At the Hesperia House ribbon cutting in October of this year Habitat for Humanity ReStore Manager Jon Biggs with Hesperia City Council Member Russell “Russ” Blewett and Tim Garcia Habitat for Humanity construction manager
(Redlands, CA) Once upon a time, if a family wanted to build a home, everyone in the community would welcome its new neighbors by pitching in and helping. The home would quickly rise up from the ground, and the grateful new residents of this community would show their gratitude by becoming productive citizens who, in turn, helped other neighbors.
Today, an organization called Habitat for Humanity provides that same kind of help; by organizing community volunteers to help deserving low-income families who as an example make up to $50,950 a year for a family of four build their first home.
It isn’t quite as simple though as it was “once upon a time.” For one thing, in the 21st Century, there are a myriad of law governing how people build houses, and there are permits that must be obtained from several local government agencies. It also takes a great deal of skill and knowledge to put together the type of home in which a modern family would feel comfortable.
To make all of that happen a professional construction manager is essential. At Habitat for Humanity, San Bernardino Area, this construction manager is licensed general contractor Tim Garcia.
“Tim is a professional contractor who is dedicated to his work,” said Dennis Baxter, executive director of the Habitat for Humanity of San Bernardino. “And he is a man who does many good things for his community.”
Garcia has had a relationship with Habitat for Humanity of San Bernardino almost since it began. This connection started at the First Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino, where Garcia and Habitat for Humanity of San Bernardino chapter founder, San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris, both attend.
Mayor Morris started the local Habitat chapter in 1992 after working with one of the international organization’s most famous volunteers, former United States President Jimmy Carter. At the beginning, the Mayor’s church got on board by sending teams of volunteers to Habitat for Humanity’s building projects.
Two years later, Garcia signed up for one of those teams, and thoroughly enjoyed this service. Not only did he volunteer many times after that, he also served as a member of the Board of Directors from 1999-2001 and as resident from 2001–2002.
He enjoyed his contributions to Habitat for Humanity hence since 2004; Garcia has been a part-time employee of Habitat for Humanity, serving as its construction manager.
“That meant they started paying me for the things I was already doing,” Garcia said. “It is my job to train and supervise all the volunteers, which I had been doing as a volunteer.”
Tim Garcia Habitat for Humanity construction manager
Garcia also has a full-time job managing his own business, Inland Construction, which provides remodeling and building services to the general public. He has been a licensed general contractor since 2003, and worked in construction for a decade before.
Habitat for Humanity has thousands of chapters throughout the world, including 15 in southern California. The San Bernardino chapter, established in 1992 by current San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris, serves most of San Bernardino County. Its territory extends from Fontana to Yucaipa, and north to the desert and Victor Valley areas.
Garcia is a long time resident of San Bernardino and the son of community leaders and philanthropists Ernie and Dottie Garcia.
All Habitat for Humanity organizations acquire either vacant land or dilapidated homes. From these, Habitat creates quality homes, and provides financial assistance to carefully selected families who will receive these homes when they are complete. The families contribution includes 500 hours of sweat equity in the Habitat for Humanity projects, pay zero interest and pay monthly mortgages of about $500 to $700 a month.
The adults in these families work with Habitat for Humanity staff and community volunteers to construct the homes, although the projects are managed and supervised by licensed general contractors. Since it has volunteer labor, and often uses donated supplies, it constructs homes for less cost than typical construction.
The San Bernardino chapter serves San Bernardino County communities between Fontana and Yucaipa, as well as the Mountain Communities of Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, and Crestline, and the Upper Desert towns of Hesperia, Apple Valley and Victorville.
Habitat for Humanity has plans to build seven homes in San Bernardino and Grand Terrace for families that as an example make up to $50,950 for a family of four.
To donate, volunteer or for more information, go online to www.habitatsb.org, or call Habitat for Humanity at (909) 478-1176.
About Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a faith-based nonprofit organization that works in partnership with families to strengthen communities and transform lives by building new homes, rehabilitating existing homes, and making affordable home ownership a reality for community members in need.
Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area serves San Bernardino County communities between Fontana and Yucaipa, as well as the Mountain Communities of Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, and Crestline, and the Upper Desert towns of Hesperia, Apple Valley and Victorville.
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a deep discounted home improvement store that sells building materials, appliances, home accessories, and furniture. The ReStore accepts donated goods, which are sold to the general public at a fraction of the retail price. All proceeds are used to fund the administration and rehabilitation or construction of Habitat for Humanity homes.
To find out more about Habitat for Humanity, call 909-478-1176 or visit www.HabitatSB.org. We also ask you to LIKE us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SBReStore.
“We are looking forward to owning a home that my children can grow up in; a home that is for us, with no problems. We are very thankful and truly appreciative to partner with Habitat for Humanity!” said Steven Espinoza.
