NO need to bring in a flyer!
Simply mention “Habitat for Humanity” and a portion of your purchase will be donated to Habitat for Humanity

Joslyn Tillar, a volunteer staffing the booth for Habitat for Humanity, the beneficiary of this year’s race, said the event provided a great way to get word out about what Habitat does and to enlist volunteers. “This gives us the opportunity to share our vision and share the importance of how the community can provide for people who aren’t able to get homes on their own,” Tillar said.  Karen Turek, also a Habitat volunteer, said the race helps the organization get more participants to help build houses and make donations, including land.

To read more, visit  http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/feb/12  – vcstar.com

Supervisor Zaragoza is a strong supporter of programs that support families in need, and he is proud to work with Habitat for Humanity on A Brush with Kindness. “A Brush with Kindness is an excellent program that supports families who own their home but have limited means to fix and clean up their properties,” said Zaragoza.  “The program provides hope and pride for the family who owns the home, increasing property values in the neighborhood, bringing neighbors and the community together, and increases community pride.”

Supervisor Zaragoza is very proud of the work he has already done in the Nyeland Acres area, including opening the Nyeland Community Center (in cooperation with the Rio School District), helping to coordinate three neighborhood clean-up events (with County Integrated Waste Management Program), coordinating Town Hall meetings and special events, and bringing the El Rio Municipal Advisory Council meeting to Nyeland Acres.

”We are thrilled to participate in this exciting, new venture for Habitat for Humanity.  We are optimistic about the positive impact we can make on the community as a whole and addressing the many housing needs of low-income community,” commented Stacy Swanson, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County’s Executive Director.

Through A Brush with Kindness, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County will work with other community organizations to determine the projects that will be carried out locally. Habitat services may include minor to critical repairs for low-income homeowners.

For more information about this program, please contact  Felipe Flores at (805) 485-6065, x202 or felipef@habitatventura.org

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Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing organization that builds homes in partnership with people in need of adequate shelter. Homeowners are selected based on their need for housing, ability to repay a zero-interest, no-profit loan, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. Because Habitat’s loans are no-profit, they are affordable for low-income family partners.  Homeowners’ mortgage payments build additional houses through the Fund for Humanity.  Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, a locally-run and locally-funded affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, has provided homeownership opportunities for 54 Ventura County families and repaired over 500 homes since 1983.   For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Ventura Country, visit: www.habitatventura.org.  Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County was selected as one of 163 affiliates nationwide to participate in Habitat for Humanity International’s initial phase of its Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, the umbrella program for A Brush with Kindness and Minor and Critical Repair program. That effort will focus on improving housing conditions while partnering with other community organizations to provide services that enhance the overall quality of life across struggling neighborhoods.

John Zaragoza currently serves as the County Supervisor on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. He represents the Fifth District, which includes Oxnard and unincorporated areas near Oxnard. Supervisor Zaragoza has a long history of distinguished public service.  Supervisor Zaragoza began his career serving the public in 1962, working as a bus operator for the City of Oxnard. He was promoted to Assistant Transit Supervisor, then Refuse Supervisor and in 1978 was promoted to Refuse Superintendent.  As the manager of a major city program, John lead the way in implementing progressive automated commercial and residential refuse collection programs, which saved residents and businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars in refuse costs. He later lead the team which implemented recycling and household hazardous waste programs, including completing plans to close the local landfill and build a waste transfer and recycling facility (now known as the Del Norte Recycling and Transfer Station). John retired as Oxnard Refuse Superintendent in 1993, and was elected to the Oxnard City Council in 1996. He served as Mayor Pro tem and City Council member for 12 years, as well as serving on numerous board and commissions. His leadership brought Oxnard residents and businesses lower crime rates; improved programs for youth, recreation and seniors; high-quality affordable housing; increased budget reserves; outstanding environmental programs and increased job opportunities.

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From early morning to sunset, Bob captured an array of activities and spirit of the day.  We are very grateful to Habitat volunteers for providing a strong foundation for this house and to Bob Carey for documenting this milestone day — Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County’s 55^th home.

CLICK HERE to view this engaging and educational video…and experience a day-in-the life of volunteers laying the foundation for a family’s future. Just as a strong foundation supports the entire structure of a house, stronger families mean stronger communities, and decent, affordable housing can be a gateway to both.

Now we are ready to build, up!  You can help Habitat build and repair houses and hope in your community by volunteering, donating, or helping spread the word about the need for safe, affordable housing.

• The 55^th home, under construction next door, will be sponsored by the Habitat ReStore, business and individual donations, and Fund for Humanity a revolving fund that comes from Habitat homeowners’ house payments.

• In 2007, the City of Oxnard donated the property to Habitat for Humanity after River Park construction had commenced and the parcel (previously a holding basin) was declared excess property. The late Ernie Whitaker, long-time Oxnard Housing Authority Manager and friend of Habitat was instrumental in facilitating the land donation.

