Habitat Logo
Habitat Headlines
October 2008
Building Homes and Hope in Santa Barbara 
In this issue:
ReStoreRemodel or Redecorate with the ReStore

ReStore Logo

The Habitat ReStore is a not-for-profit discount home improvement center where used, salvaged and surplus building materials are sold below retail prices and the revenue from sales goes directly back to Habitat for Humanity to build more homes for low income families. 

On any given day you'll find the ReStore stocked with everything from vintage, one-of-a-kind items to new and surplus materials.  The ReStore accepts cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, windows, doors and other architectural salvage. Donated items must be in usable condition, no damage or deterioration. Windows must be dual glazed, and doors must be solid core.  Come check out our ever-changing inventory!

Habitat ReStore Ribbon CuttingOur permanent location is 6725 Hollister in the Cabrillo Business Park in Goleta. 

The ReStore is open to the public on:
Wednesdays 2pm-6pm, Thursdays 1pm-4pm and Saturdays 9am-1pm.




Photo: Habitat ReStore ribbon cutting August, 2008

Families Introducing the San Pascual Families
We are confident that you will share in our joy as, together, we offer a hand up to these deserving families.

Igor and children Aline and Igor
Igor is a single father and is eager and willing to help build his own and others' homes. Being able to have his own home will allow his children to recover from respiratory problems caused by mold and mildew in their current housing.

Mauricio, Rosa, Mauricio Jr and Cynthia
This hardworking family has been living in a run-down apartment complex, with no opportunity to improve their circumstances. Mauricio works long hours at a beverage distribution company, Rosa is a homemaker and Mauricio Jr. works part time while attending Santa Barbara City College. Daughter Cynthia is a high school student.
 
Gabriel, Patricia, Gabriel Jr. and twins Andrea & Liliana

Currently live in one bedroom of her parent's mobile home, as they can't afford rent for their own apartment. Gabriel works as a cabinet maker and looks forward to building his own home. Patricia is a full-time student at Santa Barbara City College, hoping to go into nursing.


Laura
Laura is a single woman, currently living in an unconverted garage, with no visible water or heating. A space heater is used to provide heat, and she shares bath facilities with other tenants in the home. As a former Habitat volunteer, she is looking forward to completing her sweat equity and working with volunteers to build her new home.
 

Watch the inspiring video of the families being told they were chosen to be Habitat Partner families.

If you are interested in finding out how you can help these families, please visit our website.
BuildingUpdate on Building Project
San Pascual
Artist rendering of 4 homes to be built at 618 San Pascual Street

After initial concept review by Planning Staff, the architects have prepared noise, engineering and landscape studies and will present the updated set of plans to Planning Staff in October. Working drawings will be completed and presented to the Building Department to go through the permit process, and we plan to break ground before the end of the year. Site preparation, including grading and retaining walls will take several months, we look forward to  inviting volunteers out to our new build site in 2009. Fill out our volunteer interest form for up-to-date information.
VolunteersVolunteers of the Year!     

Bill and Bob           Joe
Photos: Bob Gronendyke, Bill McCullough and Joe Sevilla

At our annual meeting held in September, we announced our 2007-2008 Volunteer(s) of the Year. Congratulations to Bob, Bill and Joe and thank you for your hard work and dedication to Habitat for Humanity. 

Otherwise known as the "three amigos," Bill McCullough, Bob Gronendyke and Joe Sevilla were often seen around town this summer in the Habitat truck, picking up donations of usable building materials for our ReStore. When not occupied with that, this terrific trio worked hard to get our new ReStore location ready for opening, building out walls, finding ways to make donated materials work in our new office and warehouse. Joe Sevilla, a well-known and respected local contractor, lent his expertise to the project. Bob and Bill are still there every time the ReStore opens its doors for business, helping our customers find just the item they were looking for. Always willing to step in and do whatever it takes to make the ReStore a success, we could not have done it without them.  Thank you!
WorldHabWorld Habitat Day
Research from the United Nations predicts that by the year 2030 about 40 percent of the world's population will lack access to housing. A statistic even more alarming is that an estimated 1.6 billion people are in need of decent housing today.
World Habitat Day
The United Nations designates the first Monday in October as World Habitat Day to shed light on the world's housing crisis, and to consider our collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat. World Habitat Day is a special chance for each of us to join the rest of the world and remember the need and importance of housing. Habitat for Humanity supports this initiative and hopes that you will join us locally as we help end the cycle of poverty for Santa Barbara families in need.  To learn more about what Habitat for Humanity is doing on an International level click here.
ManagerWe are Hiring

We are looking for a ReStore Manager!  This person will be responsible for all aspects of daily store operations including fiscal, personnel, volunteer and inventory management. The ideal candidate will exhibit excellent communication and personnel management skills, possess computer knowledge and knowledge of retail operations, a commitment to the mission and values of Habitat for Humanity is essential. If you or someone you know is interested in this position please send cover letter and resume to mail@sbhabitat.org. No phone calls please.
Get Involved

We invite you to join our corps of volunteers as you build homes alongside our Partner families. Please fill out our secure volunteer interest formYour privacy is important.  Your name will never be rented or sold. 

Habitat for Humanity Santa Barbara


In Santa Barbara, one of the nation's most beautiful and affluent communities, many families live in unhealthy, overcrowded conditions due to the lack of affordable housing. And while many of us take decent, hazard-free shelter for granted, many families here long for a safe place to call home. With your help, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County is making a difference in the lives of local families. 
Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to building simple, low-cost homes in partnership with low-income families in need of decent and affordable housing. We believe homeownership is a vital step to help families break the cycle of poverty and contributes to pride in families and communities. www.sbhabitat.org

Call for Volunteers

We need you
We need your help!  Volunteers are needed to work at the Habitat  ReStore.  Please let us know if you can help stock, price, stage, merchandise, clean or sell items at the Habitat ReStore. 

It's fun meeting new people and helping a great cause.  Items donated to the ReStore would typically end up in our landfill.  We are thrilled to bring this resource to Santa Barbara.

If you can help:
Fill out our online form
38,571
The number of families in Santa Barbara County living below federal poverty level.
Your gift at work

Via Lucero Family
Photo: First SB Habitat Family; Bernardo, Maria, Paulina and Wendy

Every investment yields a return. For every nail hammered, the life of a child will be enhanced, for every foundation laid, a neighborhood is strengthened, for every roof raised, a family will be transformed... and for every dollar contributed, society will reap multiple returns; improved health, better education and more fulfilled lives.

Our Vision
A world where everyone has a decent place to live
Secure Online Giving
Lock

Our new online giving page prvides a flexible, convenient, and simple way to make a financial gift. By simply filling out an online form, you can make a secure, credit card transaction over the Internet.
Thank you for your support!
Donate your car

Contact Habitat's Cars for Homes program at 877-277-4344 or visit their website. Please indicate that you want to support the Southern Santa Barbara affiliate.
IRA Rollover Extended!
This legislation gives donors aged 70 ½ and older an opportunity to direct up to $100,000 from their IRAs to nonprofit organizations without incurring income tax liability on the withdrawal.  The provision has been extended through Dec. 31, 2009!
 
About Habitat

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 176
Goleta, CA 93116