Habitat Happenings | Fall 2025

You're Invited!

We’re thrilled to share Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay has officially relocated our Administrative Offices! Please join our team, community leaders and the Habitat For Humanity Monterey Bay Board of Directors for a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony as we celebrate this new chapter in Watsonville.

Wednesday, October 1st, 5:30 PM, 555 Main Street, Watsonville

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Summer Construction Update

Summer Construction Update:

Building a Stronger Community Together

At Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay, this summer has been a season of growth, collaboration, and impact. Thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community partners, we've made great strides in creating safe, affordable housing opportunities across the region.

Bay Federal Credit Union Supports Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay in Ongoing Commitment to the Marina Community

From left to right: Helen de Young, Director of Development; Catherine Stihler, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay.

At Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay, partnerships make our mission possible. We are proud to share that Bay Federal Credit Union has made a generous $20,000 donation to support our work in Marina and beyond, helping more families achieve the dream of safe, affordable homeownership.

The donation comes as Bay Federal celebrates the grand opening of its newest full-service branch at The Dunes in Marina. As part of the celebration, Bay Federal made four charitable contributions to local nonprofits, reinforcing its dedication to building meaningful, long-lasting relationships in the communities it serves.

Volunteer Spotlight: John Edwards

Meet John Edwards, a master craftsman with a heart for service. Raised in Oklahoma and with a remarkable 60-year career in cabinetry, John brings a lifetime of skill and dedication to everything he builds.

John has been volunteering with Habitat for Humanity for over 30 years, and for the past three years, we've been lucky to have him as part of the Habitat for Humanity of Monterey Bay (HfHMB) family. His deep commitment to affordable housing has taken him across the country, including the honor of building homes alongside Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in Appalachia.

One of his most impressive feats? Helping build an entire house in just 60 man-hours! But for John, it's about more than just construction, it's about hope. “Habitat gives people hope,” he says. “You can’t expect people to thrive unless their basic needs like food and shelter are met first.” John sees Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay's work as vital to meeting a wide spectrum of needs in the communities we serve.

Thank you, John, for your years of craftsmanship, compassion, and commitment to building a better future, one home at a time.

Pictured (from left to right): Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, President Jimmy Carter, Millard Fuller, Founder of Habitat for Humanity (wearing a white ball cap and tool belt), John Edwards (wearing yellow suspenders)

Celebrating Two New Homeowners in Aptos!

Andersen Family

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is proud to celebrate two families who have achieved the dream of homeownership in Aptos each through Habitat home ownership 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.

The Epperson Family

Zach and Caitlyn Epperson, parents 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, the Eppersons are now able to raise their children in the community they love, supported by Zach’s work as a high school teacher.

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

Meet the New Face of Our Habitat ReStore

Welcome Chucky de Luna, ReStore General Manager

With over two decades of management and leadership experience, Chucky De Luna brings a strong background in insurance, telecommunications, and business operation sales. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and is passionate about building strong team cultures and advocating for the community. Chucky looks forward to living the company’s mission and vision while contributing to its continued success.

Born and raised in Santa Cruz County, he serves on the MBYFL Watsonville Jr. Catz Board and enjoys coaching youth football, wrestling, Jiu Jitsu and soccer. In his free time, Chucky loves traveling with his family, fishing, and staying active in the community he calls home.