Tag Archives: habitat for humanity of greater los angeles

Signing Off for Now

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Four years ago, I made a cold call to Starfish PR looking for a public relations job closer to home and serving clients who do good work. That call has turned into so many relationships, experiences, skills and opportunities that I am beyond thankful for. One of which is the chance to work for Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A., Starfish PR’s longtime client and an organization whose mission I have always strongly identified with.

Angela is a great teacher and motivator. Over the years, I have learned so much from her and all of our amazing clients. Since it is my last day, I thought it would be fitting to share a few of these lessons here in this post.

  • Don’t be afraid to make cold calls and go after what you want.
  • Be positive, jump in and always hold on to your belief that things will work out (thanks Angela)!
  • Value all of your relationships (thanks APM)!
  • Be nice and work hard (thanks Noelle)!
  • Focus on what’s right with people rather than what’s wrong with them (thanks Coach Cathy)!
  • Know when to let go and let your work out into the universe (thanks Jess)!
  • Never stifle your personal style or creativity (thanks VO)!
  • It takes special people and organizations to create waves of change (thanks Rose, Glenn, DRN and IHADLA)!

Working at Starfish PR has been a great chapter in my life and I have found my time in this position to be educational, rewarding and just plain fun! Until next time…..Ali

Local Faith Communities Unite for Inaugural Interfaith Build Week with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

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Volunteers Put Faith into Action to Rehabilitate Two Lynwood Homes

Los Angeles, CA – November 26, 2012: The need for affordable housing brought together volunteers from the faith traditions of Baha’i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, the Religious Society of Friends and Unitarian Universalism for the first Interfaith Build Week in Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A.’s (HFH GLA) history. Volunteers from eight faith traditions built alongside each other November 14-17th to complete renovation projects on two homes being rehabilitated in Lynwood, which will be sold to qualified, low-income families. Faith leaders from greater Los Angeles emphasized the importance of setting aside differences in order to build hope, lives and communities in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

“So many rich faith traditions exist in the communities we serve here in greater Los Angeles,” said Erin Rank, President/CEO of HFH GLA. “We were thrilled to bring these communities together under the common goal of affordable housing for our Interfaith Build Week and look forward to continuing our work together in the coming year.”

The Interfaith Build Week was planned to coincide with Fighting Poverty with Faith’s annual mobilization. During a two-week period, the organization encourages communities to participate in volunteer and awareness activities to address root causes of poverty like the lack of affordable housing. Fighting Poverty with Faith is an interfaith movement dedicated to cutting domestic poverty in half by 2020.

In addition, HFH GLA is one of six affiliates leading a yearlong interfaith initiative in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International. Along with New York City, Atlanta, Grand Rapids, Denver and Seattle, HFH GLA is bringing together volunteers from diverse faith backgrounds to build and rehabilitate homes, as well as advocate the need for affordable housing worldwide.

Special thanks to these faith leaders for their support of HFH GLA’s inaugural Interfaith Build Week:

 Father Alexei Smith, Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Milia Islam Majeed, South Coast Interfaith Council

Ven. Miao Hsi, International Buddhist Progress Society

Swami Sarvadevananda, Vedanta Society of Southern California

Rev. John Morehouse, Pacific Unitarian Church

Rabbi Charles Briskin, Temple Beth El

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld, Temple Beth Am

Randy Dobbs, Los Angeles Baha’i Community

Dr. Simon Simonian, Religious Society of Friends

 

Those interested in getting involved with HFH GLA’s interfaith initiative should contact Chris Untiet, faith relations manager, at chrisu@habitatla.org.

 

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) strives to eliminate substandard housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families and individuals in need to build decent, sustainable and affordable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built and renovated more than 700 homes locally and worldwide, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. HFH GLA is a GuideStar® Valued Partner and has achieved the coveted Charity Navigator 4-Star rating awarded to non-profits for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. For more information, please visit http://www.habitatla.org or call 310-323-4663. Visit our blog at http://buildingagreaterla.blogspot.com.