(Redlands, CA) The Ribbon Cutting and Dedication, of Habitat for Humanity’s, San Bernardino Area’s newest home in the high desert city of Hesperia is Sunday, October 13th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
“After we cut the ribbon, the Espinoza family will move into their new home,” said Dennis Baxter, executive director for Habitat for Humanity.
Chase Bank donated the one-story 1,600 square foot home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians funded the $30,000 rehabilitation of the home.
Steven and Jessica currently live in Colton in a small house that they share with relatives. The house is overcrowded, poorly insulated with no heating, and the septic system is inadequate to handle the number of residents in the house.
Steven and Jessica are the parents of two children, son age 6 and daughter age 2. The Espinoza family is so excited about the prospect of owning their own home. Jessica spends some of her sweat equity hours in the Habitat ReStore!
“We are looking forward to owning a home that my children can grow up in; a home that is for us, with no problems. We are very thankful and truly appreciative to partner with Habitat for Humanity!” said Steven Espinoza.
“The house is a great fit for the four-member Espinoza family. It sits on a half-acre lot great for the kids to play and to entertain family and friends. The front yard is a low maintenance, xeriscape with 150 sq. ft. of grass for the kids to play on,” said Baxter.
The Mission of Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate substandard, poverty housing. “We plan to achieve this mission by providing decent, affordable housing for low-income families by bringing together the necessary volunteers, experienced help, suppliers, city and government agencies, and families to form partnerships in an atmosphere of God’s love for all people,” said Baxter.
Since the affiliate was incorporated in 1992, Habitat for Humanity has built or rehabilitated 25 homes in Redlands, San Bernardino, Fontana, Loma Linda, Colton, Yucaipa, Highland and now Hesperia, delivering housing for more than 100 people.
Habitat for Humanity is not a giveaway program. Selected local families who receive homes must:
Contribute 500 hours of sweat equity by participating in the actual construction of their own house and other Habitat projects
Pay closing costs
Pay a monthly payment of combined mortgage, taxes, and insurance payments, on an interest free loan over 20 – 30 years
For more information or if you would like to attend the Hesperia House Dedication please call Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area at (909) 478-1176.
About Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a faith-based nonprofit organization that works in partnership with families to strengthen communities and transform lives by building new homes, rehabilitating existing homes, and making affordable home ownership a reality for community members in need.
The San Bernardino Area affiliate serves the communities of Redlands, Loma Linda, Fontana, San Bernardino, Highland, Yucaipa, Colton, Bloomington, Rialto, Grand Terrace, Mentone, Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, Hesperia, Apple Valley and Victorville.
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a deep discounted home improvement store that sells building materials, appliances, home accessories, and furniture. The ReStore accepts donated goods, which are sold to the general public at a fraction of the retail price. All proceeds are used to fund the administration and rehabilitation or construction of Habitat for Humanity homes.
Habitat Committee member Teresa Dolan of ESRI came up with idea to build doghouses, and auction them off as a fundraiser at Habitat’s “Journey of Hope” Gala.
For more Information call
Carl Dameron @ (909) 534-9500
(Redlands, CA) Custom-built doghouses are just some of the items up for action at the Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area’s Journey of Hope Gala – Building Hope for Veterans on Friday, March 22nd from 5:30pm- 9:00pm at the University Hall in Redlands.
Habitat Committee member Teresa Dolan of ESRI came up with idea to build doghouses, and auction them off as a fundraiser at Habitat’s “Journey of Hope” Gala. Habitat for Humanity’s Executive Director Dennis Baxter and its board of directors thought that it was a splendid idea.
Dolan also made and delivered the first of three doghouses available for auction. Photos of the doghouses can be seen on Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area’s Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/habitatsb.
“Funds from the gala supports Habitat for Humanity’s goal of working in partnership with families to eradicate substandard, poverty housing, strengthen communities and transform lives by building new homes, rehabilitating existing homes, and making affordable home ownership a reality for community members in need,” said Baxter.
Funds will also be used to increase rehabilitation and home building of for San Bernardino area Veterans, said Baxter. Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area has built 28 homes since its founding in 1992.
According to Baxter, too many veterans have been left homeless by the economic recession, this together with difficulties many soldiers suffer as they return from deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq have really hurt their ability to keep or buy a home for their families.
“Building Hope for Veterans” uses Habitat for Humanity’s proven low-income home buyer tools to make Veteran’s housing affordable. The Habitat model has approved homebuyers that provide 500 hours of work in the construction or rehabilitation of their homes. Our interest free financing make mortgage payments under $500 a month, ensuring that families can keep their homes,” said Baxter.
Fifth District Supervisor, Josie Gonzales is the keynote speaker for Journey of Hope Gala and San Bernardino Mayor and Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area founding board member Mayor Pat Morris is the master of ceremonies.
