HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #21: RECYLE YOUR HOME

Deconstruction is exactly as the terms suggests, homes are taken apart piece by piece, just as they were built.

Deconstruction offers a great many advantages over demolition:

• Substantial tax benefits for most deconstructions


• Many materials can be reused (light fixtures, appliances, flooring, lumber, roofing tiles, etc.)


• Large cost savings in reduction of disposal of items


• Many items from the deconstruction are also recyclable (concrete, drywall, copper wiring, etc.)


• Dependant on the deconstruction company and their policies, most deconstructions are tax deductable.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles has partnered with The Deconstruction & Reuse Network Inc. here in southern California, to actually perform all deconstruction projects that have been offered to us. The Reuse Network is a fee for service deconstruction contractor that literally starts at the roof and works their way to the ground in deconstructing a building. The materials that can be salvaged are then sorted, loaded and sent to our Home Improvement Store here in Los Angeles. The materials we receive are sold to the general public and the funds generated by those sales assist Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles in its global mission of ending poverty housing.

In most instances all of the materials donated from a deconstruction are tax deductible as “In Kind Donations”. This may seem like a small thing, but it can have a huge fiscal impact on the overall cost of a building project. The initial cost of deconstruction is normally higher than a simple demolition (scrape with a bulldozer and dump in a landfill.) Because the “entire” house is being donated, it all falls under the criteria of an “In Kind Donation.” What this all translates into is this; While the initial cost of deconstruction is higher than conventional demolition, it is in most cases ultimately more cost effective to have a structure deconstructed and utilize the tax deductions tied to the materials that are donated.

If you would like more information about deconstruction and the Reuse Network, please contact:

Lorenz Schilling
Read ALL the ways you can make a difference with Habitat:
Tip #1: Go Shopping Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale Tip #3: Write a Check Tip #4: Donate a Vehicle Tip #5: Donate Building Materials Tip #6: A Brush with Kindness Tip #7: Donate to our Home Store Tip #8: Sell on eBay Tip#9: Creative Fundraising Tip #10: Corporate Community Relations Tip #11: Become a Family Mentor Tip #12: Donate Land Tip #13: Give Professional Skills Tip #14: Advocate & Speak Out Tip #15: Join a Committee Tip #16: Build With Us Tip: #17: Get Your Kids Involved Tip #18: Have a Party Tip #19: In Lieu of Gifts #20: Go Hollywood

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #20: GO HOLLYWOOD!

Let’s be honest, this is L.A. and we are immersed in Hollywood glitz and celebrities. From mega movie stars and reality TV stars in our ‘hills’ to agents who, at times, seem even more famous than their clients! It’s why we love this town – you just never know when “who-you-know “can help you. Fortunately, celebrity status can also be used for good.

Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity is an entertainment industry partnership with Habitat for Humanity and one that is very close to our hearts. We began working with them in 2000, when founder, Randall Wallace contacted us to see how he and his film industry friends could support our local efforts. We didn’t know then how important this partnership would become to us and to the families we’ve helped together all around the world.

HFHFH rallies the entertainment industry to support the building of more homes and to spread the word about the affordable housing crisis. Actors, directors, agents, screenwriters, producers, studio executives, musicians and label executives are among the thousands of volunteers who have helped build homes with us.

If you work in Hollywood and feel you have a contribution to make, whether it’s using your celebrity to bring awareness or rallying your colleagues to lend a hand we would love to hear from you. Please contact Alison Treleaven, VP of Entertainment Industry Partnerships or Allison Winkler, VP Music & Talent Partnerships today.

On a side note: We would like to give special thanks to the amazing men and women who came out and supported us during the recent writers strike. Your ability to think of others during a critical time is a precious gift to the hardworking families with whom you built. Thank you.

C’mon Hollywood, let’s build together!

