As we welcome the beginning of Spring, a season of renewal and new beginnings, we are reminded of the hope and possibility that come with opening new doors.

This year, Habitat for Humanity celebrates 50 years under the theme Let’s Open the Door. Here in Monterey Bay, that mission is coming to life as we prepare to break ground on 13 new affordable homes at Evan Circle in Watsonville. We hope you’ll join us on May 8 to celebrate this exciting milestone.

We’re also exploring new opportunities in Marina to expand homeownership across Monterey County, while continuing critical home repair work in partnership with the City of Capitola, helping families stay safe and stable in the homes they already have.

While our work is rooted locally, it’s part of a global effort. In Ukraine, millions remain displaced after years of war and widespread home loss.

👉 Watch how Habitat is providing critical repairs and shelter during this ongoing crisis.

Whether building, repairing, or planning for what’s next, our purpose remains the same: creating strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. This spring, we’re grateful to grow alongside our community and continue building brighter futures together.

I hope you enjoy reading what we've been up to.



With gratitude,

Catherine Stihler

CEO, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay to break ground for 13 new homes 

PM Landscaping Donates Trailer to Habitat Monterey Bay

Recently, we experienced an unexpected setback when a late-night fire destroyed a utility truck behind the Habitat ReStore in Watsonville. The truck played an important role in our daily operations, helping transport materials, pick up donations, and support construction projects.

Just as quickly as the challenge arose, our community stepped forward. After seeing the need highlighted in a KSBW news story, PM Landscaping generously donated a utility trailer to Habitat. Their thoughtful contribution will help ensure our team can continue moving tools and materials to job sites and ReStores as we work to build and preserve affordable homes for local families.

Support like this reminds us that Habitat’s work is truly a community effort. We are deeply grateful to PM Landscaping for their generosity and partnership.

State leaders are finalizing California’s 2026–27 budget, including decisions that may impact programs like CalHome.

CalHome supports the development of affordable homeownership opportunities across the state and plays an important role in helping organizations like Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay serve local families.

We’ll continue to follow updates as the budget process moves forward.

Homeowner Spotlight: The Salazar Family 🏡

Lifelong Watsonville residents Liz and Luis Salazar always dreamed of owning a home in the community they love, but like many local families, it once felt out of reach.

Despite steady careers and years of searching, rising housing costs made homeownership seem unlikely.

Everything changed when they connected with Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay’s CalHome program. With guidance and support throughout the process, the Salazars were able to purchase their first home—creating stability and space for their growing family.

“Without this program, we would still be renting, with little hope of owning a home.”

Today, their mortgage is even more manageable than their previous rent, allowing them to invest in their children’s future and remain rooted in Watsonville. Their new home offers more than just a place to live—it provides security, peace of mind, and a foundation for what comes next.

Stories like the Salazars’ highlight the life-changing impact of affordable homeownership and the importance of programs that make it possible for hardworking families to stay in the communities they call home. WELCOME HOME SALAZAR FAMILY.

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is growing!

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is pleased to welcome Aurelio Salazar, Jr. as our new Fundraising and Development Manager.

Aurelio brings a wealth of experience from both the nonprofit and foundation sectors. Most recently, he served as Director of Programs and Services at Catholic Charities, where he helped advance programs that support individuals and families across our region. Prior to that, Aurelio worked as a Program Officer at the Community Foundation for Monterey County,

We are excited to welcome Aurelio to the Habitat Monterey Bay team and look forward to the leadership and expertise he will bring to our fundraising and development efforts.

Building Skills, Confidence & Opportunity

at the ReStore

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay’s ReStore is proud to partner with the Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s Transition Partnership Program (TPP), providing local students with meaningful, hands-on work experience. Over the past four years, this collaboration has helped students build essential workplace and life skills—from communication and customer service to responsibility and self-advocacy.

“This partnership gives students more than experience—it gives them confidence, connection, and a pathway forward.”

— Kristi Marquez, Job Placement Specialist, TPP

For many participants, this is their first job experience, offering invaluable on-the-job training that goes beyond the classroom. Through their time at the ReStore, students gain confidence, develop a strong work ethic, and prepare for future opportunities. They also build resumes, earn community service hours, and form connections that support their next steps.

We are grateful for this partnership and proud to help empower the next generation of our workforce and community.

Cars For Homes

Habitat For Humanity's Vehicle Donation Program

Did you know by donating your vehicle to Habitat you can help build and repair affordable homes while also helping the environment?



How to donate your vehicle:

Start your vehicle donation to Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay today.

Call (877) 277-4344 or click the button below to start online