As Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay marks an exciting new chapter, we’re reminded of how far we’ve come, and how much there still is to do. With deep gratitude to our staff, volunteers, partners, and community, we continue our mission of building affordable homes and stronger futures for families across Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.

Looking Ahead: A Message from the CEO

As I begin my second year as CEO of Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay, I am energized by what lies ahead. This year, we are preparing to build thirteen new homes in Watsonville, nine new homes in Marina in collaboration with a local developer, which are important steps toward deepening our impact in Santa Cruz and Monterey County.

From the beginning of my tenure as CEO, I’ve placed a strong focus on building a resilient, mission-driven team. By bringing together staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners, we’ve strengthened the foundation of our work. Building this passionate team and investing in partnerships has been essential to our progress. 

Together, we are addressing one of the nation’s most severe housing crises with determination and hope. I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished and honored to serve alongside such a dedicated group of people.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you volunteer, donate, or advocate for affordable housing, your support makes all the difference. I invite you to join us as we continue to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter and hope in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.

— Catherine Stihler, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay

Celebrating Families in Aptos

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is proud to celebrate two families who have recently achieved the dream of homeownership in Aptos through our programs.

The Andersen Family
Josh and Eleri Andersen, along with their three young children, partnered with Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay through Santa Cruz County’s Measure J affordable housing program. With their new three-bedroom home, the family finally has enough space for Josh to work from home and for Eleri to homeschool their children in a comfortable environment.

A Local Family of Four
Another Aptos family of four became homeowners through Habitat’s First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program. With $100,000 in Habitat assistance at closing, repayable in 30 years, this family is now able to raise their children in the community they love, supported by steady local employment.

Together, these stories reflect the impact of Habitat’s dual approach: building and partnering on affordable Measure J homes while also offering financial tools like mortgage assistance to make homeownership possible for local families.

Partnering with Pajaro Valley Shelter Services

One of our strongest partnerships is with Pajaro Valley Shelter Services (PVSS), whose mission is to provide transitional housing and vital services for families in southern Santa Cruz County. This summer, our Habitat team replaced redwood decking at PVSS’s downtown Watsonville location and completed improvements at another property preparing to welcome new residents.

But there is still more work to do. These projects are perfect opportunities for local businesses, service groups, and organizations to get involved. Team builds not only make an immediate impact, they also foster community spirit and collective action. If your business or organization is interested in joining a project, reach out—we’d love to partner with you to expand housing opportunities for families in need.

Santa Cruz Fire Recovery

Our work doesn’t stop at new construction. Habitat Monterey Bay remains committed to helping families still recovering from the Santa Cruz Lightning Complex fires. Through the Santa Cruz Long Term Recovery Group (SCLTR), our skilled staff and volunteers continue to repair and rebuild homes that were lost in the fires.

Each hour of service brings a family one step closer to stability and recovery. Every nail hammered and every wall rebuilt is a reminder of resilience, and of the strength we find when we come together as a community.

Evan Circle Development in Watsonville

We continue to make progress on the Evan Circle Development in Watsonville. In collaboration with the City of Watsonville, public works, and PG&E, we are finalizing plans for this important project. Pending approvals, we anticipate breaking ground in early 2026 and welcoming our first volunteers by summer.

The Evan Circle Development will bring new, affordable homes to local families who need them most, continuing our mission of expanding homeownership opportunities in Santa Cruz County.

Cars for Homes: A Unique Way to Give Back

Did you know you can help build and repair affordable homes simply by donating a vehicle? Through Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes Vehicle Donation Program, your old car, truck, RV, or boat can be turned into funding that supports local housing projects; while also helping the environment.

Getting started is easy. Call (877) 277-4344 or visit habitat.org/carsforhomes to begin your donation today. Your gift on wheels helps local families take steps toward safe, stable, and affordable housing.

How You Can Get Involved

None of this progress would be possible without you! We are thankful to all of our volunteers, donors, and community champions. Your generosity and dedication make it possible for us to serve families across Monterey Bay.

There are many ways to get involved:

  • Volunteer on a construction site or at the ReStore.
  • Sponsor a project as a business or community partner.
  • Host a team build with your colleagues, friends, or organization.
  • Donate—whether it’s financial, in-kind, or even a vehicle—to ensure local families have access to safe, affordable housing.

Thank you for being part of this journey. With your help, we will continue to create opportunities for families to thrive, for communities to grow stronger, and for futures to be built on a foundation of stability and compassion.

For more information, or to get involved, contact us at development@habitatmontereybay.org.