was able to create something. My mom was very hands on – decorating and designing. They were both able to explore their creative outlets” 

Their lives changed dramatically thanks to their new home. 

“[Our home] definitely allotted us a bunch of new opportunities that we would not have had otherwise. 

“I was able to find a group of friends and individuals that lived close by. We were able to push ourselves to take the next step in choosing our careers as we cultivated a sense of community that we didn’t have before our Habitat home.”

Alan’s home provided inspiration for a future in hospitality. Thanks to the abundant space, he could study and create a successful career for himself in the field. 

“I fell in love with [hospitality]. Once we moved into the new house watching my mom entertain and host her birthday parties and get togethers, she was proud to show off.  

“It inspired me to follow a career in hospitality. My father’s attention to detail tending his garden and projects around the house helped me develop the care I put into my work.” 

Today, he is grateful to Habitat supporters for their dedication to families.  

“I would like to tell donors and supporters that [my home] has been the biggest blessing we could have ever asked for; we want to thank all the donors who donated time and money to make my whole family’s dream come true.  

“Having a safe and stable home is incredibly important especially in the times we live today. So many families struggle [in] a safe environment to live in due to economic difficulties. [Supporters] have been able to give so many [families] a sense of security that is desperately needed in low-income communities.  

“I would like to encourage people to keep supporting Habitat. They can keep helping others achieve not just the dream of homeownership, but also the American dream.  

Diane

Flourishing Habitat Homeowner Family Member

In 1995, Maria and Jose Lopez were struggling to pay their monthly rent which had just increased. Their family of four lived in a one-bedroom apartment with two sleeping on the couch and two sleeping in the small bedroom. The family prayed for better living conditions.  

Unable to move because rents were too expensive, Maria and Jose continued to live in their overcrowded apartment. They worried about their stability and wanted bright futures for their two daughters, Tracy and Diane. They wanted to see them graduate from high school and go on to college. 

Jose, Maria, Tracy and Diane moved into their Habitat home in Duarte along with 15 other families between 1996 and 1998 – and their lives were never the same again. Even as an eight year old, Diane recognized what having a stable home meant for her family. 

“I have a sister. Her name is Tracy. My sister and I are good sisters. Sometimes we fight, but you know, sister fights. We do lots of things together, like we go camping with my dad, and we go to services with my mom. We used to share a room, but now we get our own rooms.” 

Tracy attended Citrus College and found work in the Sheriff’s Department. Diane graduated from San Diego State University and the California Western School of Law in San Diego, and on May 1, 2015, she received her Juris Doctor degree.  

Realizing the valuable impact of living in a Habitat home, Diane reached out to us and shared her great news. She sent an invitation to her graduation ceremony and a personal handwritten note.  

“Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for my family since I was a little girl. Now I’m done with law school and so much of my success can be attributed to the fact that I had a roof over my head and a warm home.” 

Thanks to donors making the dream of homeownership possible, Maria and Jose went from struggling to keep a roof over their heads to owning their home mortgage-free. Not just that, like so many children in Habitat families, Tracy and Diane were able to build their own destiny – and it all started with a safe and home.  

Haydee

Civil Servant, Construction Worker and Ceiling Breaker

If you’ve been to our construction sites in recent years, you might recognize Haydee. She has been hard at work with San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity for nearly ten years.  

While Haydee has worked side-by-side volunteers and Habitat homebuyers for many years, her service to the community spans decades. Haydee went from serving the community in uniform, to serving her community by building homes and brighter futures, first as a volunteer, and eventually as a full-time member of the construction team. While she has been building walls for years, she has been breaking glass ceilings for much longer. 

Born in East Los Angeles and raised in Baldwin Park, Haydee has deep roots in San Gabriel Valley. She has been involved in her community since the beginning. 

“I started my career at a young age in law enforcement. Back then, It was a very male-dominated career. I moved up the ranks as a detective in investigations and was one of the very few women in the investigations bureau. 

“You really had to prove yourself. When I [retired from] law enforcement, my choice to follow a different career path brought me to Habitat. 

“I started a program in interior design. One requirement was to do an internship. I did one with Habitat because I wanted to learn what was behind the walls [of a home] so I would have an understanding of what it takes to make the outside beautiful.” 

