The Cornerstone Newsletter October Issue | 2025 | | |
We bring people together to build homes, communities, and HOPE. | |
| From the Desk of Lorraine Larson | | |
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Dear Friends,
On September 26th, our Street of Dreams fundraiser beautifully showcased the strength and generosity of our community. The evening came together through the dedication of so many helping hands—volunteers, staff, sponsors, and supporters—all united in building affordable homes for local families. Thank you for making it such a meaningful and successful night.
A huge thanks to every helping hand who contributed to this success and for everyone who attended and brought guests who were inspired to support us for another amazing year! I am so proud of everyone and so grateful to this wonderful community!
We’re also celebrating exciting progress in our newest neighborhood development. The Garcia family broke ground on their future Habitat home earlier this year—and now there’s a roof on the house! Soon, another family will join them as we prepare for the next groundbreaking for Adrian in November. Each milestone reflects the collective effort that makes Habitat’s mission possible.
At the ReStore, our team continues to grow, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to supporting Habitat’s work and serving our community every day.
With gratitude,
Lorraine Larson
Executive Director
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Street of Dreams 2025:
A Celebration of Community and Generosity
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Thank You for Making Street of Dreams a Success!
What an incredible night! Our Street of Dreams fundraiser was filled with generosity, community spirit, and the shared commitment to building affordable homes in Nevada County. A huge thank you to everyone who made the evening possible — our dedicated volunteers, generous sponsors and donors, talented auction contributors, event staff, and every guest who joined us to support Habitat’s mission. Your participation truly helps build homes, community, and hope.
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Want to see more photos from the event?
Visit our photo gallery to relive the smiles, joy, and magic of Street of Dreams!
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The room comes alive in this time-lapse video! See guests gather and the excitement build as Street of Dreams kicks off. Click on image to watch. | | |
2025 Street of Dreams Sponsors:
Thank you for standing with us in partnership, community, and hope — your support truly makes dreams possible!
| | Every ticket, every hour volunteered, and every donated item helps us build homes, community, and hope in Nevada County. Let’s dream big—together. | | Breaking Ground on a New Beginning | | | |
“I want to have a stable place to call home for my kids,” says Angel. “That’s what we’re working toward.” | | |
In August, we celebrated a special Ceremony for Angel and his three children, marking the start of their journey toward homeownership. Angel and his sons have become familiar faces on the job site, showing up each week to help build their future home. “Working alongside Angel and his two sons has been awesome! Not only is it great to watch them become more excited as their new home takes shape, they are also really hard workers — we couldn’t do it without them,” shared Ian Nansen, Construction Program Coordinator for Nevada County Habitat.
For Angel, this project means more than walls and a roof — it’s about family and stability. Be sure to scroll down for the latest home construction update! (Pictured above L to R: Ann Davis, Angel with his children, and Michelle and John McDaniel, Habitat family Homeowner Partners.)
| | Home Building Momentum! There’s a lot of progress happening across our Habitat build sites, and it’s all thanks to the dedication of our incredible volunteers, construction team, and partner families. | | At Angel's future home, the siding is nearly complete, with trim and paint just around the corner. Inside, the team is finishing up the rough plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work — important steps that bring the home one big leap closer to completion. Insulation and drywall are next, transforming the interior from a job site into the warm, welcoming home it will soon become. (Pictured Above: Angel’s home progress.) | | Over at Adrian’s home, the foundation has been poured and completed, setting the stage for wall framing to begin soon. These early stages are where the dream starts to take shape — one wall, one nail, one volunteer at a time. Every bit of progress is a reflection of community effort — from volunteers showing up with steady hands and big hearts, to supporters who make it all possible. Together, we’re continuing to build homes, stability, and hope for Nevada County families.(Pictured Above: Adrian’s foundation in process) | | Meet Ali ReauVeau — Our Volunteer of the Year! | | |
We’re thrilled to celebrate Ali ReauVeau as Nevada County Habitat’s Volunteer of the Year! Ali brings creativity, heart, and a touch of magic to everything she does at the ReStore.
Known for her artistic flair, Ali has a special talent for transforming forgotten furniture into stunning works of art. Whether she’s refinishing a grandfather clock or giving new life to a well-loved chair, her process always includes LOVE + Inspiration + Time.
Ali’s generosity shines through in everything she shares — from her handmade teacup candles crafted with donated ReStore items, to the cheerful “bubbles and gifts” she brings to brighten the team’s day.
The award was presented by ReStore Team Lead Shelly Childs, who shared how much Ali’s kindness and creativity uplift the entire ReStore crew.
A local artist and “fairy of inspiration,” Ali reminds us how imagination and care can transform not just furniture, but community. Thank you, Ali, for sharing your magic with us!
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Got Oversized Items to Donate?
We’ve made it easier than ever! Our new pickup request system makes donating large items simple and stress-free. Just click below, schedule your pickup, and let us do the heavy lifting.
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