 

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Media Contacts:

Jo-An Turman

HFH GLA

C: 310-749-6613

jturman@habitatla.org

 

Angela Moore

Starfish PR

C: 310-429-8868

angela@starfish-pr.com

Delta Air Lines Completes 2nd Habitat for Humanity Home in Long Beach & Delivers Keys to New Homeowners in Dedication Ceremony

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The 1920s Home was Completely Renovated by Delta Volunteers in 6 Weeks & Fully Funded by In-Flight Recycling Program

Los Angeles, CA – November 2, 2012: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) and Delta Air Lines recently celebrated the completion of the second sponsored home in Long Beach. Partner homeowner, Irma Ulloa, and daughter Vanessa, received the keys to their rehabilitated Spanish style home, originally built in 1926, in a touching ceremony attended by key staff members from both organizations and the City of Long Beach. All of the work on the 86 year-old home took place in just six weeks thanks to dedicated teams of Delta Air Lines employees who volunteered on their own time Wednesday through Saturday, building alongside new partner homeowner, Irma Ulloa.

“Delta Air Lines has amazed us with their commitment to affordable housing and employee volunteers who traveled from near and far over the last six weeks to complete this home in time for the holidays,” said Erin Rank, President and CEO of HFH GLA. “This is the second home in Long Beach sponsored by Delta Air Lines and we know the Ulloa’s will feel their love and support in the walls of this home for years to come.”

Delta Air Lines first partnered with HFH GLA in 2010 to rehabilitate a craftsman-style home for partner homeowner, Wendy Castillo, her mom and two young children. This year’s build, had a unique, green twist in that Delta Air Lines funded the rehabilitation of the Ulloa home through its Comprehensive In-Flight recycling program. In addition to putting their mission into action as a Force for Global Good locally with HFH GLA, Delta has also been busy building with Habitat for Humanity affiliates in four other cities across the country.

“All of us at Delta Air Lines were so excited to come back to Long Beach and rehabilitate a second home,” said Ranjan Goswami, Managing Director for National Account Sales, Delta Air Lines. “This build was unique because it was completely funded by our in-flight recycling program and also because we were able to complete the transformation of the home and see Irma Ulloa’s dream realized in only six short weeks with the help of the nearly 500 Delta employees who volunteered their time.”

Barry Matthews, Program Manager, Delta Air Lines, added: “I could not be more proud to be a part of an air line that is so committed to improving lives.”

HFH GLA has been honored to work closely with the City of Long Beach and HUD to provide the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Through this program, HFH GLA is transforming foreclosed properties into affordable homeownership opportunities while strengthening neighborhoods in Long Beach.

Irma Ulloa will be able to celebrate the gift of homeownership this holiday season, which is a dream she has held close to her heart for over 15 years. Ulloa is a dental assistant and her daughter Vanessa is a student at Santa Monica College. In addition to completing her sweat equity hours building her own home, Ulloa will also pay back a zero-interest mortgage.

The dedication event also recognized partners, volunteers and all those whose contributions made the rehabilitation of the Ulloa home possible. Special thanks were given to Barry Matthews and Ranjan Goswami from Delta Air Lines headquarters; Councilmember Al Austin; Val Lerch from Congresswoman Laura Richardson’s office; Stacey Fong Toda representing Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster; and Jonathan Kraus, Chief of Staff for the City of Long Beach.

Watch Delta Air Lines volunteers in action in videos from the kick-off and from one of the build days and learn more about Delta Air Lines work with Habitat for Humanity and the Force for Global Good here.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) strives to eliminate substandard housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families and individuals in need to build decent, sustainable and affordable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built and renovated more than 700 homes locally and worldwide, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. HFH GLA is a GuideStar® Valued Partner and has achieved the coveted Charity Navigator 4-Star rating awarded to nonprofits for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. For more information, please visit http://www.habitatla.org or call 310-323-4663. Visit our blog at http://buildingagreaterla.blogspot.com.