“The gala also honors volunteers and donors who do so much help us accomplish our goals”, said Baxter. He added, “With our wonderful, hard working and dedicated volunteers and donors, Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area could not achieve our present success!”
Volunteers from the University of Redlands pose for a photo in the restore
Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a faith-based nonprofit organization that works in partnership with families to strengthen communities and transform lives by building new homes, rehabilitating existing homes, and making affordable home ownership a reality for community members in need.
Live entertainment for the Gala is provided by The Overeasy, a band dedicated to the groove. Born at the University of Redlands, The Overeasy has been grooving since May of 2009. Drawing from musical styles ranging from rock to funk, they incorporate these influences to produce uniquely original music.
The San Bernardino Area affiliate serves the communities of Redlands, Loma Linda, Fontana, San Bernardino, Highland, Yucaipa, Colton, Bloomington, Rialto, Grand Terrace, Mentone, Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, Hesperia, Apple Valley and Victorville.
Tickets for the event are $75 per person, $125 a couple and $500 for a table of eight.
For more information call 909-478-1176 or visit www.HabitatSB.org.
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Top Achievements Of Habitat For Humanity San Bernardino Area, Inc.
2011 – 2012 / TWO YEARS
Rehabilitation of Home for Habitat Family in partnership with the City of Yucaipa and Kivett-Teeters Real Estate, Inc.
Critical repair of home belonging to a Veteran in Partnership with the Home Depot Foundation.
Eleven “Brush with Kindness” projects resulting in the painting/facelift of 11 homes in Fontana.
Partnered with the “Inland Caregiver Resource Center” on the installation of three handicapped ramps for a senior citizen in the City of San Bernardino.
Opened a 24-thousand square foot home improvement retail location open to the public called the ReStore, under Habitat for Humanity International guidelines.
Partnered with the City of Grand Terrace and The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Community Outreach on preparation for two Habitat “Builds” within the City. Engineering plans, soils investigation, architectural renderings, publication notice and topographic surveys accomplished.
Four buildable lots in the City of San Bernardino previously donated by the Baker Estate. Engineering plans, topographic survey, and soil investigation completed.
Six Families chosen by our “Family Selection Committee” for four builds in San Bernardino and two in Grand Terrace.
We have recently been approved to participate in the National Community Stabilization Trust program. “NCST” facilitates the transfer of foreclosed and abandoned properties from financial institutions to housing organizations to promote productive property reuse and neighborhood stability.
Electronic recycling in partnership with “ALL Green”. Ongoing project to keep electronic waste from going into landfills. Over 60-thousand pounds recycled in the last year alone.
Active participation in the “Cars for Homes” program in which automobiles are donated to Habitat for Humanity, recycled with funds going to HFH San Bernardino Area, Inc.
Partnered with “Grid Alternatives” to provide and install solar panels for Habitat Homeowners at no charge with the goal of lowering energy costs for the Homeowner.
Succeeded in receiving funding for a new Box truck from the Weingart Foundation.
Don’t miss the free Foreclosure Prevention and First Time Homebuyers Workshop and individual councilors on site to help homeowners in distress keep their homes with the best home insurance companies . With realtors and lenders to help the homebuyers benefit from the lowest interest rates in home insurance calculator and home prices in 20 years.
For Immediate Release
September 12, 2012 FHLB-PR-121.4 Stockton Media Alert WO
What: FREEForeclosure Prevention and First Time Home Buyer Workshop Who: The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, with:
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Bank of America
Central Valley Realtist Association
Chase Bank
Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions
Greater Sacramento Urban League
Lodi Association of Realtors
NeighborWorks® Stockton
NID Counseling Agency
Special Congressional Guest
Why: Foreclosure retention workshop and individual councilors on site to help homeowners in distress keep their homes. Realtors and lenders to help the homebuyers benefit from the lowest interest rates and home prices in 20 years. Where: Lincoln High School, 6844 Alexandria Place, in Stockton When: Saturday, September 29. Registration at 9:30 am event 10 am to 4 pm Bring: Attendees are asked to bring copies of the following documentation:
■ Pay stubs for the most recent 2 pay periods
■ 2011 tax return, including W-2
■ A copy of your homeowner’s insurance policy
■ Hardship letter (in your own words)
■ Bank statements for the most recent 2 months
■ A list of your monthly expenses
■ A utility bill
■ Most recent mortgage statement
■ Any other related correspondence
■ Self-employed individuals must also provide bank statements for the most recent 4 months; a 2010 or 2011 tax return; and YTD profit and loss statement.
The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco delivers low-cost funding and other services that help member financial institutions make home mortgages to people of all income levels and provide credit that supports neighborhoods and communities. The Bank also funds community investment programs that help members create affordable housing and promote economic development. The Bank’s members are headquartered in Arizona, California, and Nevada and may include commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions.