Read ALL the ways you can make a difference with Habitat:
Tip #1: Go Shopping Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale Tip #3: Write a Check Tip #4: Donate a Vehicle Tip #5: Donate Building Materials Tip #6: A Brush with Kindness Tip #7: Donate to our Home Store Tip #8: Sell on eBay Tip#9: Creative Fundraising Tip #10: Corporate Community Relations Tip #11: Become a Family Mentor Tip #12: Donate Land Tip #13: Give Professional Skills Tip #14: Advocate & Speak Out Tip #15: Join a Committee Tip #16: Build With Us Tip: #17: Get Your Kids Involved Tip #18: Have a Party Tip #19: In Lieu of Gifts

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #19: IN LIEU OF GIFTS - GIVE TO HABITAT

This idea is great for birthdays, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs and more – both as the recipient and the giver! Over the years we’ve met some remarkable people who’ve designated Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles as the beneficiary for their special occasions.

In 2006, a young man read that we’d be at a school in his neighborhood framing a home as part of our Operation Home Delivery program and he contacted us about presenting a check to us. Turns out this 13 year old had recently celebrated his bar mitzvah and asked his guests to donate to Habitat for Humanity rather than give him gifts. He raised $1,100 and sure enough, he arrived the day of our build with a check and a smile for the attending media. What an amazing young man!

In January 2008 another extraordinary person came our way, an executive in the Entertainment industry. She was planning her 40th birthday and decided to host a Habitat Build Day to celebrate. She invited friends and family to build with her on a January Saturday and worked with our staff to create a menu card of items they could purchase for her gift – such as a toilet, window, siding, carpeting and doors. It was a huge success and her friends are still talking about how much fun they had! Oh, and she raised over $7,000 and counting – as checks continue to come in!

Getting married and don’t need another toaster? Celebrating a birthday soon? Consider asking friends and family to share in your giving spirit and write a check to Habitat for Humanity in lieu of gifts.

Read ALL the ways you can make a difference with Habitat:Tip #1: Go Shopping Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale Tip #3: Write a Check Tip #4: Donate a Vehicle Tip #5: Donate Building Materials Tip #6: A Brush with Kindness Tip #7: Donate to our Home Store Tip #8: Sell on eBay Tip#9: Creative Fundraising Tip #10: Corporate Community Relations Tip #11: Become a Family Mentor Tip #12: Donate Land Tip #13: Give Professional Skills Tip #14: Advocate & Speak Out Tip #15: Join a Committee Tip #16: Build With Us Tip: #17: Get Your Kids Involved Tip #18: Have a Party

LINKIN PARK WILL HELP BUILD A HOME IN NEW ORLEANS AREA WITH LUCKY FANS

On Wednesday, February 27th, mega-platinum Grammy-winning rock band Linkin Park will take a break from their current tour in support of new album MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT and travel to New Orleans to help families displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Following Tuesday night’s show at the Sommet Center in Nashville, the band—vocalist Chester Bennington, drummer Rob Bourdon, guitarist Brad Delson, DJ Joe Hahn, bassist Dave “Phoenix” Farrell and vocalist Mike Shinoda—will head to an undisclosed location in an area affected by Katrina where, alongside opening act Coheed and Cambria, they’ll join volunteers from Music for Relief, and Habitat homeowner families from New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity to build homes in the damaged Gulf Coast area.

“There is still so much work to be done on the Gulf Coast following the devastation of hurricane Katrina,” said bassist Dave “Phoenix” Farrell “Linkin Park is proud to be a part of the rebuilding process.”

READ ENTIRE PRESS RELEASE

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #18: HAVE A PARTY!

Let’s say you know a lot of influential, wealthy people OR you know a lot of great people of modest means whom you think would want to support Habitat for Humanity any way they could. Or perhaps you belong to an organization of your peers that meets monthly? Here’s an interesting way you can raise money and awareness – invite those folks over for a party or throw a mixer! Gather your friends or colleagues and Habitat staff members will help you spread the word and brainstorm how your group can make a difference.

