May Habitat Happenings!

Habitat Happenings | May 2026

Affordable Housing Month Marked

by Major Milestone at Evan Circle 🏡

May was a meaningful month for Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay as we celebrated Affordable Housing Month and an exciting milestone for our organization, the groundbreaking of Evan Circle in Watsonville.

Community members, local elected officials, partners, supporters, volunteers, and donors gathered alongside Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, who served as keynote speaker, to celebrate the future development of 13 new permanently affordable homes for local families.

The groundbreaking was not only a celebration of a new affordable housing development, but also a moment to recognize the many individuals and organizations whose dedication, partnership, and generosity continue to make projects like Evan Circle possible. We were especially grateful to acknowledge partners such as Bank of America, whose support helps advance Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay’s mission of building homes, communities, and hope.

Following the groundbreaking, Congresswoman Lofgren shared her support for the project on social media, stating:

“I was happy to recently deliver the keynote speech at Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay’s latest groundbreaking in Watsonville! This affordable housing development is a step forward for #CA18, and I will keep working in Congress to boost our housing supply.”

The event marked an important milestone not only for the Evan Circle development, but for Habitat’s continued commitment to expanding affordable homeownership opportunities throughout Monterey Bay.

As Habitat International celebrates 50 years, projects like Evan Circle reflect the power of partnership, community, and the shared belief that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the groundbreaking such a special and successful event, from staff, volunteers, and partners who worked behind the scenes, to every elected official, supporter, donor, sponsor, and community member who took time out of their day to celebrate and support Habitat’s mission.

Together, we are opening doors, framing futures, and creating opportunities for generations to come.

🏡 Why CalHome Matters to Monterey Bay Families

CalHome Makes Projects Like Evan Circle Possible

California’s budget negotiations are in the final stretch, and affordable homeownership funding is on the line. With the Governor’s May Revise released, state leaders are making final decisions about what will be included in the 2026–27 State Budget. One critical program at stake is CalHome, California’s only state program dedicated to the production and preservation of affordable homes for ownership.

Here on the Central Coast, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay’s Evan Circle development, which will create 13 permanently affordable homes for local families in Watsonville, is only possible because of CalHome funding. Without renewed investment, shovel-ready affordable homeownership projects across California could stall, limiting opportunities for hardworking families to achieve the dream of homeownership.

Affordable homeownership changes lives, strengthens communities, and creates lasting stability for generations to come.

Take action today and urge state leaders to include $500 million for CalHome in the final budget.

Learn More

Growing Our Impact Through Great People

Meet Annie, Habitat Monterey Bay’s New Accountant

Annie brings a wealth of experience to Habitat Monterey Bay having worked in both the public and private sectors. Most recently, she served as an Accounting Technician for the City of Santa Cruz and previously held a similar role with Santa Cruz City Schools, where she developed extensive expertise in financial operations, budgeting, and accounting systems.

Drawn to Habitat’s mission and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, Annie was excited to transition into the nonprofit sector. She believes strongly in the importance of affordable housing and is looking forward to supporting Habitat’s work as it continues to build homes, communities, and hope throughout Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

Originally from San Jose and now a resident of Felton, Annie enjoys spending her free time exploring the outdoors. You can often find her hiking the trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, walking along local beaches, or tackling a challenging puzzle.

Annie is excited to be part of the Habitat family and to help strengthen the organization’s impact in the communities it serves.

CSUMB Students Give Back Through

ReStore Volunteer Program

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is grateful for its ongoing partnership with the California State University Monterey Bay Service Learning Institute, which connects students with meaningful community-based volunteer opportunities throughout the region.

As part of the program, CSUMB students complete volunteer hours each semester while gaining hands-on experience serving local nonprofit organizations.

Throughout the month of May, nearly a dozen students volunteered at the Habitat ReStore, assisting with everything from accepting and sorting donations to helping beautify the sales floor and support daily operations.

Their energy, hard work, and commitment to service make a meaningful impact at the ReStore while helping support Habitat’s mission of building homes, communities, and hope throughout Monterey Bay.