Act! Speak! Build! Week (ASBW) is a national Habitat for Humanity student-initiated advocacy program that empowers young people to educate themselves about affordable housing issues and to take action. Thousands of youth from throughout the U.S. and Los Angeles County will participate in events and activities during ASBW - April 12-18 - to take action, raise their voices and build awareness about the need for affordable housing solutions.

Students here in greater Los Angeles are encouraged to participate in ASBW by signing up as a youth advocate and participating in a suggested activity.  Consider how creating a short video, meeting with an elected official, or posting on social media could call attention to the need for affordable housing. You can also participate in Habitat LA's door decorating contest. This year's theme is "A key to inspiration."

• Take a common door and decorate it in a creative way to raise awareness about the need for affordable housing.
• Submit an entry form and photo of your door for the chance to win prizes and have your door on public display.
• Prizes will be awarded to the most creative doors chosen by a panel of judges as well as the door with the most likes on the Habitat LA Facebook page.

Last week, Habitat LA joined 250 Habitat affiliates from throughout the U.S. for Habitat on the Hill, Habitat for Humanity International's annual advocacy conference in Washington D.C.  Habitat LA President & CEO, Erin Rank, and Habitat LA VP of Advocacy and Community Engagement, Veronica Garcia Dávalos, represented the affiliate and participated in meetings with nine legislators representing the greater Los Angeles region. The meetings centered on Habitat's housing priorities as well as the need for greater affordable housing opportunities.  

Larry Gluth, Habitat for Humanity International Senior Vice President for U.S. and Canada, presented the second annual Habitat for Humanity Advocacy Awards during the conference.  Habitat LA was one of the affiliates recognized for outstanding advocacy initiatives.  

Maria and Ricardo Rendon are newlyweds who are happy to be partnering with Habitat LA so that they can begin their married life in their own home. Maria is a Catholic school teacher in South LA, who also volunteers as a Sunday school teacher at her parish. Her husband, Ricardo, is a retired U.S. Navy veteran. 

Habitat LA's Catholic Coalition, which is made up of local Catholic churches and organizations, is helping to build and fund the Rendon's home.

Churches of all sizes and denominations will also be coming together February 18 - April 2 for Habitat LA's annual Lent Build: 40 Days of Building on Faith. We are looking forward to another Lenten Season of living out faith through service!

For more information on our Catholic Coalition, or this year's Lent Build, please contact Habitat LA's Faith Relations Manager Chris Untiet. 

Your favorite Port Charles residents will once again be coming to LA for the 6th Annual General Hospital Fan Build Day in April. Lisa LoCicero (Olivia Falconeri) and Dominic Zamprogna (Dante Angelo Falconeri) invite you to join them and some of their cast members for an intimate Habitat LA build day.

Space is very limited and the participant fee is $275, which includes breakfast, lunch and a commemorative t-shirt. Fans can also fundraise above and beyond the $275 for the chance to win special prizes!

Click HERE to register today!