We recently had the pleasure of meeting a couple who did just this. The Patels are Indian and Mrs. Patel is a wonderful cook, so they decided to invite their friends and colleagues to their home for a traditional Indian dinner. The Patels had a passion for Habitat and wanted their friends to share in their passion.

The evening included a traditional meal, a silent auction and they even had a special guest in Former Miss World Diana Hayden, who is a Habitat for Humanity ambassador and happens to be from India. A member of our Habitat staff also attended to provide details and information about our organization.

The event was a huge success and the Patels continue to support Habitat for Humanity in any way they can, including building homes with us during the Jimmy Carter Work Project last fall.

The idea is to come up with a theme – any theme – and have fun. Have silent auctions, play team games, set up poker tournaments, or sell raffle tickets for great prizes. Get creative and you and your guests will have fun while raising money throughout the evening. If you’re interested in having one of our staff over to speak about Habitat’s work in the community, contact us and we’ll do our best to be there! If for any reason we cannot attend, we will provide information that you can share with your guests.

PARTY ON!

Read ALL the ways you can make a difference with Habitat:
Tip #1: Go Shopping Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale Tip #3: Write a Check Tip #4: Donate a Vehicle Tip #5: Donate Building Materials Tip #6: A Brush with Kindness Tip #7: Donate to our Home Store Tip #8: Sell on eBay Tip#9: Creative Fundraising Tip #10: Corporate Community Relations Tip #11: Become a Family Mentor Tip #12: Donate Land Tip #13: Give Professional Skills Tip #14: Advocate & Speak Out Tip #15: Join a Committee Tip #16: Build With Us Tip: #17: Get Your Kids Involved

21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #17: Get your kids involved in Youth United and Nickels for Nails!

There are many ways that young people ages 5-25 can make a difference. Youth United is a Habitat for Humanity program that brings community youth together to fully sponsor and build a Habitat Home. The youth are the leaders, planners, fundraisers, public relations specialists and builders in this program. Youth ages 5 to 25 work together to raise money and awareness while youth ages 16 to 25 build the house. The program helps to teach young people to become leaders and people from different ages, backgrounds, faiths and organizations to work together.

Through Youth United, youth can…
Fundraise through Nickels for Nails,
Advocate by participating in Act! Speak! Build! Week 2008,
Partner with Habitat by forming a campus chapter on their high school or college, Build on the Youth United home if they’re 16-25, and
Engage in various age-appropriate activities if they’re younger.

Over one hundred schools, families, and youth groups have been involved with Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles this school year, and literally thousands of students have gotten involved. The future is Building a Greater Los Angeles! Be a Part of it!

Check out our Habitat for Humanity Building a Greater Los Angeles' Youth Programs Website. For more information contact Shoshana Daniels, Youth Programs Coordinator at 310-323-4663 etx. 109

Read ALL the ways you can work with Habitat:

Tip #1: Go Shopping Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale Tip #3: Write a Check Tip #4: Donate a Vehicle Tip #5: Donate Building Materials Tip #6: A Brush with Kindness Tip #7: Donate to our Home Store Tip #8: Sell on eBay Tip#9: Creative Fundraising Tip #10: Corporate Community Relations Tip #11: Become a Family Mentor Tip #12: Donate Land Tip #13: Give Professional Skills Tip #14: Advocate & Speak Out Tip #15: Join a Committee Tip #16: Build with Us

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #16: BUILD WITH US!

Throughout February we have posted several ways in which you can help us build more homes in the community as an alternative to actually building. But the truth is, giving your time and physical energy during the week or on a weekend makes a huge difference to us. It's our foundation and the driving force behind our success.

Whether you build in Los Angeles or worldwide, your efforts help us build safe, decent homes for hardworking and deserving families. You may be sore or bruised at the end of the work day, but once you experience the camaraderie and fulfillment of working on a Habitat build site, you won't mind at all. In fact, you'll probably be planning your next build day.