While the internship was supposed to be temporary, Haydee quickly realized she loved construction! And while the field is still male-dominated, she feels strongly about inspiring others to do more and achieve their goals, no matter their gender. 

She has a few memories from her many years at Habitat, but working with Omar and Natalia, one of the Pasadena homeowner families, has been her favorite so far.  

“They went beyond the required hours they were supposed to do, showed up because they loved working with us, and wanted to learn what it took to put these houses together to carry on that knowledge once they moved into their homes.” 

To this day, Haydee still keeps in touch with the Habitat homeowner families with whom she’s built both homes and strong bonds. 

“We text each other, send Christmas cards, and even stop by every once in a while” 

Jonathan

From Troubled Youth to Community Builder

Jonathan was a troubled youth, even ending up in juvenile hall, but then he turned his life around.

Today, Jonathan is a construction trainer for Compton Youth Build (CYB) by EntreNous, a nonprofit organization that assists at-risk youth. In this program, participants can choose to engage in construction, culinary arts, or workforce and leadership development training.  

The purpose of their program is to involve their members in meaningful learning opportunities that expand their understanding of the world they live in. In addition, they provide youth with the tools necessary to create a sustainable life for themselves, their families, and their communities. 

The partnership between CYB and Habitat is a natural one. Just as their program creates better communities, the homes created by this partnership generate flourishing families and communities.  

Jonathan is a big part of this partnership. He brings teens from different backgrounds to our construction sites to develop skills and learn important life lessons.   

“These [groups] are taken through a lot of different types of construction skills, from framing, plaster work and concrete, to simple things like digging ditches. Along the way, they learn the hard work ethic it takes to graduate this program and enter into a union. 

“We hope the hands-on training encourages them to look into a career in construction” 

But construction isn’t all the program is about. Through a holistic approach, CYB helps at-risk youth find their own paths. Jonathan, like the individuals he now helps, has been through his own struggles.  

“I like to show them life lessons [by means of] the things I have been through. I was a youth that had been through juvenile hall and things like that. Just to be able to succeed and show them they have the ability [to succeed], with hard work – by the time they get to my age, they will be living a good life. 

“That is my main objective – to make sure they can see there is a future in the life they want to live.” 

Jonathan’s story is proof, that with the right tools, success is all but guaranteed. A stable home is one of those very important tools.  

Macha and Melissa

Habitat Homeowners and Awesome Parents

Macha and Melissa are proof that you can have a graduate degree and still have a difficult time finding a permanent home. In fact, in LA county, only 30% of residents can afford to buy a home on the open market.  

Macha and Melissa moved into their Pasadena Habitat house in 2018. Since then, they’ve been thriving. Before moving into their home, like many of us, they had fulfilling careers, but were still finding it difficult to find safe and stable shelter. Macha gave us a little background into how he and Melissa met. 

“I was born in Tokyo, Japan. I moved to La Crescenta, CA with my family in 1988 when I was 9. I graduated from Azusa Pacific University (APU) with a BA in Studio Arts and Claremont Graduate University with an MFA in Sculpture. I started teaching art and design while I was in grad school in 2005, and I have been teaching ever since.  

“Melissa grew up in Apple Valley, CA. She also graduated from APU where we met. She went on to receive an MS in Child Life from Loma Linda University. She has worked as a Child Life Specialist at Loma Linda Hospital […] to working with children on the Autism Spectrum. 

“We got married in 2008, we had our daughter Maika in 2011, and our son Ren in 2013.” 

Their careers, while rewarding, were still not enough to purchase a home in California, where prices were constantly out of reach. 

“In the first ten years of our marriage, my wife Melissa and I moved just about every year looking for safe and affordable homes. With an inconsistent income of an adjunct professor and fine artist, it was difficult to find a decent place to live in the post-recession Southern California. We ended up in [undesirable] living conditions with mold infestations and exposure to lead. It was difficult to build a stable home for our two kids.” 

Their new home they built and purchased has changed that.  

“It all comes down to our sense of safety and stability. This house has provided that for us even in these uncertain times. We are thankful to have the space for our kids to play in, especially in the yard. […] Now that we are homeowners, we actually get to make improvements to really make it our home!” Macha stated. 

