The Cornerstone Newsletter May Issue | 2026

We bring people together to build homes, communities, and HOPE.

From the Desk of Lorraine Larson

Dear Friends of Habitat,



Momentum is building across all areas of our work this month.

At our build site, construction continues to move forward steadily, with multiple homes progressing at once—from completed landscaping on one home to roofing, electrical, and mechanical work underway on others. Soon, we’ll reach another milestone as we prepare to begin the final home in this development, bringing us closer to completing a neighborhood for local families.

This progress is powered by our incredible volunteers. We were proud to host recent build days with the Nevada County Association of Realtors and Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty. Their teamwork and dedication made a meaningful impact on our build site and helped move these homes forward.

We’re also thinking about the future through our Legacy Builder Program. As one of our longtime supporters shared, creating a lasting impact isn’t about wealth—it’s about intention. Planned giving offers a powerful way to ensure that Habitat’s work continues for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of this work—today and into the future.

With gratitude,

Lorraine Larson, Executive Director

Legacy Builders Circle: Your Blueprint for Lasting Impact

“What would you like to do?

What do you want to accomplish?

What is meaningful for you?”

Those are the questions George Carter likes to ask when people talk about money and legacy. I heard them firsthand when I sat down with George and his wife Louise this April in their beautiful apartment in the Redwoods, a Marin County senior community.

The longtime Nevada County Habitat supporters welcomed me warmly, and what I expected to be a short conversation turned into something much more meaningful. George spoke openly about money, generosity, and the quiet power of thoughtful planning. George is quick to share that he isn’t a millionaire. And that’s exactly the point.

“So many people think they have to be super rich to make a difference,” he told me. “It’s simply not true.”

George and Louise believe that anyone who cares about the future of their community can leave a lasting impact. If you have made plans for the next generation of your family, you already have the tools to become a Nevada County Habitat Legacy Builder.

For more than 30 years, Nevada County Habitat for Humanity has worked alongside local families to create safe, stable homes. Planned gifts—such as a bequest in a will, a retirement account designation, or a life insurance beneficiary—help make possible in the future. These options are often tax-smart and easy to arrange, allowing people to support the causes they love while still taking care of their families.

George and Louise are not alone in thinking this way. They are joined by other generous Legacy Builders like Betsy Wagner, Jan and Norm Westmore, Christine Newsom, and Philip Vardara, each of whom has chosen to ensure that the dream of homeownership continues long into the future of Nevada County. Their commitments reflect a shared belief that thoughtful planning today can open doors for families tomorrow.

One of the most remarkable things about legacy giving is how accessible it can be. It is simple to include a gift at disposition of your trust. These gifts allow Habitat great work: purchasing land, funding infrastructure, and creating entire neighborhoods where families can thrive for generations.

Many people hope to leave a lasting mark on the world. The Legacy Builders Circle offers a simple and meaningful way to do exactly that—ensuring that the homes, neighborhoods, and opportunities we build today will continue to grow long after we are gone.

If you are considering how your own legacy might shape the future of Nevada County families, we would love to talk with you.

For more information about joining the Legacy Builders Circle, contact Tai Batov, Associate Director, at (530) 206-8205 or Tai@nchabitat.org

Nevada County Association of Realtors Build Together

Construction Update:

Progress on our 4 home project continues to move forward at a steady and exciting pace, with work happening simultaneously on multiple homes.

We are currently building at two sites, while also preparing for the final phase of construction. In the coming weeks, we anticipate completing the driveway apron and repaving the street by the end of May. At that time, we will also wrap up the remaining site infrastructure work. Shortly after, we’ll dig the final foundation and begin construction on the last home in this development.

Angel's Home: This home has reached completion, with landscaping installed last week. No further work remains, marking a major milestone for this project.

Adriene's Home: This home is now dried-in, featuring a waterproof roof and protective house wrap. Rough plumbing has been completed, while electrical and mechanical work continue to make steady progress.

3rd Home: A big step forward took place on April 23, when roof trusses were delivered and installed the same day. Recently, two real estate volunteer groups joined us on site and helped complete all of the truss blocking—an incredible show of teamwork and community support.

4th Home: Planning for this home is nearly complete, and the foundation contractor is expected to begin digging soon, bringing us one step closer to starting construction. From finished homes to new foundations, each milestone brings us closer to providing safe, affordable housing for local families. We’re grateful to our volunteers, partners, and supporters who continue to make this progress possible.