 

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Media Contacts:

Jo-An Turman

Habitat for Humanity GLA

T: 424-246-3175

jturman@habitatla.org

 

Angela Moore

Starfish PR

T: 310-429-8868

angela@starfish-pr.com

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles Announces Annual Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program

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Los Angeles, CA – October 30, 2012: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles’ (HFH GLA) annual Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program supports families who have partnered with HFH GLA through its homeownership and home repair programs. These families are low to very low-income, in many cases earning less than half the average income in Los Angeles County, who have worked very hard to purchase a home through HFH GLA. This year, HFH GLA is also extending the opportunity to veteran and military families who have participated in its home repair program. TheAdopt-a-Family Holiday Program allows donors an opportunity to share their blessings with HFH GLA partner families during the holiday season.

A donation of $250 will sponsor a family, however a monetary or gift card donation in any amount will help HFH GLA spread holiday cheer to more. Together with your donation, we will be able to bring joy to thirty hardworking families this year. All donations are tax deductible and must be received by December 7, 2012.

HFH GLA partners with low income, first time homebuyers, who agree to pay back a zero-interest mortgage and contribute 200-500 hours of sweat equity building or renovating Habitat homes. The Adopt-A-Family program provides an opportunity to engage the community to celebrate these accomplishments during the holiday season.

Celebrate the season of giving by making a donation or fundraising with friends, family, and co-workers to adopt one or more HFH GLA partner family. Donate to the “Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program” online or by making checks payable to Habitat for Humanity GLA and sending to: 17700 S. Figueroa St. Gardena, CA 90248, attention: Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program.Donations must be received by December 7, 2012. For more information please contact Sylvia Bautista at sbautista@habitatla.orgor 424-246-3645.

Please share this opportunity to make a difference during the holidays with friends, family and neighbors on Blogger, Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) strives to eliminate substandard housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families and individuals in need to build decent, sustainable and affordable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built and renovated more than 700 homes locally and worldwide, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. HFH GLA is a GuideStar® Valued Partner and has achieved the coveted Charity Navigator 4-Star rating awarded to nonprofits for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. For more information, please visit http://www.habitatla.org or call 310-323-4663. Visit our blog at http://buildingagreaterla.blogspot.com.

 

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Media Contacts:

Jo-An Turman

Habitat for Humanity GLA

T: 424-246-3175

jturman@habitatla.org

 

Angela Moore

Starfish PR

T: 310-429-8868

angela@starfish-pr.com

Construction is Underway on 2012 Thrivent Builds® Home in Partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

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7th Local Home Sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a Dream Come True for a Hardworking Single Mother

Los Angeles, CA – June 20, 2012: This past Saturday, the local Lutheran faith community, Thrivent Financial, the City of Lynwood and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) gathered to celebrate the beginning of construction on the 2012 Thrivent Builds home in Lynwood. Yadira Luna is purchasing and building the home in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. As part of the Thrivent Builds partnership, 20 Lutheran congregations are contributing 50% of the volunteer hours and 10% of the funding needed to build Luna’s home. Construction is scheduled for completion in December of this year.

Yadira Luna is a single mother who will also contribute “sweat equity” hours building the three-bedroom and two-bath home that she and her son, Joseph, will move into and is expected to be completed by Christmas time. Luna’s home is new construction and shares a lot with an existing home that is being completely rehabilitated as part of HFH GLA’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP2). Through NSP2, HFH GLA is acquiring foreclosed and vacant properties and rehabilitating them in order to give low-income families and individuals who would not qualify for a traditional mortgage the opportunity to own their home.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a Fortune 500 financial services organization that helps nearly three million members achieve their financial goals. In addition, Thrivent is committed to their communities, donating millions of dollars to Habitat for Humanity through a partnership called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity, which brings together members of Thrivent Financial, Lutheran congregations, volunteers and Habitat for Humanity affiliates to build decent, sustainable and affordable homes with partner families and individuals in need. Over the last seven years, Thrivent has worked with Lutheran churches to commit $160 million and sponsor more than 1,000 Habitat for Humanity homes across the country, including seven the Greater Los Angeles area.

