A Community Unites to Build a Bright Future in Altadena

One hundred and thirteen community volunteers enthusiastically participated in a construction event known as the Framing Blitz, which took place in Altadena, from June 8th to June 10th. This remarkable three-day endeavor witnessed the walls being raised and the home taking shape for Brenda and Gerardo, soon-to-be homeowners of a San Gabriel Valley Habitat (SGV Habitat) home. This new construction on Olive Ave. marks a significant milestone as the first SGV Habitat project in Altadena.

In the span of three days, the site transformed from a cement slab to a framed structure of a home, thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteers and the SGV Habitat construction crew. Their collaboration will continue throughout the summer as they work together to bring Brenda and Gerardo’s future home to completion.

“We accomplished a lot over the three-day Framing Blitz which is a testament to the dedication of the community of volunteers who worked extremely hard, and to the skill of the SGV Habitat construction crew,” says Brian Stanley, SGV Habitat Director of Construction.

For Brenda, Gerardo, and their three children, the Framing Blitz signifies the beginning of a promising future. Alongside dedicated volunteers, the future SGV Habitat homeowners actively worked, joining forces to lift the walls and erect the roof of their new home.

“I can’t believe how much room is in this home,” Brenda exclaimed surveying the structure, which is 1,398 square feet, 3-bedrooms, 2-baths with an attached garage. “Our family of 5 currently lives in a back house the size of this home’s garage (about 600 square feet),” she continued in awe.

United by their shared commitment, volunteers from various organizations, including the Altadena Town Council, Goodwill, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, and the Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters, along with community members, collaborated under the guidance of the SGV Habitat construction team and crew leaders. As the house took shape over the weekend, future Habitat homeowners were actively present, contributing their time as part of the Habitat homebuyer program.

“Volunteering today, and hearing the story of Brenda and Gerardo, opens your eyes to the enormity of the housing problem and you realize the significance and life changing effect owning a home really means,” says Chris, a first-time volunteer.

No experience is necessary to volunteer on the construction site. Interested individuals, organizations, and corporations are encouraged to visit www.sgvhabitat.org to participate in future building opportunities, supporting the mission of SGV Habitat to provide safe and affordable housing for those in need.