Here are some suggestions for your next build adventure with us:

A Brush with Kindness:
This is a neighborhood program that benefits homeowners in our own backyard who are struggling to maintain their home due to age or illness. You will help with necessary repairs such as patching holes, replacing windows, painting, landscaping and building access ramps. It’s one day’s work that will change a life. Maybe even yours.

Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2008:
Travel & Build with us! Join Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter and thousands of volunteers for this year’s work project in the Gulf! Visit the website to find out how to participate in this year’s JRCWP – it’s going to be our biggest ever!

Build with Habitat GLA
Vacation with Habitat! This year include Habitat in your Spring break, family vacation, long weekend or business trip. We build all over the world and our Global Village program will handle all the details for your trip.

These are just a few suggestions, but you really don’t need a reason to build with us. We are building somewhere in the world every day and we’d love your help. No experience is necessary so contact us today and start building with us tomorrow!

Read ALL the ways you can make a difference with Habitat:

Tip #1: Go Shopping Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale Tip #3: Write a Check Tip #4: Donate a Vehicle Tip #5: Donate Building Materials Tip #6: A Brush with Kindness Tip #7: Donate to our Home Store Tip #8: Sell on eBay Tip#9: Creative Fundraising Tip #10: Corporate Community Relations Tip #11: Become a Family Mentor Tip #12: Donate Land Tip #13: Give Professional Skills Tip #14: Advocate & Speak Out Tip #15: Join a Committee

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP#15: JOIN A COMMITTEE

Perhaps, picking up a hammer or working with power tools is a little intimidating to you but you really want to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity? Or maybe you simply want a commitment beyond a day or weekend.

For anyone who's great with people and eager to make things happen, and truly interested in becoming a long-term part of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, joining a committee is the volunteer job for you! We have important committees that offer interesting areas of focus, and based on your individual strengths and interests, we're sure there's one that's perfect for you.

See our complete list of committees below. Each is an integral part of making our Habitat for Humanity team so successful in the community.

1. A Brush with Kindness Committee
2. Construction Committee
3. Faith Relations Committee
4. Faith Services Selection Committee
5. Family Services Partnership Committee
6. Site Acquisition Committee

We are looking forward to working with you!

Read ALL the ways you can make a difference with Habitat:

Tip #1: Go Shopping Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale Tip #3: Write a Check Tip #4: Donate a Vehicle Tip #5: Donate Building Materials Tip #6: A Brush with Kindness Tip #7: Donate to our Home Store Tip #8: Sell on eBay Tip#9: Creative Fundraising Tip #10: Corporate Community Relations Tip #11: Become a Family Mentor Tip #12: Donate Land Tip #13: Give Professional Skills Tip #14: Advocate & Speak Out

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #14: ADVOCATE / SPREAD THE WORD

Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to eliminate poverty housing around the world by creating affordable housing. We need people to advocate and speak out on behalf of affordable housing in our community and you can help!

You don’t have to be a professional speaker or a Politician all you need is the drive to tell others about issues. See the facts below that you can share with your family, classmates, roommates, co-workers, neighbors, local organization and friends. Organize a time to speak about the need for affordable housing, what is being done and how we all can do more.

Also check out Act! Speak! Build! Week 2008, March 31st – April 6th. The week is a national Habitat for Humanity, student-initiated advocacy program that empowers young people to educate themselves and their communities and move people to social action. Students plan and host events focused on ending substandard housing, targeting youth, community members, and others to raise the social consciousness on issues of substandard housing and to affect change in housing policy. Find out more and sign-up at our website.

• Statewide, the affordable housing crisis has gotten worse over the past four years and Proposition 46 funds will run out by December 2006.


• 88% of Angelinos cannot afford the median priced single-family home at $540,000.
  Los Angeles has the largest homeless population in the nation - roughly 48,000 on any given night though some estimate it as significantly larger.


