December 2021
Happy Holidays, From Our Home to Yours! 
As we gather with family and friends this holiday season, I am once again reminded of the importance of home. It’s where we prepare our favorite holiday dishes, share stories, and make treasured memories. And for several Habitat LA partner families, this will be the first holiday they celebrate as homeowners in their new home.

When most people think about their childhood home, their most vivid memories are of the holidays. It’s the family coming together and that special feeling you get when the house is decorated. So many of our families have never had the opportunity to invite family over for the holidays. Yet once they’ve moved into their new home, it’s one of the things they look forward to the most.

Each Christmas Eve, I drive by the homes that we’ve finished during the year. Often the houses are decorated, and I know that the families inside are celebrating their first Christmas together in their new home. That’s the vision that motivates me and why I’m grateful to every donor, volunteer, and employee who helps us to serve more families each year.

On behalf of our Habitat LA family, I wish you and yours a blessed Christmas and all the best in the new year.
A Home for the Holidays
When Habitat homeowner Bruce R. moved into his new home, setting up the dining room was his first priority because he is looking forward to hosting the family for Christmas dinner. Read his inspiring story about the path to homeownership—and never giving up.
Sharing Baskets Full of Good Cheer
We’re back in the Habitat LA holiday workshop! Earlier this month we welcomed Chandra Wilson of Grey’s Anatomy to help us fill 60 gift baskets for Habitat LA families. Find out what’s in these festive baskets and how they came together.
A Holiday Toast to Habitat LA Donors, Supporters, and Volunteers
Despite the chilly night air and a threat of rain, Habitat LA was thrilled to host more than 125 guests at our annual holiday party—held this year on the patio of the oceanfront Hotel Maya in Long Beach (local COVID safety protocols were followed). 

While we’re grateful every day to those who support and advocate for our mission all year long, this event is an opportunity to celebrate the work made possible by our generous donors, volunteers, and community partners.

We were honored to welcome Long Beach District 1 Councilmember Mary Zendejas as well as Habitat LA board members and partner families. We also celebrated with corporate and individual donors, members of our faith-based coalitions, Long Beach residents and stakeholders—and the Rusty Nails (no, they’re not a musical group, but our team of dedicated, long-time volunteers). 

Guests enjoyed the sounds of a live jazz quartet featuring Habitat LA’s AmeriCorps volunteer Nick Coggiola on bass with special guest vocalist Thelma Valenzuela, our Associate Director of Individual Giving. The playlist included everything from holiday classics to Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock tunes.

Check out our photo gallery of this special evening. 
Give the Greatest Gift
Habitat LA is helping families build a home for the holidays, but we can’t do it without you! Together, we can build back hope. Donate today to have your contribution DOUBLED thanks to our current and past board members, who have come together to match all gifts up to $35,000.
Why Wait for Santa?
Whether you’re seeking a last-minute gift or hosting an at-home holiday celebration, you’ll find more merry for less at the Habitat LA ReStores. Browse in person at any of our locations or shop online for pickup at our Bellflower ReStore. 
Thank You to Our October 2021 Donors!
OUR MISSION
Seeking to put God's love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
OUR VISION
A world where everyone has a decent place to live.