Santa Cruz — Habitat Monterey Bay wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the many individuals and families who have been harmed by these devastating wildfires. In addition to the tremendous damage, we are particularly saddened to learn of the loss of one Santa Cruz County’s community members. In the wake of the devastating fires occurring throughout the region and the state, we remain committed to our mission of building more safe, decent, and affordable housing for families in need.
Just this week, Habitat Monterey Bay held a virtual groundbreaking with limited in-person attendance, welcoming several community leaders and local elected officials to the Rodeo Creek Court project site on Harper Street in Live Oak. In attendance were Congressman Jimmy Panetta, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County CEO Susan True, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Co-Founder Bud Colligan, Housing Trust Silicon Valley Interim CEO Julie Mahowald, and participating virtually, the Offices of Senator Bill Monning, Assemblymember Mark Stone, and Supervisor Zach Friend.
“I’m so proud of our organization for continuing to build more affordable homes, even in the face of such incredible challenges,” said Satish Rishi, Habitat Monterey Bay’s chief executive officer. “We are committed to being a partner in this community, and we will continue working hard to create more affordable housing, especially as so many face housing insecurity.”
The Rodeo Creek Court project is financed in part by loans from the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and Housing Trust Silicon Valley, donations from individuals and gifts-in-kind from corporate partners, and an award from the California Department of Housing and Community Development. The homes at this development will be restricted to families earning between 50-80% of the area median income, and each prospective owner must meet various income, citizenship, and housing requirements. One of the new homes will be ADA-compliant, providing a purpose-built home for someone with a permanent physical or mental disability that makes conventional home design features less accessible.
Habitat Monterey Bay is already underway with earth moving and infrastructure work, and we anticipate beginning vertical construction in October 2020. Our first phase of construction includes two homes, which we plan to finish in the spring of 2021, and the second phase of construction is scheduled to begin shortly thereafter in the summer of 2021.
About Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay
Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is an independent locally operated and funded affiliate of
Habitat for Humanity International. Our mission is to build decent, affordable homes and provide home ownership opportunities to qualified families who live and work in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. For more information, please visit www.habitatmontereybay.org.
