Habitat Happenings | February 2026

A New Year. Renewed Purpose.

With the start of a New Year comes renewed energy and purpose. Together, we’re laying the foundation for more homes, more stability, and more opportunity. Below, our Board Chair reflects on what’s ahead.

Building Hope, One Home at a Time

As Board Chair of Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay, I am proud to share an exciting and meaningful goal for the year ahead: breaking ground for the construction of 22 new homes: 13 homes in Santa Cruz County on Evan Circle in Watsonville, and 9 homes in Monterey County in the Marina Station Development. 22 families will gain stability, dignity, and a foundation for a better future.

Safe, affordable housing changes everything. It gives parents the security to plan, children the consistency they need to thrive in school, and seniors the comfort of aging in place. When a family has a stable home, health improves, stress decreases, and opportunities open. Entire neighborhoods benefit as well—homes become anchors for stronger, more resilient communities.

These 22 homes will be built through partnership. Habitat’s model brings together future homeowners, volunteers, donors, and local leaders, all working side by side. Families invest “sweat equity” into their homes and their communities, and in return gain not just a house, but a true sense of ownership and pride.

At a time when housing affordability continues to challenge so many of our neighbors, this work matters more than ever. Our vision is simple but powerful: a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Each home we build moves us closer to that vision.

On behalf of the Board, I extend deep gratitude to everyone who makes this possible. Together, across these two counties, we are not just building homes this year—we are building hope, stability, and brighter futures.

From left to right:

Maxwell Sinclair, Billy Farina, Mark Thomas, Nancy Amadeo, Frank Halaz, Kathy Arola, Kevin Donnelly, Jen Rice

Kathy Arola

Board Chair, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay

As Habitat for Humanity marks 50 years of impact, we pause to reflect on the purpose that continues to guide our work. In a time of growing complexity and urgent need, our mission remains rooted in bringing people together to build homes, strengthen communities, and create lasting hope.

In this reflection, Habitat for Humanity International CEO, Jonathan Reckford shares his perspective on leadership, mission, and the responsibility and privilege of staying focused on what Habitat does best.

Where Our Mission Meets the Moment

As Habitat for Humanity celebrates 50 years of impact, global CEO Jonathan Reckford reflects on what it means to stay grounded in mission during times of growing complexity and need. While communities across the world face overlapping crises, Habitat’s calling remains clear: to focus on what we do best and where we can make the greatest difference.

Habitat’s strength lies in bringing people together — families, volunteers, donors, and partners — to address the housing crisis through action, compassion, and collaboration. By staying anchored in core principles while remaining adaptable in approach, Habitat continues to advance meaningful progress on housing at the local, national, and global levels.

“We are builders not just of homes, but also of communities and of hope.”

— Jonathan T.M. Reckford

As housing takes center stage in policy conversations worldwide, Habitat is uniquely positioned to elevate the human stories behind the numbers and advocate for solutions that create stability, opportunity, and dignity. After 50 years, the mission remains as urgent and as hopeful, as ever.

Homeownership Program Update

We’re excited to share progress in our homeownership program!

A total of 91 households completed the preapplications, and 36 households have qualified to move forward to the next phase of the homeowner selection process.

Orientations with these households are underway this month, after which they will be invited to submit a full application.

THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to apply, we truly appreciate your interest. For those not selected this round, please stay tuned for the next preapplication window opening!

Evan Circle Moves Forward

13 New Homes in Watsonville

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is proud to share an important milestone for Evan Circle, our 13-home affordable housing development in Watsonville.

At a recent City Council meeting, the City of Watsonville approved the final subdivision map and public and on-site improvement agreement for the Evan Circle project—clearing a key step toward construction and homeownership opportunities in Santa Cruz County.

This approval allows Habitat to move forward with site improvements and infrastructure work at the Evan Circle location on Airport Road, bringing us closer to welcoming future homeowners. We are grateful for the City’s continued partnership and support in advancing affordable homeownership in our community.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Habitat Board Members Frank Halaz and Doug Mahone, who were present for the City Council’s approval of the final map. Their leadership and advocacy help ensure projects like Evan Circle continue to move from vision to reality.

Together with our public partners, volunteers, and supporters, we are building more than homes, we are building stability, opportunity, and community in Watsonville.

Pictured Above from left to right; Habitat For Humanity Monterey Bay Board Members Frank Halaz and Doug Mahone

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is growing!

As our work continues to grow, so does our team. We’re seeking talented, mission-driven individuals who are ready to make a meaningful impact by helping build homes and strengthen our community.

As we look ahead, we also want to take a moment to thank Helen de Young, our outgoing Development Director, for her dedication and leadership. Helen’s contributions have helped advance our mission in meaningful ways, and we wish her all the very best in her next chapter.

If you’re passionate about service, collaboration, and affordable homeownership, we invite you to learn more about our current openings and consider joining our team.

Why the ReStore Matters

Community Kindness

We recently received a donation accompanied by a note that perfectly captures the spirit of the Habitat Monterey Bay ReStore. The donor shared their appreciation for everything Habitat does for our community and noted that they are beginning an annual contribution to support our programs.

This year’s gift also honors JC Barragan, recognizing the warmth, helpfulness, and genuine kindness he brings to the ReStore every day. Moments like these remind us that the ReStore is more than a place to shop. it’s a place where relationships and community thrive.