Macha ended his time together with us with the sentiments below. 

“Creating affordable housing opportunities cultivates more diverse communities. Our Habitat neighbors include those who volunteer countless hours and are well informed about our city and its needs. They are active in the city’s churches and schools. They exhibit incredible hospitality, show up early, and stay late. The richness of our community would be lost without these friends and neighbors that could not otherwise afford to live here. I believe that affordable housing benefits us all.” 

Millie

Habitat Supporter and Community Builder

Millie has been part of our history for the last couple years – and while she is a supporter, she can also relate to the problems so many families face as they struggle to find a safe and stable home. 

“I was once housing insecure. My parents made a modest income, but gave me a safe home most of my life.  

“Along the way, [my parents] made some financial mistakes. When I was 17, we were in a position of losing our home. I was one class away from graduating high school when my father dropped the news.”  

“All of these thoughts rolled through my head. Would I quit school and find a job? Would we find a small apartment or would my family split up to live with extended family? Would I still go to college? 

Thankfully, Millie’s father found the help they so desperately needed to keep them from being displaced, but the difficulties of her past continue to guide her in a positive direction. 

“I’ll never forget the look in my father’s eyes of stress and defeat. It affected me to my core. I’ve never taken housing or financial literacy for granted. 

“…it has impacted the career and education choices I’ve made, and this is why I am doing the work I do” 

Today, Millie is the Community Relations Manager for Bank of America.  

“Bank of America supports San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity because their work in affordable housing is a critical step towards economic mobility and financial stability for hard-working people. 

“All of us live and work in these communities, so their success is key to the success of our organization” 

Scott

Habitat Board Member, Volunteer, and Dream-Maker

With the last name of Carpenter, it was Scott’s destiny to get involved with Habitat. Scott Carpenter’s journey actually starts at the very beginning of the last three decades. His Habitat roots run as deep as they come – starting with his parents. 

“My mother worked with John ‘Ace’ Cain […] and my father helped build Habitat homes for many years.” 

If the name “John ‘Ace’ Cain sounds familiar – it should! He was one of the founders of our chapter. Scott has continued the legacy his parents started. He has volunteered at several sites, including the Chestnut homes in Glendale back in 2016. 

In an effort to get more involved, Scott joined the board of directors and eventually became board president, giving his time and talents to help families build and purchase their own homes. Today, he continues to do his part to help families. The collective effort of everyone involved keeps him inspired. 

“I’m inspired by what can be accomplished through the hundreds and thousands of people who volunteer their time and resources to make a difference.” 

Of the many memories Scott has, his favorite memories come from the home dedications. 

“The home dedications are one of my favorite events. When the families receive the keys to their new homes after all of their hard work, the joy that they have is very uplifting and meaningful. It makes it all worthwhile.” 

Shane and Andrea

Former Habitat Homeowners Turned Explorers

With each move into a new apartment, Shane and Andrea faced high rents and cramped living spaces. Wherever they turned, a safe, quality, and affordable home was nowhere in sight.  

“Working to pay our bills was really what we were doing. We had to keep moving to find the best deal”, says Andrea. 

“The idea of owning a home seemed so far-fetched. […] It seemed like an impossible goal. We reached a point where we said we would just rent for the rest of our lives” added Shane. 

This began to change the day their daughter, Sydney, brought a Habitat flyer home from school. In 2012, the family purchased and moved into their Habitat home in Glendale that they had worked so hard to build.  

Thanks to their new home, Shane and Andrea were able to continue succeeding at work and in life. Their home, as Andrea puts it, provided them the opportunity to expand their dreams. 

“Our Habitat home in Glendale gave us the security that allowed us to dream bigger. We can tie all of the opportunities that we’ve had back to our home.” 

The memories they have are plentiful, but one in particular is especially impactful. 

“We have pictures of our friends and family building. We were putting up one huge wall. All of the families has representatives there. We have a picture of all of us standing there all at the same time. That was really special” says Andrea. 

Shane added that he and his fellow homeowners became lifelong friends. 

“The community that it created between all of us was really special. You don’t get that with under normal [homeownership] circumstances.”  