Thrivent and Habitat for Humanity share in the belief that a home is the biggest financial asset to most people and a key ingredient to achieving economic independence. For this reason, both organizations are committed to building hope, lives and communities. View highlights from the kickoff celebration here.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) strives to eliminate substandard housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families and individuals in need to build decent, sustainable and affordable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built and renovated more than 700 homes locally and worldwide, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. HFH GLA is a GuideStar® Valued Partner and has achieved the coveted Charity Navigator 4-Star rating awarded to non-profits for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. For more information, please visit http://www.habitatla.org or call 310-323-4663. Visit our blog at http://buildingagreaterla.blogspot.com.

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Media Contacts:

Jo-An Turman/ Habitat for Humanity GLA

C: 310-749-6613

jturman@habitatla.org

 

Angela Moore/ Starfish PR

C: 310-429-8868

angela@starfish-pr.com

Thrivent Financial Continues Commitment to Affordable Housing with 7th Home Built in Partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

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Kickoff Event Planned for Saturday, June 16th

Los Angeles, CA – June 12, 2012: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) will host a kickoff event on Saturday, June 16 to celebrate the first day Thrivent Financial volunteers will build on the 2012 Thrivent Builds home located in Lynwood, CA. Twenty Lutheran Congregations, from greater Los Angeles, will contribute 50% of the volunteer hours and 10% of the funding needed to build the new home. A brief presentation from 9:00 – 9:30 am will include remarks from HFH GLA representatives, partner homeowners and volunteers, as well as representatives from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Bishop Dean Nelson from the Southwest California Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

“Every year that we can continue to partner with Thrivent Financial is a blessing,” says Erin Rank, President/CEO of HFH GLA. “Thrivent’s commitment to affordable housing is helping to uplift congregations, communities and individuals right here in Los Angeles and around the world”

Yadira Luna is a single mother of one son, who has qualified to be the partner homeowner of the 2012 Thrivent Builds home. This is the seventh home sponsored by Thrivent Financial in greater Los Angeles. Last year, the Thrivent Builds program sponsored the Real-Munoz family home in Lawndale, which was completed and dedicated just in time for Christmas. Habitat affiliates globally complete every Thrivent home by December.

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity is a multi-year, multi-million dollar partnership between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International. Over the last 7 years, Thrivent Financial has committed $160 million and partnered with Habitat for Humanity affiliates and Lutheran churches across the country to sponsor more than 1,600 affordable homes. Lutheran churches, groups and other interested parties are invited to attend the 2012 Thrivent Builds Kickoff event and volunteer throughout the construction process.

This year’s Thrivent Builds home is new construction and will have three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage. The Thrivent Builds home also shares a lot with an existing home that is being completely rehabilitated as part of HFH GLA’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP2). Through NSP2, HFH GLA is acquiring foreclosed and vacant properties and rehabilitating them with the help of volunteers such as the Los Angeles Dodgers. Back in April, Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw, Josh Lindblom and Maury Wills volunteered on the Lynwood site to help deconstruct an illegal addition to the existing home, to make room for the new Thrivent Builds home.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) strives to eliminate substandard housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families and individuals in need to build decent, sustainable and affordable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built and renovated more than 700 homes locally and worldwide, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. HFH GLA is a GuideStar® Valued Partner and has achieved the coveted Charity Navigator 4-Star rating awarded to non-profits for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. For more information, please visit http://www.habitatla.org or call 310-323-4663. Visit our blog at http://buildingagreaterla.blogspot.com.

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Media Contacts:

Jo-An Turman/ Habitat for Humanity GLA

C: 310-749-6613

jturman@habitatla.org

 

Angela Moore/ Starfish PR

C: 310-429-8868

angela@starfish-pr.com

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles hosts AmeriCorps members for weeklong blitz build

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 Los Angeles, CA – May 16, 2012– Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) will host more than 75 AmeriCorps members the week of May 20-25 for Habitat for Humanity International’s annual AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon.

In addition to Los Angeles, the annual Build-a-Thon will be hosted by Habitat affiliates in Dallas, Milwaukee, and Pensacola, Fl. May 14-25. The builds will engage over 400 AmeriCorps members and alumni from 36 states, and helps to highlight local community needs for affordable housing and the members’ service with Habitat.

