Habitat for Humanity + Volunteers= Another Completed A Brush with Kindness Project

On January 20th 2015, volunteers from Cate School partnered with Habitat for Humanity Southern Santa Barbara County to complete another A Brush with Kindness home repair project. Sponsored by Thrivent Financial, 82 students and faculty came together to complete home repairs for an elderly low-income homeowner.

 Unable to make repairs himself due to MS, the students and faculty worked during the day to provide exterior repairs to the home, clear overgrown landscaping, plant drought resistant plants, build a new walkway, and clean the full exterior of the home.

Habitat's A Brush with Kindness program works to help low-income or fixed-income homeowners to restore their homes to be a safe and decent place to live, through minor exterior repairs. The program provides materials and volunteer labor to make improvements to a house affordable and possible.

Able-bodied homeowners work alongside Habitat's volunteers as part of their "sweat equity", which is central to Habitat's home building program. Through this program, homeowners are able to regain the pride of home-ownership and maintain the value of their homes. 

A Brush with Kindness complements Habitat for Humanity’s construction programs that bring decent and affordable homes to low-income families. All partner families must meet Habitat’s income requirements, as well as show a need for crucial exterior repairs and a willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity.

      For more information on how you can volunteer on an upcoming A Brush with Kindness project or in the Restore, please visit www.sbhabitat.org or call 805-692-2226.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Honoring MLK with a Day of Service

           On January 19th, Habitat for Humanity will partner with members of the community to honor MLK by participating in the national Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. A group of 25 volunteers from YMCA, Goleta Valley Beautiful. and individuals from the community will be working together to complete "A Brush with Kindness" project.

   

          Part of the United We Serve program, MLK Jr. Day of Service is one of President Obama's national call to service initiatives. The program calls for Americans from all different backgrounds and walks of life to work together for the day to assist and help with some of the nation's pressing social issues, such as hunger, poverty, and substandard housing. Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country are participating in various service projects to serve their communities and neighbors.  

 

          One of Habitat for Humanity's active programs, "A Brush with Kindness" seeks to help low-income house owners that have difficulty restoring their homes to maintain a safe a decent place to live by coming together as a community to provide exterior home repairs. By offering affordable means of exterior home improvements, the program helps homeowners to reclaim their dignity and pride of homeownership and helps to maintain the value of the home. Complementing Habitat for Humanity's new home construction programs that bring affordable homes to low-income families, all partner families must meet with Habitat for Humanity's low-income requirements, as well as show a need for crucial exterior repairs and the willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity.

          Volunteer shifts are still available for the MLK Jr. Day of Service on January 19th. The morning shift will be from 9am to 12:00pm, followed by the afternoon shift from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Interested volunteers can contact the Habitat office at mail@sbhabitat.org or 805-692-2226. 

         “Dr. King famously said, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?’” said Jon Peterson, Habitat for Humanity SSBC’s CEO. “Habitat for Humanity is committed to helping individuals and families maintain and build a decent place to live. We are thankful for the hundreds of volunteers who heed Dr. King’s call and join us in providing decent and affordable shelter both locally and globally.”



Spotlight on unique items in the ReStore

For those familiar with the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, a trip to the ReStore is like searching through a treasure trove. With new items coming in daily, you never know what you might happen to find in the ReStore and how unique many of our items are.

Today, we'd like to put a spotlight on two items and also our "Steal of the Week"!

Here we have a Brass Coat Hanger, which is about 70" in height. This coat hanger can be a wonderful addition to adding a touch of class to a living room or the entrance hallway of a home. This item is unique due to the design and the color that exudes charming vibes. This item is available at the ReStore for $75.00 and is under inventory as U011.

Another wonderful item is this Glass Top Coffee Table, which is 48"x 34"x 19 1/2". The combination of wood and glass with the metal detailing under creates a beautiful piece to have in one's home. This item is available in the ReStore for $150.00 and is under U033.

      As for the "Steal of the Week", we have a Mirabelle undermount sink (M015) which measures at 20"x 16". This sink was originally priced at $50.00 but is now $20.00 as the "Steal of the Week"! Every week, an item goes on a special sale as the "Steal of the Week" and is sold for even cheaper than the already reduced price at the ReStore! Continue to check on the Habitat website under the ReStore tab to check for the weekly special.

      The ReStore at the Habitat for Humanity in the Southern Santa Barbara County sells home improvement products and 100% of the proceeds go back to Habitat. The materials that are sold in the ReStore are donated from the community and the proceeds help to cover administrative costs. Because of this, Habitat is able to point a large majority of the funds raised to go towards our low income building projects. Shopping in or donating to the ReStore is a way that one can help support Habitat's mission to provide affordable housing in Santa Barbara.

