One Year In: A Message from Our CEO
- Habitat Monterey Bay
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Today marks my first anniversary with Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay — and what an extraordinary year it has been.
My journey began with the nearly completed Rodeo Creek Court project in Live Oak, Santa Cruz. Watching eleven families receive the keys to safe, affordable homes was both inspiring and a powerful testament to Habitat’s model of partnership and equity. A highlight from those early months was hosting the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County for a tour last October, where a homeowner shared how homeownership had transformed their life. Every story was unique, yet each reflected a shared truth: affordable housing changes lives — and the need in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties is urgent.
Throughout the year, I’ve immersed myself in the communities we serve — meeting with elected officials, nonprofit partners, and fellow Habitat affiliates. I’m honored to participate in the 2025 Leadership Monterey Cohort and Focus Agriculture, both of which reinforce a simple but profound reality: housing is foundational to health, stability, and opportunity.
October 2024 was especially meaningful. We celebrated President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday — his legacy of service continues to inspire us — and on the same day, we received planning approval for our next project: 13 new homes on Evan Circle in Watsonville. While the permitting process can be lengthy, we are steadfast, knowing every step forward brings us closer to more affordable homes for local families.
Our commitment to Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley continues to grow. In January 2025, we were honored to receive a Proclamation from the Mayor of Watsonville, recognizing Habitat’s contributions to the community. We’re excited to deepen our roots by relocating our administrative office to the Watsonville ReStore — bringing our team closer to the heart of our work.
Between major builds, we partnered with the Santa Cruz County Long Term Recovery Group to help rebuild homes lost in the CZU fires. Special thanks to Tonje and her team for their collaboration. This spring, I was proud to see our volunteers recognized at the Be the Difference Awards, and thrilled when Steve and Bill were honored at the United Live Awards in Monterey for their rehabilitation work in Marina. We’re also grateful to Mike at Pajaro Valley Shelter Services for the chance to support the rehab of four additional homes.
Looking ahead, we are preparing to build nine new homes in Marina in collaboration with a local developer — an exciting step to deepen our impact in Monterey County. To help advance our strategic goals, we hosted a well-attended Homes and Hope Event in May, welcomed Helen de Young as Director of Resource Development, and Tracy New as Chief Financial Officer. In October, Gabby Rubio took leadership of our ReStores in Seaside and Watsonville, and her efforts have already sparked meaningful improvements at both locations.
As I enter my second year, I’m energized by what lies ahead. We are preparing to break ground on twenty-two new homes, and on October 1st, we’ll kick off Habitat’s 50th Anniversary Year — a milestone inviting us all to reflect, celebrate, and recommit to our mission.
Building a strong team and investing in community partnerships has been essential to our progress. As we continue to address one of the nation’s most severe housing crises, I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished and grateful to serve alongside such a dedicated team.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you volunteer, donate, or advocate for affordable housing, your support makes all the difference. I invite you to join us as we build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter and hope in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
With gratitude,
Catherine Stihler
CEO, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay
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