Bay Federal Credit Union Supports Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay in Ongoing Commitment to the Marina Community

At Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay, partnerships make our mission possible. We are proud to share that Bay Federal Credit Union has made a generous $20,000 donation to support our work in Marina and beyond, helping more families achieve the dream of safe, affordable homeownership. The donation comes as Bay Federal celebrates the grand opening of its newest full-service branch at The Dunes in Marina. As part of the celebration, Bay Federal made four charitable contributions to local nonprofits, reinforcing its dedication to building meaningful, long-lasting relationships in the communities it serves.

From left to right: Helen de Young, Director of Development; Catherine Stihler, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay

A Shared Commitment to Community

Bay Federal Credit Union has long been rooted in the values of service and community. In line with its mission of “people helping people,” Bay Federal continues to uplift local nonprofits that provide essential resources and services for our neighbors.

“Bay Federal Credit Union was founded on the principle of people helping people,” said Carrie Birkhofer, President and CEO of Bay Federal Credit Union. “We are proud to support these local nonprofits as they provide critical resources and services to our neighbors here in Marina and beyond.”

Why This Partnership Matters

For Habitat Monterey Bay, this generous investment is about much more than dollars—it’s about families, stability, and opportunity. “We are deeply grateful for this generous gift from Bay Federal Credit Union,” said Catherine Stihler, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay. “Their investment is more than a donation, it is a commitment to helping families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership. Partnerships like this allow us to expand our impact into Marina, ensuring more families have a safe, affordable place to call home.”

A Shared Mission for Stronger Communities

Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay and Bay Federal Credit Union share a deep commitment to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for local families.

For Habitat, that means partnering with families, volunteers, and donors to build affordable homes and brighter futures throughout Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. Through our ReStores, volunteers, and generous partners, we empower families to achieve stability, self-reliance, and hope for generations to come.

For Bay Federal, that mission comes to life through its work as the largest member-owned financial institution in the region. Serving more than 94,000 members and 2,700 local businesses and nonprofits across Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey Counties, Bay Federal has been promoting financial empowerment and community development since 1957. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution, its impact goes beyond banking to building stronger, healthier communities.

Together, Habitat and Bay Federal are working side by side to expand affordable housing opportunities and support families across the Monterey Bay region.

Building Hope, Together

With support from community-minded partners like Bay Federal, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is able to expand opportunities for affordable housing in Marina and across the Monterey Bay region. Together, we’re building not only homes, but stronger futures for local families.