This year’s Build-a-Thon is also helping HFH GLA to meet its goals with regards to the second phase of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP2). The federally funded program partners with state and local governments and nonprofits to help reverse the decline in neighborhoods severely affected by foreclosures and abandonment. Habitat for Humanity International was awarded NSP2 funds by HUD for seven Habitat affiliates in five states — California, Florida, New York, Texas and Wisconsin — to provide housing solutions for more than 1,000 families. HFH GLA is one of seven Habitat affiliates partnering with Habitat for Humanity International on the NSP2 program.

“Our AmeriCorps members continually impress us with their dedication to our mission and several AmeriCorps alumni are now members of our permanent staff,” says Erin Rank, President & CEO of HFH GLA. “Those who will be joining us in Los Angeles for this year’s Build-a-Thon have their work cut out for them as we will be working on NSP2 homes in Lynwood and South Gate, but I know they are up for the challenge!”

Work at the Build-a-Thon in greater Los Angeles will include existing home rehabilitation, from drywall to plumbing, these AmeriCorps volunteers will be working towards completing homes for future homeowners. It will also highlight “green building” practices that help make houses more energy-efficient and affordable for partner homeowners.

“We are incredibly grateful for the service of these dedicated AmeriCorps members and their commitment to helping low-income families in need of affordable housing,” said Patrick Corvington, Habitat for Humanity International’s senior vice president of Volunteer and Institutional engagement. “Habitat’s Build-a-Thon allows us to showcase the pivotal role AmeriCorps members play in our ability to serve communities across the U.S.”

Habitat has partnered with the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that funds and oversees AmeriCorps programs since 1994. Currently, Habitat for Humanity has a network of more than 550 Habitat AmeriCorps members serving nationwide. In 2011, 700 Habitat AmeriCorps members helped serve 3,000 families in more than 200 communities across 39 states. They contributed more than 1.2 million hours of service, mobilized more than 250,000 volunteers and raised nearly $5 million for local house building and community development efforts.

Build-a-Thon Locations:

12628 Santa Fe Ave., Lynwood CA. 90262

3344 Tecumseh Ave., Lynwood CA. 90262

11937 Peach Ave., Lynwood CA. 90262

9230 San Vincente Ave., South Gate CA. 90280

9400 San Luis Ave., South Gate CA. 90280

Contacts:

Jo-An Turman

HFH GLA
424-246-3175

jturman@habitatla.org

Angela Moore

Starfish PR

310.429.8868

angela@starfish-pr.com

 About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) strives to eliminate substandard housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families and individuals in need to build decent, sustainable and affordable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built and renovated more than 700 homes locally and worldwide, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. HFH GLA is a GuideStar® Valued Partner and has achieved the coveted Charity Navigator 4-Star rating awarded to non-profits for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. For more information, please visit http://www.habitatla.org or call 310-323-4663. Visit our blog at http://buildingagreaterla.blogspot.com.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_org or join Habitat’s blog community at www.habitat.org/blog .

About Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps Programs
Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps members have performed more than 10 million hours of service, engaged nearly 2 million volunteers and helped serve more than 12,500 families throughout the United States. For information about AmeriCorps programs, visit www.habitat.org/americorps or www.americorps.gov.

About the Corporation for National and Community Service
The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America and the Social Innovation Fund, and leads President Obama’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

 

Volunteers Completely Rehabilitate a Home for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles in South Gate During 2nd Annual Lent Build: 40 Days of Building on Faith

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Home Completion Celebration Took Place Saturday, April 14th

Los Angeles, CA – April 19, 2012: A little over a month ago, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA), Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith, Director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and volunteers gathered at a home in South Gate to kickoff the 2012 Lent Build: 40 Days of Building on Faith. On Saturday, April 14th volunteers returned to the home to celebrate its completion, as well as the culmination of the second annual Lent Build event. The 2012 Lent Build: 40 Days of Building on Faith successfully brought together volunteers from congregations crossing denominational lines all across Greater Los Angeles to help HFH GLA build and renovate homes for hardworking, low-income partner homeowners.

