Habitat Impact W13 - Habitat for Humanity
Transcription
Habitat Impact W13 - Habitat for Humanity
WINTER 2013 IMPACT CHANGING LIVES ... CHANGING COMMUNITIES F O R F R I E N D S A N D S U P P O R T E R S O F H A B I TAT F O R H U M A N I T Y O F O R A N G E C O U N T Y 20 YEARS IN RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA: Elvia’s journey with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County began 20 years ago, during a particularly painful time in her life. She had just divorced, leaving her marriage due to domestic violence. A housewife for many years, she didn’t have many job skills, and had to start supporting herself by taking on an entrylevel job. “While I had a job, I had to choose between paying rent and eating, and paying for gas to get to work,” explains Elvia. “I would stay at people’s homes, but would also sleep in my van. One night, when I was sleeping in my van, it dawned on me: I was homeless!” Fortunately, an acquaintance told Elvia about Habitat’s homes in Rancho Santa Margarita. Elvia followed up, got an application and started communicating with Habitat. “One of my first questions was, ‘Where is Rancho Santa Margarita?’” says Elvia. “I lived in the ghetto in Anaheim – NOT the happiest place on earth! – and had no idea where Rancho Santa Margarita was.” Photographer: Greg Andersen “Habitat helps create ‘chain reactions.’ By helping one person or family, Habitat helps many others in turn. For example, because of Habitat, I was able to help my granddaughter become an RN.” ELVIA Photographer: Gr eg Andersen Mortgage Paid, Lives Changed Grateful for Habitat’s “Chain Reaction” A WORD FROM SH ARON 2013 promises great things for Habitat! We’ve started buildin g 17 homes in Santa Ana, and will soon begin a 15townhome developm ent in Cypress. To learn more abou t our future plans – and how you can he lp – simply turn the page. But first, rea d about how your gifts have chan ged the lives of two homeowners – Elvia and Chrishelle. Their sto ries will truly touch and inspire yo u! Blessings, Sharon Ellis, Preside nt/CEO During this time, Elvia also started working as a counselor for battered women. When Habitat called Elvia at work to tell her that she’d been accepted, she was so excited that her co-workers wondered what all the ruckus was about. Joe Perring, Habitat OC board member, “From that point on, it was like a dream,” notes Elvia. congratulated Elvia on paying off her “I started going to meetings and picked out my condo. When mortgage after 20 years of homeownership. I moved in, I brought along a teen granddaughter who was finishing high school. I helped put her through nursing school – she was the first in our family to attend a fourPurchasing her condominium home in Habitat’s Rancho Santa Margarita year university – and she is now a charge nurse for Kaiser.” development (pictured below) gave Elvia the opportunity to create a life-changing Over the years, Elvia continued her own education, “chain reaction” for herself, her daughter and her granddaughter. and was able to pull herself out of poverty step-by-step. She also started giving back to the community by serving as president of her homeowners association and doing volunteer translation work. And in 2012, she paid off her mortgage! “Habitat helps create ‘chain reactions,’” Elvia explained. “By helping one person or family, Habitat helps many others in turn. For example, because of Habitat, I was able to help my granddaughter become an RN.” Elvia’s daughter was also inspired by Elvia’s success, and she is now a nurse, too. We wonder how many other people Elvia has touched as she continues what she fondly calls the “chain reaction.” OUR MISSION: Transforming lives and communities by helping families in need build and purchase or renovate their own homes. FROM 11 MOVES IN TWO YEARS, TO THE SECURITY OF A HABITAT HOME Chair Mark E. Mathews, Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. Vice Chair F. Scott Jackson, Jackson | DeMarco | Tidus | Peckenpaugh Secretary Photographer: Greg Andersen Mark Hoover, First American Title Insurance Company Since 1988, the Habitat OC Board of Directors has helped the affiliate grow from one development in Rancho Santa Margarita to 173 homes serving families in cities throughout OC. Dave Albert, Stanley Black & Decker Charles Antis, Antis Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc. David Banducci, Harvard Card Systems, Inc. Robert Barker, Parker Aerospace (retired) Francisca Gonzalez Baxa, Law Office of Francisca Gonzalez Baxa Father Rick Byrum, The Covington Frank Ferrara, Hyundai Motor America, USA Jeffrey C. Joy, Greenberg Traurig LLP Linda Lang, Orange County Association of REALTORS® Robert