Spring into Impact

We're Growing Progress. One Home at a Time.

March 2026

Newsletter Snapshot

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Letter from our CEO

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Spotlight Article:

Volunteer Opportunities on our Build Site, May 2026

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Newsworthy Updates:

Blankenship Place Build Update
New Build Truck Needed
Advocacy Day 2026

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Habitat Highlights:

Staff Spotlight: Niko, Our Foreman
Volunteer Spotlight: ReStore Tinkerers
Cars for Homes

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Dear Friends,

As we celebrate 50 years of Habitat for Humanity's global movement, I'm filled with gratitude and excitement. Here in Sonoma County, our affiliate has proudly served the community for 41 years, and this milestone reflects the dedication of the countless volunteers, donors, staff, and partner families who have come together over the decades to build safe, affordable homes and stronger neighborhoods.

2026 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year. At our Blankenship Place build site in Sebastopol, progress is moving quickly - from completed framing, roofing, and siding, and now finishing electrical insulation.

Our partner families have been out on site, rolling up their sleeves and contributing to the homes they will soon call their own. In the coming weeks, we'll move into drywall and painting, with volunteers returning to the build site later this month. It's inspiring to watch these homes take shape and to see our community come together to make it possible.

This year has also been named the Year of Volunteerism by the United Nations, something that resonates deeply with all of us at Habitat. Giving back isn't just a part of what we do, it's a part of who we are.

Whether you're a skilled construction volunteer, part of a corporate group, a tinkerer at our ReStore, or someone looking to lend a hand for the first time, there are many ways to get involved and make a tangible impact on the community.

As we reflect on Habitat's 50-year legacy, and our 41 years of local impact, we're energized by what lies ahead. Together, through generosity, volunteerism, and a shared belief that everyone deserves a safe, decent, and affordable place to live, we continue to open doors, build homes, and transform lives.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support makes it all possible.

With gratitude,

Spring Forward with Service.

Join Us on the Build.

Spring is here, and we’re excited to welcome volunteers back to the Blankenship Place build site in Sebastopol starting in May! From painting and interior finishes to landscaping, railings, stairs, porch and patio work, and even building a backyard fence, there are so many ways to roll up your sleeves and make a tangible impact. Later in the summer, volunteers will help with garage painting, finishing touches, and the punch list to complete these homes.

In this spotlight, we’re highlighting the types of volunteers who help make our builds possible (from skilled construction pros, corporate teams, community members, and service groups), and showing how each person contributes to building safe, affordable homes for local families.

Corporate Team-Building

Looking for a way to boost team morale, strengthen workplace relationships, and make a real impact in your community? Corporate volunteer days with Habitat are the perfect mix of hands-on fun and meaningful work!

Your team will roll up their sleeves, work side by side, and see the difference they’re making in real time. No experience? No problem — every day is guided by our Habitat pros.

We offer different corporate sponsorship levels to fit your team’s goals, with recognition, perks, and meaningful ways to feel great about giving back.

Ready to get your team out on site and make a lasting impact? Check out our corporate volunteer one-pager for all the details!

Team Up & Show Up

Community Volunteers

Our community volunteers are the heart of every build at Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County. Whether you come solo or bring a friend (or two!), there’s a place for you on the site. No construction experience? No problem! All you need is enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a spirit for giving back. Our Habitat pros guide volunteers every step of the way, so you’ll leave feeling confident and proud of the work you’ve helped accomplish.

Volunteering as a community member is also a chance to connect with others who share your passion for giving back. On your volunteer day, you’ll meet others who are all working toward the same goal: creating safe, affordable homes for Sonoma County families. It’s hands-on, impactful, and a whole lot of fun, plus, you might make some new friends along the way!

Volunteer opportunities open in May. Join us!

Learn More

Skilled Construction Volunteers Needed!

Our construction volunteers are the backbone of every Habitat build. Whether you come solo or with your company, skilled professionals like you make a huge difference by tackling more complex tasks. Your expertise helps keep our projects on track and ensures homes are safe, high-quality, and ready for families to move in.

We’re always looking to partner with amazing construction companies or individuals who want to give back and be recognized as a Habitat partner. Volunteering your skills is a hands-on way to support your community, strengthen your team, and leave a lasting impact on Sonoma County families.

Get Involved Today

Service Group Opportunities

Calling all Rotary clubs, Kiwanis clubs, student groups, and other service organizations! Add Habitat to your list of volunteer opportunities this spring! Roll up your sleeves, work alongside our staff and partner families, and make a tangible impact in your community.

Schedule a group volunteer day, give back as a team, and see the difference you can make; together, you’ll help build safe, affordable homes and create lasting change in Sonoma County.

From painting to landscaping to supporting with our finishing touches, you can be a part of our newest four-townhome build in Sebastopol.