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Cyclists will Pedal for a Purpose in the Inaugural “Palos Verdes Bike Ride for Habitat for Humanity” on Saturday, April 21st

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Sponsored by Terranea Resort with Proceeds benefitting Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA –: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) is proud to announce the inaugural Palos Verdes Bike Ride for Habitat for Humanity cycling event to be held on Saturday, April 21st along the stunning Palos Verdes peninsula.  Ride for Habitat begins and ends at the Terranea Resort with two scenic and challenging course options of 34 or 17 miles.  Interested cyclists may register to ride and fundraise online here.  The event is sponsored by Terranea Resort and additional sponsors include Palos Verdes Bike Center, McCormicks Ambulance, Trader Joe’s and St. Paul’s Church.

Riders, volunteers and additional sponsors are welcome.  Fundraising is optional and the rider who raises the most funds will receive a Grand Prize, a two-night stay at the Terranea Resort.

“This is wonderful way to enjoy the gorgeous Palos Verdes peninsula and help Habitat for Humanity build more homes,” said Erin Rank, president/CEO of HFH GLA.  “We are grateful to board member Arnold Ng for conceptualizing this unique fundraiser and helping us bring it to life. 

What:              Palos Verdes Bike Ride for Habitat for Humanity

Where:            Terranea Resort

                        100 Terranea Way

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

310-265-2800

 

When:           Saturday, April 21, 2012

7:30 am – Advanced Start Time / 8:30 am – Intermediate Start Time

Registration is available online here.

Habitat for Humanity was built on this premise: partnering with volunteers, donors, and people in need of simple, sustainable and affordable homes.  L.A. County is still one of the least affordable places to live in and more than half of its residents live below the poverty level.  Every six minutes a Habitat for Humanity home is being built or renovated somewhere in the world. The organization provides a hand up, not a hand out for partner homeowners.  Since 1990, HFH GLA has built or renovated more than 700 homes locally and worldwide.  In addition to fundraising events like the Palos Verdes Bike Ride for Habitat for Humanity, the organization accepts donations to its two ReStores in Gardena and Norwalk. Donations of new and gently used building and home improvement supplies help build more Habitat for Humanity homes.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) strives to eliminate substandard housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families and individuals in need to build simple, sustainable and affordable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built and renovated more than 700 homes locally and worldwide, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. HFH GLA is a GuideStar® Valued Partner and has achieved the coveted Charity Navigator 4-Star rating awarded to non-profits for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. For more information, please visit http://www.habitatla.org or call 310-323-4663. Visit our blog at http://buildingagreaterla.blogspot.com.

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Jo-An Turman

HFH GLA

424-246-3175

jturman@habitatla.org

 

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles Youth Volunteers Say “Si Se Puede” to Eliminating Substandard Housing

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Local Youth will Kick Start Act! Speak! Build! Week with a Cesar Chavez Build Day Event on Saturday, March 31

Los Angeles, CA – March 30, 2012: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) and local youth will be commemorating the life of farm labor activist, Cesar Chavez, with a build day event on Saturday, March 31. The event will take place on a build site at 3232 Euclid Ave. in Lynwood, CA. from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. In addition to celebrating Chavez’s legacy of non-violent activism and justice for all, the day will also serve as the official launch of Habitat for Humanity’s annual Act! Speak! Build! Week (ASBW).

The student-initiated week of advocacy, taking place April 1-7, seeks to empower young people to educate themselves and their communities on affordable housing and move people to action. Students, ages 5-25, lead and initiate their own advocacy activities with the support of HFH GLA. One such activity that students will be participating in is downloading and collecting signatures for an ASBW petition that HFH GLA will later send to Governor Jerry Brown. Groups and individuals can register to participate through April 7th. The petition and more information about ASBW week can be found here. Also, an example of what a local kindergarten class has done in the past for ASBW can be seen here.

“This year’s Act! Speak! Build! Week is unique in that it overlaps with Cesar Chavez Day,” says Erin Rank, President & CEO of HFH GLA. “What better way to honor a man that dedicated his life to non-violent social change than by empowering a new generation to keep his legacy alive through social action.”

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