Quick Take:

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay impacts the lives of families and individuals from all walks of life. No Habitat story is the same, but they all share one thing - the desire to change lives through homeownership.

A Brazilian immigrant, home health aide, and mother to her teenage son. A working widow looking to re-establish her independence. An electrical engineer turned floor installer. A mature student at Community College.

Dirlei “Dee” Barauna and Margie Ackerman volunteer on the construction of their homes in Santa Cruz.
Dirlei “Dee” Barauna and Margie Ackerman volunteer on the construction of their homes in Santa Cruz. Credit: Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay

There is no profile of a “typical” Habitat homeowner, volunteer, or renter. Dirlei Barauna, Margie Ackerman, Abel Fernandez, and Rachael Beard each have a unique story, a unique path that led them to Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay. Whether through jobs or friends, for family or personal development, people are drawn to our work of uplifting people and communities by building affordable, decent, beautiful homes. And we can’t do this vital work without you.

No Habitat story is the same. But every Habitat family shares the same two things: a desire for housing security and that essential need being met thanks to donors like you.

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay's Los Esteros Court development.
Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay’s Los Esteros Court development.

Everyone has their own reasons for contributing to Habitat’s mission of providing affordable and safe housing to the people of Monterey Bay. But your collective generosity brings so many—homeowners, volunteers, families, neighbors, communities—together in an invaluable network that benefits everyone.

With your generous gifts, we can continue uniting people from all walks of life under this crucial cause.

Campbell family at home dedication
Campbell family at home dedication Credit: Betsy Powers

Jessica M. Pasko has been writing professionally for almost two decades. She cut her teeth in journalism as a reporter for the Associated Press in her native Albany, New York, where she covered everything...