LeFever, auction.com, Luxury Homes Division Ken Lickel, VP & GM, Alcon (retired) James R. Light, C.J. Light Associates Brett Mansfield, Citibank Business Banking Robert G. Meaux, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans® Donald E. Moe, Marketing Consultant Robert Montgomery, HOM Real Estate Group Hugo J. Nuño, First Foundation Bank Joseph Perring, Perring Consulting Mark Schulein, Crown Ace Hardware Inc. Rev. Dr. Stanley Smith, First Christian Church of Orange (Disciples of Christ) (retired) Six years ago, Chrishelle was facing two major challenges. She had become a single mom with a toddler daughter, Victoria. And while she had a job, it didn’t pay enough to cover rent. To keep a roof over their heads, Chrishelle and Victoria “couch surfed” on friends’ couches, or found other temporary living arrangements. They moved 11 times in two years. On her days off, Chrishelle spent hours on the phone, trying to find affordable housing – but was consistently told there was a ten-year wait. “Then, I found out about Habitat for Humanity of Orange County,” explains Chrishelle. “I was familiar with Chrishelle was thrilled to meet Thomas Cox (left) and Aram Chahbazian Habitat – I’d even done some volunteer work for the (right), the architects who designed her home. organization – and I thought, ‘Why not? Let’s try this.’” At first, Chrishelle didn’t qualify – but she kept trying. She finally got a call for an interview, which led to subsequent interviews. Within a few months, someone from Habitat OC asked to stop by where Chrishelle and Victoria were living at the time. “They arrived with tiaras and balloons – and I started to cry!” says Chrishelle. “As soon as I found out I’d be a homeowner, my life changed,” explains Chrishelle. “Although my home is in Costa Mesa, I spent 250 hours building homes in San Juan Capistrano – sweat equity MEANS sweat equity! It was the most amazing experience of my life! I have lasting friendships from that time.” “Just months after we moved to our Habitat home, my daughter asked if she needed to put her toys back in a box and get ready for our next move,” continues Chrishelle. “When I was able to tell her ‘no,’ I started to cry. My daughter is nine now and has so much more stability in her life. I’ve also gone back to school, and am a student at Orange Coast College. I plan to transfer to a four year university and pursue a degree in art.” “I am so truly thankful not only to Habitat, but to the many donors who make homes like mine possible,” concludes Chrishelle. “I am so thankful for everyone’s generosity – their donations have truly changed my life.” MEET ONE OF OUR CORPORATE DONORS: BANK OF AMERICA Building strong communities that make dreams come true for local families Habitat for Humanity of Orange County’s relationship with Bank of America started 12 years ago. Gifts from Bank of America to Habitat OC (made through both the company and the Bank of America Foundation) now total more than $800,000! Bank of America’s most recent gift of $50,000, made through its Foundation, will help build a new neighborhood in Cypress. “We have partnered with Habitat locally, nationally and internationally for more than 25 years,” explains Allen Staff, Bank of America’s Market President for Orange County. “We estimate that B of A has donated Bank of America employees built a home in San Juan Capistrano’s Homes for Heroes and tens of millions of dollars to various Habitat Foundations for Families® development for local civilian, military and veterans’ families. projects through the bank, its Foundation, associate giving and matching gifts. Bank of America employees also volunteer about 30,000 hours a year to Habitat projects around the country.” Since 2000, Bank of America has helped build Habitat OC homes in Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Fullerton, San Juan Capistrano and Westminster. The company sponsored an entire home in the San Juan Capistrano development through the Habitat for Heroes and Foundations for Families® program, in which 11 active duty military members and veterans and their families purchased homes. “Bank of America believes it’s important to give back to the communities in which we do business,” concluded Mr. Staff. “Strong communities are really the backbone of everything we do. The stronger our communities are, the better it is for our business. Bank of America also shares common goals with Habitat, such as the importance of revitalizing communities and providing affordable housing.” R.B. Wedel, Brown-Forman Board Emeritus J.P. “Pat” Kapp, J.P. Kapp Civil Engineers www.habitatoc.org Bank of America is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial products and services. Impact