      The ReStore is located on 6860 Cortona Drive, Suite A, Goleta CA 93117. The ReStore is open from 11am-5pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays. Swing by and look around the Restore and you'll never know what unique and special items you may find.

Another successful A Brush with Kindness Project, completed

      On a beautiful day last Saturday in Santa Barbara, a total of over 70 volunteers from Thrivent Builds Lutheran and students from Westmont College and Concordia of Oregan's women soccer players came together to provide assistance with one of  Habitat's A Brush with Kindness projects.

      Habitat's A Brush with Kindness program works to help low-income or fixed-income homeowners to restore their homes to be a safe and decent place to live, through minor exterior repairs. The program provides materials and volunteer labor to make improvements to a house affordable and possible. Able-bodied homeowners work alongside Habitat's volunteers as part of their "sweat equity", which is central to Habitat's home building program. Through this program, homeowners are able to regain the pride of home-ownership and maintain the value of their homes. 

      With volunteers from Thrivent Builds Lutheran and 26 college students per house, volunteers assisted with exterior maintenance, which included a full power washing and an exterior paint job. The home repair work was for three senior female homeowners and volunteers are seen here assisting and putting their efforts to bringing repairs to the home.

      A Brush with Kindness complements Habitat for Humanity’s construction programs that bring decent and affordable homes to low-income families. All partner families must meet Habitat’s income requirements, as well as show a need for crucial exterior repairs and a willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity.

      For more information on how you can volunteer on an upcoming A Brush with Kindness project or in the Restore, please visit www.sbhabitat.org or call 805-692-2226.

Habitat for Humanity's Volunteer of the Year, Dennis Kirby

      Throughout the year, Habitat for Humanity continues to have a flow of volunteers who dedicate their time on our building projects, A Brush with Kindness projects, and in also in our ReStore.

      Dennis Kirby, who has put in 770 volunteer hours at the ReStore, has been awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award. A dedicated volunteer since 2009, we have been so blessed to have a volunteer who gives back to their community. Please join us as we recognize this year's Volunteer of the Year and thank him for all the dedication he has put into the ReStore. 

      The ReStore at the Habitat for Humanity in the Southern Santa Barbara County sells home improvement products and 100% of the proceeds go back to Habitat. The materials sold in the ReStore are donated from the community and the proceeds go to Habitat and helps to cover administrative costs. This allows Habitat to use a large majority of the funds raised to go towards our low income building projects. Donating or shopping at the Restore is a way that you can help support Habitat's mission to provide affordable housing in Santa Barbara!

      The ReStore is located on 6860 Cortona Drive, Suite A, Goleta CA 93117. We are open from 11am-5pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays! Come check out the ReStore and we definitely encourage you all to get involved in our community as well!

Induction of the 500 Hours Volunteer Club's youngest member, Anna!

At Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara, volunteers make up a large amount of the hours that are put into different areas and projects. The ReStore, building projects, and A Brush with Kindness projects are all completed with the help of many volunteers, and we are fortunate and thankful to each and every volunteer.

Today, we have a volunteer who we would like to thank for her time here at Habitat. A Santa Barbara local and student who attends UC Davis, Anna has been volunteering with us in the ReStore every summer since 2012 and we are blessed to induct her into the "500 Club".

The "500 Club" is a group of volunteers who have put in over 500 hours of service and time at the Habitat ReStore. You can recognize members of this awesome group of volunteers by their ReStore hats.

Currently, Anna is the youngest member of the "500 Club", and received her member hat on her last day today.  We are so thankful for her service and time and wish her the best as she goes off to England to study abroad.

Construction update on the Canon Perdido Affordable Homes

Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County is 85% complete with construction. In July Habitat welcomed volunteer groups from Curvature, Procore, and Reality Church, as well as many individuals, who helped prime, paint, hang drywall, install base board and much more at the Canon Perdido Affordable Homes site. 

Construction progress at the Canon Perdido Affordable Homes site. 

Volunteers from Curvature pose for a group photo.

Volunteers from ProCore working on the 2nd floor balcony railing. 

Volunteers from Reality Church pose before the workday begins. 

Volunteers provide a bulk of our labor and allow Habitat to keep construction costs at a minimum. Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers who have helped with framing, insulation, drywall, painting and much more. We are able to provide permanent and affordable housing for low-income families because of your time and support.

We are in the final weeks of construction. If you haven't volunteered yet, there is still time. Individual volunteers can sign up for shifts directly online.  If you are interested in confirming a group workday for your business or organization, please contact Habitat by email or at 692-2226.