•  Habitat offers a “hand up,” not a hand out. At Habitat for Humanity, we believe that everyone everywhere deserves a decent place to live. Habitat empowers families who are willing to work hard to achieve their dream of home ownership.  Each Habitat homeowner invests hundreds of hours to help build their home, and then purchases it with an affordable, zero interest mortgage.

• Over the course of this build, future homeowner, Maria and her family will partner with volunteers, Habitat staff and family-partner, Rosa Montelongo, whose own Habitat home was dedicated in January 2011. Maria was born in Ventura County, raised in Southern California, and works in Camarillo.

About Montecito Bank & Trust.
Community Dividends® is a unique Montecito Bank & Trust program that has annually awarded $1 million dollars to over 150 nonprofits since 2003. The Community Dividends program focuses on supporting organizations or programs within organizations which primarily serve low- and moderate-income individuals and families in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Organizations with missions that serve the arts, education, social welfare, and medical and health services sectors will also be considered.

This special gifting program occurs at Thanksgiving time when many nonprofits face a budget shortfall. Nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) designated organizations to qualify for an award. One individual from each recipient nonprofit organization is invited to a fun filled luncheon, giving these hard working individuals a chance to be together and receive their organization’s award. It is truly one of the most special days of the year for Montecito Bank & Trust associates.

• If you’re getting married… IDoFoundation.org helps couples create gift registries, invitations, and party favors that benefit charitable organizations.

• If you have shoes cluttering up your closet… Soles4Souls.org distributes them to the poor and disaster-struck around the world.

• If you enjoy surfing (the internet, that is)… GoodSearch.com automatically donates to a favorite worthy group as you browse.

Source: Parade Magazine, November 27, 2011.

• If you have surplus or used building materials, appliances, furniture, doors, windows, sinks and tubs, home decor, lighting, and more… HabitatVentura.org accepts a wide range of donations for the Habitat ReStore, a discount home improvement center open to the public five days a week. All proceeds help Habitat build more homes for families in need in Ventura County.

Every Holiday season, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County is honored to be a part of numerous Alternative Christmas Fairs along with many deserving charities!  If you are not familiar with the Alternative Christmas Fair concept, it is a wonderful way to ease holiday shopping stress, help raise funds for charities, and give a gift to those in need!

Many thanks to all church members, volunteers and shoppers who participated and gave so generously during the 2011 Holiday Season!

• Ascension Lutheran Church, Thousand Oaks: Through their Gifts of Hope program, Ascension Lutheran raised funds for the Burure Mission, World Hunger, and more than $7,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County.

• Church of the Foothills, Ventura: This year’s Christmas Fair was a great success.  Donations were made to Church World Services, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, Schools for Sierra Leone, Mixtic Group, Homeless Prevention Fund, Heifer International, Kasiisi Project, Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservation Trust, and Goats for Life.

• Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Thousand Oaks: The season of giving came early when Emmanuel Presbyterian opens its doors to local charities at its Community Mission Event. Participating charities included Manna Food Bank, Joni & Friends, the Ventura Rescue Mission, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, Grandmothers of the Light and Emmanuel Prison Ministry. The Christmas Market also partnered with Madroña Elementary School to encourage students to support the charities by donating food, clothing, shoes, books, wheelchairs, canes, walkers and travel toiletries to help those in need.

• First Presbyterian Church, Oxnard. The 8^th Annual Community Christmas Shoppe brought together volunteers from over 40 area churches to serve more than 1,000 local low income families, providing toys for Christmas and opportunities to make donations to charities in honor of loved ones. Charities included Heifer Project International, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, Ventura County FOOD Share, Bread of Life, and Oxnard Women’s Emergency Shelter.

• First United Methodist Church, Ventura. The Alternative Christmas Faire provided churchgoers a wonderful opportunity to learn more about local, national, and international organizations and donate to local charitable organizations as a gift to a loved one. Participating charities  included Project Understanding, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, CROP Hunger Walk, FOOD Share, Family to Family, Good Sam Cupboard, Narcotics Anonymous, Boy Scouts Troop 102.

• King of Glory Lutheran Church, Newbury Park: Many elves helped at the Alternative Christmas Market after church serves and preschool Christmas programs.  Many Christmas cards were given to friends and loved ones from donations to participating charities…Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, Heifer Project International, and Fair Trade micro businesses in third world countries.

Emmanuel Prebysterian

Ann Huston, First United Methodist

Gifts of used vehicles can build homes through Habitat’s Cars for Homes program. By designating “Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County” as the recipient of the proceeds, you can help build homes in Ventura County.

Why should I donate my vehicle to Cars for Homes?

• 100% of the net proceeds of the sale will be distributed to your local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.
• Our local Habitat affiliate will use these funds to help build decent, affordable homes with families in our community, helping to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
• Your donation may qualify for a tax deduction
• Junk cars will be recycled, helping save energy and natural resources.