Make a Difference Together

Newsworthy Updates

Blankenship Place Build Update

Things are rocking & rolling at our downtown Sebastopol homes! In January, the roofing was completed, as well as our exterior siding. Over the past two weeks, our partner families have been out on site, rolling up their sleeves and installing insulation to help make their future homes warm and efficient (including a photo of one of our homeowners, all suited up!)

Next up: completing drywall, painting, cabinet installation, baseboards, flooring, and utility hookups. Progress is moving quickly, and each step brings these homes closer to completion, and to becoming forever homes for these four families. We’re thrilled to share the lasting impact your support is helping make possible.

Check out our progress below!

See the Progress Here

Sponsor Our Next Build Truck

After 20 years of service, our beloved build truck, donated by PG&E two decades ago, has reached the end of the road. This truck hauled the trailer that carries the tools and equipment our volunteers and staff rely on every day at our build sites.

We’re seeking sponsors to help fund a replacement truck capable of towing our construction trailer and supporting our work across Sonoma County.

Partners will receive logo placement on the truck wrap alongside Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County, creating a moving sponsorship spotlight seen throughout the county—from build sites to community events—for the next 20 years. It’s a visible way to demonstrate your company’s commitment to building homes and strengthening our community.

Interested in partnering with us? Contact us at (707) 806-8484 or giving@habitatsoco.org. Your support keeps our tools, trailers, and volunteers moving toward more homes.

Raising Our Voices at Advocacy Day 2026

Nic, Misty, & Rachel outside our State Capitol (Februrary 5, 2026)

Inside the State Senate Gallery (February 5, 2026)

In early February, Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County joined 22 fellow Habitat affiliates at the California State Capitol for Advocacy Day, standing together to champion affordable homeownership across California.

Throughout the day, Habitat representatives met with 107 legislators and staff members, ensuring our message reached both longtime leaders and newly elected officials. We also recruited 27 legislators (and counting!) to champion our $500 million CalHome budget request, a critical investment in homeownership opportunities.

CalHome is the only state housing program that funds the production and preservation of affordable homes for lower-income, first-time home buyers and is essential to our Blankenship Place development in Sebastopol. It has been defunded in the current fiscal budget, and programs like ours (and the families we serve) will be directly impacted.

Advocacy matters. When we show up, share our stories, and raise our voices together, we remind lawmakers that affordable homeownership changes lives and strengthens communities.

You can make a difference. Reach out to your State Assembly-member and State Senator and tell them loud and clear: affordable home-ownership matters. And remember, change often starts right here at home. Show up at your local city council meetings, speak during public comment, and advocate for housing solutions in your community.

When we raise our voices together (at the Capitol and in our community), we create the momentum that builds homes, strengthens communities, and drives real change.

Raise Your Voice

Habitat Highlights

Staff Spotlight:

Meet Niko, Our Foreman Extraordinaire

Niko first joined Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County as a volunteer in 2017 when he was selected as a partner family, and became a Habitat homeowner a few years later. Now our lead foreman, Niko brings passion, precision, and heart to every build site.

When asked what he loves most about working with Habitat, he says, “everything — the challenge of a new day, working with all kinds of people, and making sure everything is done right.”

For Niko, being a Habitat homeowner was transformational; it gave him stability, confidence, and the opportunity to pursue his general contractor license and his flooring license, experiences he now channels into helping other families build their futures.

From overseeing construction to mentoring volunteers, Niko’s hands-on expertise ensures our projects stay on track, while his humility and kindness make him a joy to work with. He’s living proof that Habitat isn’t just about building homes, it’s about transforming lives.

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Our ReStore Tinkerers

At the Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County ReStore, a very special group of volunteers keeps everything running smoothly: our Tinkerers. These skilled, detail-oriented volunteers test every appliance, light fixture, and piece of equipment to make sure it works, is clean, and is ready for its next home.

Being a Tinkerer requires curiosity, hands-on know-how, and a love of figuring out how things work and fit together. They are the quiet heroes who make sure every donation is safe and functional, helping the ReStore generate critical funding for Habitat’s home builds and repair projects.

Want to join the team? We’re always looking for more Tinkerers — or any volunteers who may be retired carpenters, construction workers, or anyone handy with tools and problem-solving. The ReStore is a fun, supportive place to work with motivated people who are passionate about making the world a better place, one donation at a time.

Volunteer with Us

Turn Your Car into a Home!

Got a car you’re ready to part with? Turn it into a home for a family in need! With Cars for Homes, your old vehicle (whether it’s running or not) can help fund Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County’s mission to build safe, affordable housing.

It’s easy, impactful, and meaningful. Simply donate your car, truck, or SUV, and we’ll take care of the rest. Your donation goes directly to supporting families, volunteers, and building in our community.

So next time you get your dream car, keep us in mind for your old one, because even a used car can help create lasting change.

Learn more or donate today by calling us at (707) 863-0692 or click the link below!