designed and printed by Noelle Marketing Group. Partially underwritten by Kris and Linda Elftmann. Photographer: Alexandra Lopez BOARD OF DIRECTORS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF ORANGE COUNTY Photographer: Greg Andersen Two lives changed by local donors WHY GIVE? Cypress: 15 homes. Some families have already been selected, and they will begin building their homes as soon as funds are donated. Because we can’t build homes and change lives without you! YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT! 29 HOMES ARE WAITING FOR FUNDING Your gift will offer a hand up – not a handout – to a local family You can make a difference in the life of a local family by making a charitable investment today to help build 29 affordable Habitat homes in Santa Ana and Cypress. These homes are on the drawing boards waiting for funding. Your gift could be the one to jump-start construction for one of these homes. FAMILIES ARE DEPENDING ON YOUR HELP! Photographer: Dave Solt It truly takes “all hands on deck” to build a Habitat home. Donations of time, professional services, construction materials, and financial resources are each critical to making a Habitat home a reality. And every gift – whatever the size – helps a family come one step closer to homeownership in Orange County. Individuals, organizations, faith communities, businesses and companies interested in making a significant commitment might also consider a gift at one of the following levels: $150,000+: Realizing the Dream Sponsor $100,000+: A Brighter Tomorrow Sponsor $50,000 to $99,999: Gift of Hope Sponsor $25,000 to $49,999: From the Ground Up Sponsor Two little boys built a “secret library” in the space under the stairway in their San Juan Capistrano home. It’s their quiet place to read and study and continue the life-changing process begun by their parents’ decision to purchase a Habitat home. If you’d like to discuss specifics about a donation you may be considering and the exciting sponsorship benefits that would accompany your gift, or if we can answer any questions, please contact Heather McKenzie-Densmore, CFRE, 714-434-6200 x232 or [email protected]. OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP It is only with your help that our families and volunteers can build homes that offer the opportunity of homeownership. And homeownership creates a variety of wonderful benefits for our community. • Organize a Team Build Day. Have fun building a home with your employees. Information: 714-434-6200 x233 or [email protected]. • Leave a Legacy. Join the Future Builders Legacy Society, whose members provide a “legacy gift” to Habitat OC through their estate plan. Information: Heather at 714-434-6200 x232 or [email protected]. • According to the National Association of Realtors®: Volunteer. Work in our office, ReStore or DeConstruct, mentor a family, build a home, and more. Contact: [email protected]. • Donate your used vehicle, RV or motorcycle through our Cars for Homes TM Did you know that although Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is part of an international organization, our work in Orange County depends solely on local, tax-deductible contributions from you and your neighbors? • Children who live in homes owned by program. their parents do better in school. They have higher rates of graduation and fewer incidents of misbehavior. Call 1-877-277-4344 or visit www.carsforhomes.org • Participate in an event. Events planned for 2013 include the Leaders Build Day in April (see page 4 for details), and TCA Golf Tournament in June. For additional information, visit www.habitatoc.org, click on “get involved,” then “special events.” • Owned homes improve neighborhoods. Pride of ownership helps retain property values. • Shop at our ReStore OC Discount Home Improvement Resale Outlets. Proceeds build • Parents who purchase affordable homes make more affordable homes in Orange County. • Remodeling your home? Consider donating your current cabinets, fixtures, or other items to our DeConstruct program. Information: 1-866-433-2666 or [email protected]. To keep up with Habitat or to make a donation on our secure website, visit www.habitatoc.org. great role models. Parents become role models by paying for and maintaining their homes, and engaging in their civic responsibilities. • Habitat OC homeowners are great neighbors. They go through a rigorous process to purchase their homes. They are responsible, hardworking people who are committed to the success of their children and their communities. Photographer: Robert Rooks Garden Grove ReStore Recycle. Reuse. Reduce. Rebuild. Eddie Miller, manager of the Santa Ana ReStore, in his well-stocked store. Donation