Spring 2025

You're Invited!

You're invited to an evening reception on May 14, 2025 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

Join us for an inspiring evening featuring special guests Kate Daniels, Monterey County Supervisor, Catherine Stihler, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay, and a local Habitat homeowner. Discover how we're tackling the housing crisis on the Central Coast

$5,000 Co-Host | $2,500 Sponsor | $1,000 Champion | $500 Friend

$250 Supporter | $100 Guest

RSVP TODAY

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Habitat Monterey Bay On The Move!

Habitat For Humanity Monterey Bay Calls On Federal Legislators To Take Action On Affordable Housing Crisis

The dwindling supply of affordable starter homes across America is a crisis that denies millions of families the foundation for stability and opportunity, while straining communities and hindering economic growth. This can be seen in every jurisdiction across the Central Coast of California.

Habitat Visits Our State's Capitol To Advocate For Affordable Homeownership

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay recently joined forces with sister affiliates in Sacramento for a powerful advocacy effort. Over 80 Habitat experts, including CEOs, team members, homeowners, and board members, representing 33 affiliates across 42 California counties, came together to champion affordable homeownership.

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay

In The Community

As part of our mission to address the lack of affordable housing in our community, we’re proud to share some exciting news! Our CEO, Catherine Stihler, has been accepted into the Leadership Monterey County (LMC) 2025 cohort and the 2025 Focus Agriculture cohort for Santa Cruz County. Additionally, Catherine has joined the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) and the Pajaro Valley Collaborative.

We are thrilled to have Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay represented in these influential organizations, helping to raise awareness about the ongoing housing crisis in our region.

Long Term Recovery Group

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is partnering with the Santa Cruz County Long Term Recovery Group (SCCLTRG) to rebuild and repair homes for those displaced by the 2020 CZU Fires. The fire destroyed 911 homes and displaced thousands in Santa Cruz County. Through SCCLTRG’s Volunteer Re-Build Program, Habitat is providing professional construction staffing and volunteer labor to support home rebuilds and repairs that have stalled. This partnership helps families who earn up to 80% of the Area Median Income and are facing difficult circumstances, such as disabilities, health issues, or unsafe living conditions.

Together, we’re working to bring more families back into safe, stable homes.

Habitat Women Build

Since 1991, Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program has brought together women from all walks of life to help build stronger, safer communities. On March 26-27, 2025 Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay, in partnership with the Santa Cruz Long Term Recovery Group, will host a Women Build event in Boulder Creek, where volunteers work side by side to make a lasting impact. Women and children are disproportionately affected by poor living conditions, and events like this provide an invaluable opportunity for women to take a hands-on role in creating positive change. We are deeply grateful to everyone who is contributing their time and energy to make this event happen.

Thank you to our generous sponsors: West Coast Community Bank and Bay Federal Credit Union.

Cars For Homes Program

Habitat For Humanity's Vehicle Donation Program

Donate your vehicle to Habitat for Humanity’s vehicle donation program, Cars for Homes, and help build strength and stability for families in our communities.

Learn More

"Back in the 90’s I bought a two year-old Lexus and started driving it until a couple years ago.

When President Jimmy Carter passed, after living such an amazing, giving and inspirational life, I knew right then that I needed to donate it to Habitat for Humanity in his honor and memory!"

— George Jarrow, Santa Cruz

"I’m donating my 1999 Nissan Quest to honor the memory of President Jimmy Carter, who set a great example of charitable leadership. This van has served me well over the years, from hauling music gear to taking family trips and kayaking adventures. I hope it continues to serve its next owner as it has me."

— Jeff Richman, Salinas, CA

Volunteer Spotlight: Steve Prather & Bill Daley

Nominated for the United Way Monterey County Live United Award

Pictured (from left to right): Bill Daley, Steve Prather

Since joining Habitat Monterey Bay in April 2021, Steve Prather, a skilled carpenter, has dedicated countless hours to our builds, including the 11-home project in Live Oak. His expertise and commitment, despite the long commute from Pacific Grove, have made a huge impact on our team.

Bill Daley, a mechanical engineer who began volunteering in July 2022, has been invaluable in overseeing the mechanical and electrical components of our homes. His attention to detail and ability to simplify complex tasks have greatly contributed to our success.

As of January 2025, they have contributed 1,700 volunteer hours and continue to support Habitat’s mission to provide affordable homeownership in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties.

Welcome To Habitat For Humanity Monterey Bay:

Scott Thomas & Board Member Frank Halasz

We’re excited to welcome Scott Thomas, a dedicated community builder and affordable housing advocate, to Habitat Monterey Bay. A graduate of UC Santa Cruz, Scott has worked with several local non-profits, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County and Mercy Housing. He has a passion for helping families thrive in safe, affordable homes.

One of Scott's areas of focus will be ensuring the success of our Mortgage Assistance Program and launching the Joe Serna Jr. Mortgage Assistance Program for farm workers in Santa Cruz County.

Outside of work, Scott is active on the Santa Cruz Police Chief’s Advisory Committee and has volunteered with Meals on Wheels and The Ronald McDonald House. We are fortunate to have Scott as part of the team and look forward to his contributions.

We would like to welcome our newest Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay Board Member, Frank Halasz. Frank, a retired technology and business leader, co-founded three tech startups and spent years as a General Manager at Microsoft TV. He holds a PhD in Cognitive Psychology and an MS in Statistics from Stanford University.

Since 2011, Frank has been a dedicated construction volunteer with Habitat Monterey Bay, joining the Board in 2025.

For Frank, Habitat represents the joy of hands-on work and the opportunity to address the critical issue of affordable housing in the Monterey Bay area. He and his wife Maureen have lived in Santa Cruz since 1989.

ReStore Updates

A Celebration To Remember!

Habitat For Humanity Monterey Bay employees, Sal and Andrea, got married and celebrated with staff, volunteers, and Board Members on February 7, 2025 at the Watsonville ReStore. Sal is our Construction Associate and Andrea is one of our ReStore Managers.

United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Zoe Lofgren Visit Habitat ReStores

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay was delighted to welcome local United States Representative Jimmy Panetta to our ReStore in Seaside and United States Representative Zoe Lofgren, along with Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez and Watsonville Mayor Maria Orozco, to our ReStore in Watsonville.

Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials, appliances and more to the public at discounted prices.

Catherine Stihler, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay said, "We are honored to have our local Representatives visit our ReStores to learn more about Habitat and affordable homeownership. After a decade of fast rising home prices, home-ownership is out of reach for millions of low and moderate income households. We live in one of the most expensive housing markets in the US."