• Los Angeles ranks 199th out of 199 American cities in housing affordability.
  Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles serves 112 cities and unincorporated areas in Los Angeles County including 70 communities in the City of Los Angeles.


• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles has built over 230 homes since our founding in 1990.


• We partner with families who earn 30-80% of the area median income.


• Habitat homes are built through volunteer labor, donated materials, professional services and land to keep our costs low.


• Habitat homes are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable, no-interest loans.


• Habitat for Humanity is the 19th homebuilder and #1 non-profit homebuilder in the United States.
  

For more information, please contact Deborah Lewis.

Read ALL the ways you can make a difference with Habitat:
Tip #1: Go Shopping Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale Tip #3: Write a Check Tip #4: Donate a Vehicle Tip #5: Donate Building Materials Tip #6: A Brush with Kindness Tip #7: Donate to our Home Store Tip #8: Sell on eBay Tip#9: Creative Fundraising Tip #10: Corporate Community Relations Tip #11: Become a Family Mentor Tip #12: Donate Land Tip #13: Give Professional Skills

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #13: GIVE YOUR PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

There are many ways to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles and we want to provide opportunities for people to use their professional skills to further the mission of Habitat. As a non-profit, our staff assumes a variety of roles and responsibilities, so your added skills can really help us with productivity, which means more homes built for hardworking families. We have needs in almost every area – from the obvious construction skills to accounting and event planning.

See the list below for some ways to volunteer your skills and if you think there might be a way to use some skill you don’t see here let us know.

• Accountants – assist our Accounting Department with tracking and reporting.
• Architect – participate in Architectural Peer Review to review current and upcoming projects as well as drawings/plans that will be used again.
• Construction Worker – work on construction sites building and installing as well as leading volunteers in construction tasks.
• Crew Leader Trainer – train site crew leaders in how to lead volunteers on Habitat sites. Must have some background in education or training as well as some construction experience. Bilingual is a plus.
• Event Planner – assist in events including groundbreakings and dedications as well as special events like our VIP Gala, Neighborhood Block Parties, Awards Banquets, Golf Tournaments and more.
• Real Estate Attorney – review legal documents.
• Researcher – research corporate, faith and individual donors online and report findings to the Development Department.
• Warehouse Assistant – maintain inventory with the Warehouse Manager. Assist in communication between the sites and the warehouse and stages materials that will be picked up for use. Should have experience with inventory and materials management and be capable of lifting 50 pounds.

Please contact Deborah Lewis, Programs Manager, at Habitat GLA to find out more about these opportunities or to suggest something we haven’t thought of yet!

Read ALL the ways you can make a difference with Habitat:

Tip #1: Go Shopping Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale Tip #3: Write a Check Tip #4: Donate a Vehicle Tip #5: Donate Building Materials Tip #6: A Brush with Kindness Tip #7: Donate to our Home Store Tip #8: Sell on eBay Tip#9: Creative Fundraising Tip #10: Corporate Community Relations Tip #11: Become a Family Mentor Tip #12: Donate Land

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #12: DONATE LAND

The greatest needs for our organization are Land and Materials. We accept land donations and are available to speak with you if you have questions about whether your land is appropriate for development.

Over the years, we've worked with other housing agencies, city officials and individuals to acquire land in Greater Los Angeles and we've been fortunate to be able to build decent affordable homes for local families on those properties. On many of these properties, we've been able to build entire neighborhoods of 14 homes or more.

Please contact Robert Dwelle if you are interested in donating land or have any questions.

Thank you.

Read ALL the ways you can make a difference with Habitat:

Tip #1: Go Shopping Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale Tip #3: Write a Check Tip #4: Donate a Vehicle Tip #5: Donate Building Materials Tip #6: A Brush with Kindness Tip #7: Donate to our Home Store Tip #8: Sell on eBay Tip#9: Creative Fundraising Tip #10: Corporate Community Relations Tip #11: Become a Family Mentor

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #11: BECOME A PARTNER FAMILY MENTOR

Habitat Partner Families are amazing, hard-working people and one way you can support our mission is to become a mentor to those families. Our family services department works hard to ensure that each partner family receives the support they need to fully understand and achieve homeownership in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

Family mentors are vitally important to the success of our homeowners and it's also extremely rewarding. Magna Bahm leads our family services department and she has the following information and advice for anyone interested in volunteering as a family mentor.

