The Cornerstone Newsletter September Issue | 2025 | | |
We bring people together to build homes, communities, and HOPE. | |
| |
From the Desk of Lorraine Larson | |
Dear Friends,
August reminded us how powerful community can be. We celebrated the generosity that drives Habitat’s mission and recognized the many ways our steadfast and generous supporters make affordable homeownership possible. Your impact is felt in every family we serve, in their extended friends and family, and across the community.
Now, we look ahead to our signature annual event: Street of Dreams 2025 on Friday, September 26th at the Grass Valley Veteran’s Memorial Building. This dinner and auction—both silent and live—is more than a night of fun; it’s a chance to directly support building homes, community, and hope for Nevada County families. I hope you’ll join us and bring a friend to share in this meaningful evening. We’re also celebrating exciting milestones in our home building journey. Adrian, selected for a new two-bedroom home in our development near Nevada Union High School, recently gathered with her partner/mentor team for the very first hammer meeting. These moments mark the beginning of a transformational journey.
Together, we are building more than houses—we are building dreams, families, and community.
Lorraine Larson
Executive Director
| | |
Honoring the Heart of Habitat:
Celebrating Lifelong Dedication & Community Impact
| | |
In Nevada County Habitat’s long history (almost 30 years!) we have had exceptional donors that have gone above and beyond any act of service that we could have conceived of.
We like to formally provide public recognition to those whose exemplary multi-year service helps to keep our organization running, and affordable homes being built.
We are pleased to honor Marilyn Hopkins and Jessie Emanuel as Habitat Humanitarians for their lifelong dedication to Habitat. From our earliest days, their tireless support has shaped not only Habitat, but also the foundation of our community. They remind us that every generous act—big or small—helps create lasting change.
We also celebrate the wide reach of support that makes Habitat’s work possible each year:
-
Cornerstone Award for Philanthropic Leadership – Rick and Trish Ballantyne
-
Golden Hammer Award for Outstanding Business Partnership – Hand Plumbing, Inc.
-
Spirit of Habitat Award for Exceptional Faith and Community Support – Emmanuel Episcopal Church, St. Catherine’s Guild
These honorees reflect the power of generosity in action—partnerships that lift families, strengthen neighborhoods, and inspire hope for generations to come.
As we look toward the Street of Dreams Annual Fundraiser Dinner and Auction on Friday, September 26th, we are inspired to keep building forward. With four homes already underway and additional developments in the planning stages, the generosity we celebrated in August is already opening new doors for local families. Together, we are building more than houses—we are building stability, community, and futures filled with hope.
| | Street of Dreams 2025 This is your chance to Attend, Volunteer, Donate. | | |
Street of Dreams 2025 – 🎟️Tickets ON SALE NOW! 🎟️
Mark your calendars for Friday, September 26th 6-9pm at the Grass Valley Veterans Memorial Building — and be part of an unforgettable evening supporting affordable housing in Nevada County!
| | ✨ Sneak Peek: Auction Treasures Await! ✨ | | Get ready to bid on one-of-a-kind items at this year’s Street of Dreams! Our auction lineup is shaping up to be the best yet—and every bid helps build safe, affordable homes for local families. | | | | |
Live Auction: Tree Service from Tim the Tree Man (Certified Arborist)
½ Day of Tree Work (4 Hours)
Three-Person Crew
Includes Truck and Chipper
Everyone needs tree work!!
| | |
Silent Auction: Bolstered Sofa from Sierra Timberline
Details: 2 cushion 3 seat in Gray with Performance Fabric
Black Solid Wood Frame
Size: 34 x 90 x 35.5
Delivery Options Available
| | | |
2025 Street of Dreams:
However you show up- you make a difference
| | |
ATTEND
Grab your tickets now and join us for a memorable evening featuring a delicious dinner catered by Antonio Ayestaran Catering, an exciting live and silent auction. Ticket Link HERE
| | |
VOLUNTEER
Be part of the magic behind the scenes! From event setup to guest support, we need helping hands to make it all happen. Contact Neri at Neri@nchabitat.org
| | |
DONATE
Have a business or item to share? We’re accepting auction donations for our silent and live auctions. Showcase your brand while giving back! Click HERE to fill out the auction items donation form.
| | Every ticket, every hour volunteered, and every donated item helps build homes, community, and hope in Nevada County. Let’s dream big—together. | | |
With each step forward, we’re building more than homes—
we’re building a community.
| | |
Exciting progress is happening at our newest project site! Here’s a look at what’s underway:
- Home #1 – Framing is nearly complete, with roof trusses for the house and garage now in place. Rough electrical and plumbing are moving forward, and we’ve begun installing windows and house wrap. Scaffolding is up, making it possible to tackle work at higher levels.
- Home #2 (3-Bedroom) – The first-floor exterior walls are up, interior walls are underway, and the garage framing will follow soon.
- Home #3 (2-Bedroom) – Foundation trenching and concrete forms are set. Next steps include in-slab plumbing and electrical, then concrete footings, gravel, and rebar.
- Site Work – Our pre-construction meeting with PG&E and C&D went smoothly. Crews will soon return to complete underground electrical, water service lines, cable installation, and final grading.
- Volunteers – We were thrilled to welcome a new volunteer, Alex, to the team, and to see future homeowners join us on site! We also hosted students from the Sierra College Construction Program for a site tour, giving them a firsthand look at affordable housing in action.
| |
Meet Sharonna –
Our Newest ReStore Star!
Sharonna is the newest member of our ReStore family—and she’s already making a big impact! With a passion for presenation she has transformed our Amazon department into a very popular category. From sorting and pricing unique finds to showcasing them beautifully up front, Sharonna puts care and creativity into every detail.
Originally from Sacramento, Sharonna has called Grass Valley home for the past year. When she’s not curating treasures for the ReStore, she’s busy with two energetic boys, ages 2 and 6. We’re grateful for her fresh ideas. You'll love what she’s done with the front area of the store. Stop by and say hello!
| |
Got Oversized Items to Donate?
We’ve made it easier than ever! Our new pickup request system makes donating large items simple and stress-free. Just click below, schedule your pickup, and let us do the heavy lifting.
| | | | | | | |