Hotline 714-434-6202 Follow us on www.twitter.com/ReStoresOC Find us at www.facebook.com/HabitatOCReStore www.ReStoreOC.org 12827 Harbor Blvd. (between Garden Grove & Lampson) Phone: 714-590-8729 Mon–Fri: 9 am–8 pm/Sat: 9 am–6 pm/Sun: 11 am–5 pm Santa Ana ReStore 1400 S. Village Way-McFadden Place Phone: 714-434-6266 Mon–Sat: 9 am–6 pm/Sun: 10 am–5 pm NETWORK, LEARN AND PLAY Leaders Build Day – April 18, 2013 You’ll learn all about how the Habitat program of responsible homeownership changes the lives of families throughout Orange County. Register today for your Building Dreams tour. Tours are offered at Habitat OC’s corporate offices, 2200 S. Ritchey in Santa Ana. During the next six months, tours are scheduled for: • Wednesdays (11 am to 12 noon): January 9, February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1 and June 5 • Thursdays (8:30 am to 9:30 am): January 24, February 28, March 21, April 25, May 23 and June 27 Leaders Build 2012 participants take a short break from their work. OC leaders move a wall frame into place for the home they are building. Sponsorship Opportunities Each participating company is asked to sponsor the day at one of four levels: Blueprint Presenting Sponsor ($10,000), Hatchet Sponsor ($5,000), Hammer Sponsor ($2,500), or Tool Belt Participant ($1,000). Thank you to the companies who have already committed to participate in the 2013 Leaders Build Day at press time. • Blueprint Presenting Sponsor: Capital Source Bank • Hatchet Sponsors: Absolute Technologies, First Bank, Orange County Association of REALTORS® (OCAR), TOSHIBA • Hammer Sponsors: A total of 53 OC business leaders traded their laptops for tool belts to spend a day building a home during Leaders Build 2012. IMPACT is published by Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, 2200 S. Ritchey St., Santa Ana, CA 92705 714-434-6200 | Editor: Joan Dolan Ziegler. Writer: Joan McBride, Greatrake, McBride & Associates, Inc. Photography: Greg Andersen, Alexandra Lopez, Robert Rooks, Dave Solt. We would love to hear your comments regarding our Impact newsletter. Please contact us at: [email protected] or 714-434-6200 x222. Facebook.com/habitatoc Twitter.com/habitatoc www.habitatoc.org Photographer: Robert Rooks Antis Roofing & Weatherproofing Inc. Together we’ve … • Built 173 homes in OC • Changed 860 lives Thank you so much! 2200 South Ritchey, Santa Ana, CA 92705-5308 714-434-6200 | www.habitatoc.org PAID Orange, CA Permit No. 1830 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Please make a reservation in advance so that we know you’re coming. To make your reservation, please call Laurene at 714-434-6200 x207 or email her at [email protected]. Are you looking for a fun and unique one-day volunteer opportunity? A day where you can leave the confines of your office and spend some time in the fresh air? Where you can network with your peers while you build a home? Then, we have the perfect event for you! You’re invited to sign up now for our Fifth Annual Leaders Build Day, scheduled for April 18, 2013, on a Habitat OC construction site! Co-chaired by Ralph Adamo, President and CEO of the Institute for Family Wealth Counseling, and Bob Barker, who recently retired as President of Parker Aerospace, Leaders Build Day provides business leaders an opportunity to network with other business leaders while building a Habitat home. The day begins with breakfast, followed by fun construction-themed competitions. The majority of the day will be spent working on a Habitat home, but will include a break for lunch and an opportunity to hear from a Habitat family. “Each Leaders Build Day provides an amazing and fun opportunity for Orange County’s business executives to get away from their normal routines and make a hands-on difference by building a Habitat home,” says Heather McKenzie-Densmore, CFRE, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County’s Vice President of Development. “It’s a great way to get involved, get connected, and give back!” For additional information about the 2013 Leaders Build Day activities, sponsorship levels and sponsor benefits, please contact Jennifer Chung, 714-434-6200 x233 or [email protected]. Photographer: Robert Rooks Hear success stories about Habitat families; learn about the budgeting, home maintenance, college prep and other classes the families attend; and see photos of beautiful Habitat homes in OC during a one-hour, no obligation information session called a Building Dreams tour. WOULDN’T IT BE FUN TO TRADE YOUR LAPTOP FOR A TOOL BELT – JUST FOR A DAY? Photographer: Robert Rooks Do you know how the Habitat program works to serve families in Orange County? Learn more at a Building Dreams Tour.