Family Mentors support the families by empowering them through the homeownership process, respecting the values and individuality of each family member. Each volunteer mentor attends a training session and we offer continuing Partnership Committee meetings and mentor training sessions. Responsibilities begin when you are assigned a family and continue until 6 months after the family moves into their home. Mentors may choose to discontinue their involvement after their family term is complete or renew by requesting to be assigned to a new family. Either way, the relationships you foster will be extremely rewarding and likely last forever.

Mentor Responsibilities include:

• Building a rapport with your family


• Serving as a liaison between the family and Habitat to ensure the family understands requirements of becoming a Habitat homeowner such as: sweat equity; homeownership workship attendance; house plans and options; down payment requirements; payment procedures and legal documents of sale


• Involving the family in "building community" with their prospective neighbors and other Habitat families


• Assist in media interviews


• Mediate in times of conflict


• Make at least 2 visits per month and report to Partnership Committe to share family's sweat equity, accomplishments, joys, questions and concerns

How to Be a Great Mentor:

• Enjoy yourself but don't be over eager and don't smother the partner family.


• Remember this is all about DOING WITH not DOING FOR


• Take extra time in the beginning, a newly approved family has many things thrown at them at once. Be available.


• Seek to develop a friendship. It's hard not to.


• Be upfront, honest and compassionate, and most of all humble.


• Be supportive during the homeownership process.

After the family has moved into their home, assist with maintenance questions, keep the Partnership Committee informed of their progress and continue the friendship.

If you think you have what it takes to be a great mentor to our amazing partner families, we want to hear from you.

Please visit our website or call us at 310-323-4663.

Read ALL the ways you can make a difference with Habitat:

Tip #1: Go Shopping Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale Tip #3: Write a Check Tip #4: Donate a Vehicle Tip #5: Donate Building Materials Tip #6: A Brush with Kindness Tip #7: Donate to our Home Store Tip #8: Sell on eBay Tip#9: Creative Fundraising Tip #10: Corporate Community Relations

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #10: CORPORATE COMMUNITY RELATIONS

The easiest way to support Habitat for Humanity is through employee volunteer programs. Some companies have volunteer networks that offer to coordinate a build day; at other companies a particular department might decide to volunteer a Saturday; some others will coordinate a 'team building' day and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

Two other ways to help:

1. Donate to Habitat through your company's United Way Campaign. Be sure to designate the donation to Habitat for Humanity of Greater LA. These donations are made through payroll deductions and can be as small as $5.00 per paycheck.

2. Some larger corporations have a matching gift program. If an employee makes a direct donation to Habitat, the corporation will match that gift (usually for gifts less than $2,500 per year.)

Finally, we encourage our donors to consider signing over your 'economic stimulus' checks (coming in May) to help us build more affordable homes in Greater Los Angeles.

Read ALL the ways you can make a difference with Habitat:

Tip #1: Go Shopping

Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale

Tip #3: Write a Check

Tip #4: Donate a Vehicle

Tip #5: Donate Building Materials

Tip #6: A Brush with Kindness

Tip #7: Donate to our Home Store

Tip #8: Sell on eBay

Tip #9: Creative Fundraising

National League Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun Gifted His Bonus Money to Habitat Following His Experience as a House Leader at 2007 JCWP

Official Press Release:

RYAN BRAUN DONATES NATIONAL LEAGUE “ROOKIE OF THE YEAR” BONUS TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Brewers Player Donates $10,000 & Volunteer Support to help Eliminate Poverty Housing

Los Angeles, CA – February 14, 2008: Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewer and 2007 National League Rookie of the Year, first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity last fall when he served as an Honorary House Leader during the 2007 Jimmy Carter Work Project in Los Angeles. Moved by his experience, Braun pledged his Rookie of the Year bonus money to Habitat for Humanity and, this week, Braun made good on his promise and delivered a check for $10,000 to the organization.