What a difference 3 years makes!

In a little over a week the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Goleta will celebrate it's 3rd anniversary! We're pleased to say that the ReStore has been a great resource for our affiliate in that it generates income to supplement Habitat's operating costs, provides materials for our local construction projects, and allows us to provide families with a low-cost source for home-improvement supplies. 

Enjoy some photos from the ReStore's grand-opening celebration, held on August 8th, 2008.  We hardly recognize the place! It's amazing how much the ReStore changed in just 3 years.

And as always, if you're looking to donate used materials to the Habitat ReStore we accept donations during our open hours; Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 5pm. The ReStore also does donation pick-ups Tuesday through Friday mornings. Call 805-692-2226 to schedule a pick-up. And refer to our donation guidelines for specific information on items the ReStore accepts.

President Carter: Decent Housing is a Basic Human Right

In yesterday's issue of the Gardian, Former President Jimmy Carter published a piece why decent housing is a basic human right and how each of us are morally obligated to act with a sense of urgency to house those in our communities who do not have a roof over their head.

"In order to create true, sweeping changes in providing decent housing, we must begin to talk about this human necessity as a basic human right. This is not something that families around the world can only wish to have, not something that only the luckiest can hope to realize, but something that everyone should have an opportunity to achieve.

When we understand the magnitude of housing needs and their different forms in communities worldwide, we will recognize that as more fortunate people we are morally obligated to act. Once we view the issue of housing in these appropriately urgent terms, we will begin to act in concert more effectively."

Read the full article: Decent Housing is Not Just a Wish, it is a Human Right

Bringing hope and dignity, in the form of decent housing, to the families we serve is part of Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County's mission and it is wonderful to see President Carter echoing these sentiments.


Related post: The Need for Affordable Housing in Santa Barbara

Canon Perdido Project Receives Support of Santa Barbara Planning Commission

In case you missed today's Noozhawk article, the Santa Barbara Planning Commission yesterday voiced support for the 12 new homes that Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County plans to build on Canon Perdido Street. This was just an initial meeting and we're thrilled to have their support for this project which we are confident will successfully transform the lives of 12 hardworking and deserving low-income families in Santa Barbara. 

Habitat for Humanity Condo Project Receives Support of Santa Barbara Planning Commission

"[Commissioner John] Jostes said the project fit in “quite well” into the neighborhood and didn’t have issues with the height. “There’s clear support for this project because it zeroes in and fills a need,” Jostes said. “You’ve got a reputation as you come to the table here, and I think we’re all looking forward to seeing you folks involved in making it happen....'"

Read the full article:
Habitat for Humanity Condo Project Receives Support of Santa Barbara Planning Commission - Noozhawk.com

Related post: Blueprints to 12 new sustainable homes for families in need

How are Habitat Partner Families Selected?

We're often asked how partner families are selected. Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County does not build homes for families, rather we build alongside families who demonstrate the need and willingness to partner with us. After a family applies, our family selection committee chooses partner families based on their level of need as well as the following criteria: 

• They currently reside in deteriorated, unsafe or overcrowded conditions;  
• Have a total family income between 40-60% of area median income or $29,600 to $44,400 for a family of four;
• Ability to make monthly mortgage payments designed to fit within 30-35% of the family's income;
• Committed to investing 250 hours per adult family member of their own "sweat equity" labor into their houses, along with attending a training curriculum that addresses topics such as mortgages, insurance, and other homeowner responsibilities.   

We will open the application process for our next Habitat project in Santa Barbara, the Canon Perdido homes,  in 2012. If you would like to be on our waiting list, please email mail@sbhabitat.org

 

Blueprints to 12 new sustainable homes for families in need

In December 2010 Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County acquired a 19,000 square-foot lot (about half an acre) thanks to Redevelopment Agency funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara. This new property is on located at 822 and 824 E. Cannon Perdido Street near Milpas Street.

On this site, which is situated between a multi-family apartment complex and commercial buildings, Habitat for Humanity SSBC plans to build 12 units. The project will consist of 100% affordable low and very-low income unites including one 1-bedroom units, nine 2-bedroom units, and two 3-bedroom units, which range between 750 and 1,200 square feet each. 

Here are a few of our working pans (designed by architects Ryan Mills and Ed de Vicente, from DMA Architecture). These drawings are going before the Planning Commission for concept review in June and are subject to small changes:

We seek to be environmentally responsible in our construction and the Canon Perdido homes will be designed according to Passive House principles. Our goal is to achieve "net zero" energy usable on these homes by combining passive components such as window placement, insulation and building wrap with "active" components such as solar thermal and photovoltaic systems.  