After four years in their Habitat home, Shane had an career-advancing opportunity in Seattle, WA. As a result, they sold their home back to SGV Habitat and used the money to purchase a home on the open market. With their old home vacant, a new family could find a safe and stable home.  

Recently, we caught up with Shane and Andrea. We told them about, Wesley,  Alexis, and their children Milo and Louie – the new homeowners of their old Glendale home. Andrea was quick to realize how their former home has provided impact to more than just their family. 

“It’s kind of neat to see how one home can multiply and bless multiple families”  

Shane shared how excited he is to stay involved to help more families like his own.  

“We’re grateful for the experience we had and the launching pad [our home] was for us, and we want to help in any way that we can.” 

Our Founders

The Ones That Started it All

In 1990, friends, old and new, with a shared belief in empowering the dreams of others, moved to change the lives of families throughout the San Gabriel Valley. These friends became the founders of an organization that has been impacting generations of families for three decades – San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity. 

Our three decade legacy started at a meeting where the seeds of a common vision were watered in the hearts and minds of four people – Ace (Pictured), Mavis, Jack, and Barbara. 

Barbara’s first moment of inspiration was in a deep trench at a Habitat for Humanity build in Mexico. Jack was at the same location and was also touched by Habitat’s vision. At the same time, Ace and Mavis were in Nicaragua at a different Habitat for Humanity build, and were confronted with the realities of poverty housing.  

Ace was a successful builder in the construction and development industry. He was very active in the Catholic community and was a leader in the greater San Gabriel Valley community. When he came back from Nicaragua, Ace was changed. Barbara shares why the group felt it was so important to start the affordable housing movement in their own back yard. 

“If you believe in something, if you really believe in something, you will do what you need to do when nobody else will do it. What drove us was the mission and belief that what we were doing was more important than all of the problems that we faced. It was social change that lasted.” 

It is well known in the SGV Habitat world that Ace was inspired by the one thought below: 

“If Pasadena can have a Tournament of Roses, then why can’t it have a Tournament of Houses?” 

He shared this thought with his friends, and a vision was born. This quote invigorated a newfound, common mission. With the help of Pat, a courageous woman in the Presbyterian Church, they formed San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity.  

While Ace passed away before he could see the tremendous impact his dream would have on families, Barbara, Jack, and Mavis remained concerned about the mission and realized their moment of courage had come. They chose to act – and began a movement of inspiring and inviting others to act by building homes, communities, and hope. 

Thirty years and more than 225 families later, that same dream lives on in the accomplishments of our donors, volunteers, staff, and supporters throughout the community. 

Mark Van Lue

Executive Director and Humble Visionary Leader

Before starting his Habitat journey, Mark owned his own remodeling company in South Bend, Indiana. While an English major, Mark learned of construction from his family — one of 11 siblings, his father built their family home from salvaged materials.

“He never owed a dime on it.”

There was one bathroom in the home that was added the year Mark was born in 1962. Before that, there was an outhouse.

“It was just a tiny, tiny bathroom … it was an art form how we made that work, but we did.”

Mark reflected on how his upbringing helped him understand the basic need of stable housing.

“It’s funny but we didn’t ever think of it as poverty housing; you know, it was ours, and it was warm and dry. Maybe that’s why building housing that’s basic and decent really resonates with me.”

Mark joined the Habitat community in St. Joseph County, Indiana, where he began volunteering in construction for their local Habitat chapter. At one point, he even volunteered abroad in Nepal. While he was intending to stay a volunteer in Indiana, things changed over breakfast with the executive director of the Indiana Habitat chapter.

“Coffee with a lawyer is never just coffee,” Mark says.

One cup of coffee later, he became construction manager, transitioned to even more roles with Habitat chapters in Texas and California, and eventually joined SGV Habitat as executive director in 2017 – and what a journey it has been.

“We continue to pull out every tool in our arsenal to build and create homeownership opportunities for families; we are building across all of our service areas and creating partnerships and building housing of every stripe.

“We’ve realized our mission more than ever to help as many people as we can to achieve that goal [of homeownership].

“We are really excited because we’ve been able to dramatically increase our impact and we’re working very hard across our entire team to help achieve our next goal.”