When she began to weep, Rick comfortingly touched her shoulder and reminded the woman that her husband was surely still with her. She expressed how difficult it would be to let these cherished items go, but despite Rick's offers to do otherwise, asked that he please take them. He promised that the tools would be treated with the respect that they deserved, which was met with a smile and sincere thanks for his kindness. 

Too often we become complacent in the things we do daily at work and tend to forget the "mission" we are on. Rick was deeply humbled by this experience and in being reminded of his commitment to doing God's work. If you stop into the Restore and ask, Rick will admit that he will never forget the faces and the sentiments these generous and grateful people have had on his life.

"I pray and hope all of us at Habitat for Humanity, especially the ReStore, always remember, never forget, and understand the depth of the work we do. If we can get "ourselves" out of the way, it will inevitably be a memorable and moving experience-I know it has been for me." -Rick Rodriguez 

Despite her San Diego roots, Sarah has spent most of her professional life in New York, after completing her Bachelor's degree in Metropolitan Studies and Politics, and Master's degree in urban planning and economic development, in the city that never sleeps. Sarah joins Habitat as Faith Relations and Community Development Coordinator after serving in roles as diverse as field researcher, program director, and service learning educator-not to mention a year-long fellowship in Tel Aviv, Israel to study religious and cultural meaning of the region.

As a member of AmeriCorps, Sarah channels her background in religious after-school programs and Jewish community organizing into resource development, while acting as a liaison to unify diverse partners. Through the AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) program, Sarah offers a year of national service with the aim of building the capacity of our nonprofit organization. Sarah seeks to bolster San Diego Habitat's faith-relations and community development by building and maintaining relationships with local religious institutions and communities.

Sarah embodies Habitat's mission as a nonprofit organization to build partnerships on common ground and to put faith into action. Houses of faith in San Diego, that reflect the diversity of this beautiful county, can support Habitat by volunteering or sponsoring home building. Inspired by theological and religious principles of the Jewish community, she calls her own; Sarah facilitates collaboration of these faith communities to secure housing as an inalienable tenant of human rights.

Sarah looks forward to connecting with you and your church, synagogue, temple or mosque, to create brighter futures for all San Diegans in need. 

Welcome, Sarah! 

This month, with the help of The Home Depot Foundation funding, the Repair Corps program purchased a brand new trailer for a veteran and his wife living in terrible conditions. For the past six years, this humble couple had been living in a poorly constructed trailer room addition with huge holes in the boards and walls, a dirt floor, and a blanket for a front door. They had slept on the ground and curled up in a loveseat, where neither could stretch out entirely.  Habitat was able to finally provide them the bed that they deserved! The veteran's wife is blind and plagued by diabetes, making walking difficult. Her life, she explained, has improved immensely because she is able to sleep on a real bed!

In a single day, their old home was demolished and after spending their last night sleeping on the ground, their new home was delivered by the next morning! Habitat offered to put them up in a hotel but they declined. Their attitude was that they would sleep under the stars and enjoy the outdoor experience.

These humble and happy individuals act as a testament to resiliency and the inspirational ability to be content with whatever life has in store. The couple could not be happier! They are very appreciative and grateful for their new home and the change it has made in their lives!