Further reading: Read about Habitat's sustainable and "green" building initiatives.

Responding to Disasters

In 2005 Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara teamed up with Allen Associates to build a home for a family displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The home was built in a Creole architecture style and was "built to ship," meaning it was assembled in Santa Barbara and shipped to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. It was a wonderful community-wide collaborative build and a way that we here in Santa Barbara could help those affected by the disaster. 

Putting the pieces together in Santa Barbara

The finished house, built in Santa Barbara, now at home in Bay St. Louis

With news coming again from the south this week of more devastating tornadoes and severe storms, Habitat for Humanity International is again assessing the damage and raising money to help low-income homeowners affected by these storms.

According to HFHI: The central United States has been hit by back-to-back disasters with a devastating tornado in Joplin, Mo., other tornadoes across the south and Midwest and flooding from the Mississippi River. Affected communities face an enormous task of cleaning up and rebuilding. Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the region will be assessing the damage to low-income housing in their communities. 

Click here for more information and ways to donate to Habitat for Humanity International and the disaster relief efforts. Be sure to designate your gift to: Disaster Response: U.S. Tornadoes and Flooding

Habitat ReStores in USA TODAY

USA Today had a great article in today's issue about the success of the Habitat ReStores.  With an economic environment that seems full of doom and gloom it's wonderful to read stories like this that emphasizes how the ReStore is a model that is able to succeed. In total there are now 750 ReStores across the country! 

"In an economy where it's unusual to find a business opening new stores, expanding existing ones and enjoying brisk sales, the non-profit Habitat for Humanity is bucking economic trends with its ReStore outlets."

Read the full article here and tell us what you think? Have you shopped at a ReStore?: Habitat ReStore outlets growing - USATODAY.com

Double your giving

Citrix Online volunteers at the Habitat site

We at Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County appreciate financial contributions of any size. All gifts help Habitat with our mission of building simple, low-cost homes in partnership with low-income families in need of decent and affordable housing. We're also thankful for the many companies that encourage employees to donate to Habitat with matching gift programs. 

Many companies offer matching gift programs to encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations and match match tax-deductible charitable contributions made by their employees, retirees and employees’ spouses. Some provide matching funds to support employee volunteer hours. 

There are over 1,000 companies that offer matching gift programs to their employees or provide matching funds for volunteer hours. It's easy to find out if yours offers matching gifts and it's easy to start making your donations pack twice the punch.   

Check and see if your company is one Habitat's matching partners Here and be sure to designate your donation to Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County. 

Photos from Goleta's A Brush with Kindness

A Brush with Kindness, Goleta April 2011, a set on Flickr.

We're happy to share pictures from Habitat for Humanity Santa Barbara's second "A Brush with Kindness" home repair. Over the course of three workdays Habitat welcomed groups of volunteers  from Starbucks Coffee, Goleta Valley Beautiful, Santa Barbara City College and many more to the home repair site in Goleta. In total we had over 40 volunteers help at the site. Be sure to check out the before and after photos - they speak a thousand words. 

Thank you to all who volunteered. This project was completed thanks to your time and effort.

Habitat's press release from the project: Habitat for Humanity Southern Santa Barbara Joins with Goleta Valley Beautiful To Complete "A Brush with Kindness" Home Repair in Goleta

Habitat for Humanity in the Wall Street Journal

Habitat for Humanity was recently highlighted in the Wall Street Journal for having a very low foreclosure rate. At a time when foreclosures are common place, this is another example of how Habitat is truly helping families maintain an affordable place to live. The article quotes a recent study that found the Dallas Habitat affiliate had a less than 2% foreclosure rate. 

Although the study only focused on Dallas, nationwide Habitat affiliates have had a very low foreclosure rate - including our affiliate here in Santa Barbara County. We are proud to say that we have had no foreclosures to date. This can be attributed to a number of factors: 

1. Habitat for Humanity's partner families are required to but in 250 sweat equity hours into the construction of their homes. Partner families have invested more than just their money into the homes.   
2. Habitat provides a Family Partnership Curriculum to prepare each family for the responsibilities of being a homeowner. The goal of the 16-month program is to give families the tools to become successful homeowners, and includes topics such as insurance, mortgages, resale restrictions, insurance, budgeting, credit, the affordability covenant, home maintenance, and how to run a homeowner’s association. All of the topics are taught by professionals in the field and each family has a dedicated mentor to help them through the process.
3. Habitat maintains a relationship with the partner families after the keys are handed over. We want each and every family to succeed and consider our partner families to be a part of the Habitat family. 

Be sure to read the full Wall Street Journal article: For Habitat for Humanity, Foreclosures Small Issue