“Ryan rolled up his sleeves and made a huge impact as a volunteer at the Jimmy Carter Work Project, and we are thrilled that he was inspired to continue to support our work as a result.” says Erin Rank, president/CEO Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles. “He saw firsthand the need for affordable housing and he can help us spread that message. We are thankful for his generous support.”

The 2007 Jimmy Carter Work Project drew over 3000 volunteers from all over the world to build 100 homes in five days throughout Greater Los Angeles.

READ ENTIRE PRESS RELEASE

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #9: CREATIVE FUNDRAISERS!

In Los Angeles we have so many creative types, like you, so we know you'll love this helping tip. Creative fundraising is a great way have some fun and raise money doing something you love. It’s also a great opportunity for families and organizations to make a difference doing group activities. Here are just a few examples of creative fundraising:

Marathons: How many times have you participated in a 5k or 10k walk/run, half or whole marathon just for fun or personal growth? Next time, why not ask friends, family and co-workers to sponsor you to raise money for Habitat for Humanity? Whether they pledge $5 or $25 you’re making a difference doing something you enjoy.

Whatever-a-Thons: Jumping jacks, jumping rope, line dancing, roller skating, walking, relay races, volleyball, drumming, hiking – whatever you can think of can become a unique event to raise money. Plan for your group to do the designated activity non-stop for 24 hours and raise money to sponsor it. It’s that simple and you will probably be able to get your local news to cover it, which in turn will create more support (be sure you have a website where people can donate!)

Poker Night: Host a poker tournament to raise money for Habitat! Great idea for friends and organizations that plan regular fundraisers. Make it fun, designate a theme and dress code and charge to enter the tournament. Make fun trophies or T-shirts for the winners.

Creative fundraising is something you can do individually, in groups and with your family – if you have great ideas, please share them with us.

Read ALL the ways you can make a difference with Habitat:
Tip #1: Go Shopping
Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale
Tip #3: Write a Check
Tip #4: Donate a Vehicle
Tip #5: Donate Building Materials
Tip #6: A Brush with Kindness
Tip #7: Donate to our Home Store
Tip #8: Sell on eBay

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #8: SELL ITEMS ON EBAY!

In fact, go eBay crazy!!! Clean out your closets, drawers, cars and basements and sell, sell, sell for Habitat!




Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles is an official non-profit on eBay Giving Works, which means any time you list an item on eBay, you can designate a portion of or the entire sales amount to go to our building efforts, right here in our community. In the past year, eBay sellers have helped raise hundreds of dollars to help build affordable housing, one auction at a time.



Rather than tossing out an old cell phone, pair of shoes, watch or other valuable item, why not go the extra mile and help your community? You can give 10% or 100% of your sales price to help hardworking families live in decent, safe homes.



It's as easy as creating a listing, and you'll boost your business and get a pro-rated fee credit when your item sells. It’s a win-win all the way around. Plus you can brag to all your friends about the money you're raising to help Habitat Build a Greater Los Angeles!



So gather up any unused electronics, clothing, jewelry, lamps, and accessories to help a worthy cause – your community!


Change the way you use eBay and change lives. If you have any questions about eBay Giving Works, please email us.

Read ALL the ways you can make a difference with Habitat:

Tip #1: Go Shopping
Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale
Tip #3: Write a Check
Tip #4: Donate a Vehicle
Tip #5: Donate Building Materials
Tip #6: A Brush with Kindness
Tip #7: Donate to our Home Store

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #7: Donate Items to the Home Improvement Store

All items at the Habitat for Humanity Home Improvement Store are donated by generous corporations, contractors and the general public. Donating to the store is easy and completely tax-deductible. Donations can be dropped off anytime during the store’s business hours or donation pick-ups can be scheduled to have a Habitat Truck retrieve the items at no cost to the donor. In return, the donors receive an In-Kind Donation form as proof of donation and can be used for tax deductions!

