Impact Stories
JONA
Determined to build a better future, Jona applied to Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay. When she was selected, she felt overwhelmed with gratitude.
Through sweat equity, Jona discovered new confidence and skills working alongside staff and volunteers on build sites. “It was overwhelming at first, but once I got in there, I felt empowered, learning to use tools and seeing the progress firsthand was amazing,” she said.
Their new Habitat home is three bedrooms and has the space they’ve long needed. For Jona, the biggest change is knowing her family will finally have a permanent, safe place to call their own — a true home where they can make memories, build community, and even get a family dog. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity, the process, and everyone involved — donors, staff, and volunteers. You’ve given us hope and a future.”
SIERRA AND TAJ
Taj and Sierra are deeply rooted in Santa Cruz, where Taj is a local leader, artist, and DJ, and Sierra teaches third grade in the Dual Immersion program at DeLaveaga Elementary.
Before partnering with Habitat, they lived in poor rental conditions and feared having to leave their beloved community.
Thanks to Habitat and their hard work, they now have a safe, stable home to build lasting roots. “We were ecstatic to build our community here,” they shared, excited for a future filled with hope.”
BRIAN AND VERONICA
Veronica, Brian, and their son Santi have found lasting stability in their new Habitat home, a place that finally meets Brian’s needs and gives their family the security they’ve
longed for.
Brian, a lifelong Santa Cruz resident, was left quadriplegic after a surfing accident. When their landlord sold their ADA-accessible rental, they were forced into a home that didn’t meet his needs.
“One of my biggest fears after the accident was having to leave Brian’s support system,” Veronica shared. Now, they have a stable, accessible home in the
place they love.