Pick-ups are limited to larger items that cannot be transported by a car and are usually scheduled 2 weeks prior to the pickup date.

Below is a list of items that can be donated to the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles Home Improvement Store:

Air Conditioning/Heating units
Appliances (no older than 7 years)
Bathroom Fixtures
Brick & Block (palletized)
Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinets
Sinks
Flooring
Interior/Exterior panel doors
Furniture
Hardware
Lumber (without nails)
Tile
Trim & Molding
Windows/Window Screens
Plumbing
Lighting & Electrical fixtures
Outdoor Living
Unique & Vintage Items
Some items the Home Improvement Store is not currently accepting:

Used Toilets
Mattresses/Box Springs
Flat Pane/Hollow-Core Doors

The Store is located at 17700 South Figueroa Street in the city of Gardena, California and if you're interested in donating contact:

Nicki Cordero
Donations Coordinator
O: 310-323-4663 x127
C: 310-808-5903

About Us:
The Home Improvement Store is an enterprise of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (HFH GLA) that sells new and gently used furniture, building and home improvement materials to the public. It was established to provide a self-sustaining funding source to the organization and to support the local community through access to low-cost home improvement items.

Read all the Ways you can make a difference with Habitat:

Tip #1: Go Shopping

Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale

Tip #3: Write a Check

Tip #4: Donate a Vehicle

Tip #5: Donate Building Supplies

Tip #6: A Brush With Kindness

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #6: A Brush with Kindness

A Brush with Kindness seeks to help low-income homeowners restore their homes so they can continue to live in a safe, decent and affordable home while bringing volunteers together to live out their values by helping a homeowner in need. A Brush with Kindness entails a lot of different type of work. The program includes landscaping, exterior paint and minor home repair. With the help of volunteers. A Brush with Kindness preserves housing stock in the Greater Los Angeles area with the help of volunteers. To find out more info about the program and how you can spend a day helpingA Brush With Kindness, contact us! By simply picking up a paintbrush you can change your community!


Read more about 21 Ways you can help Habitat
Tip #1: Go Shopping
Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale
Tip #3: Write a Check
Tip #4: Donate you Car
Tip #5: Donate Building Supplies
Tip #6: A Brush With Kindness

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #5: Donate building supplies

If you want to know for sure that your donation to Habitat has helped purchase the nails and siding for a home, you could donate building materials and tools to Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles. Maybe you recently remodeled your home, and you have quite a bit of leftover materials that you never used during your project? Habitat would be glad to find a way to utilize the materials that you haven't. We are always accepting donations, and what better way than to donate a box of nails, or unused sheetrock? Contact Habitatgla@gmail.com for more information on how you can help!

Read more about 21 Ways you can help Habitat
Tip #1: Go Shopping
Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale
Tip #3: Write a Check
Tip #4: Donate you Car
Tip #5: Donate Building Supplies

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #4: Donate your car!

If you want to donate to Habitat (as well as empty out your garage), you can donate a car or vehicle (or boat or jetski!) When you donate a car, truck, boat or RV through Cars for Homes™, Habitat's official vehicle donation program, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles will receive the net proceeds of your vehicle donation to help families build decent, affordable shelter within the local community. It's quick and easy to donate by calling 1-877-277-HFHI (4344) toll free or online at the Cars for Homes site. Be sure to let them know the donation is for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles.

Read more about 21 Ways you can help Habitat
Tip #1: Go Shopping
Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale
Tip #3: Write a Check
Tip #4: Donate you Car

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #3: Write a Check!

So maybe you are just too pressed for time to go through all of your belongings to have a garage sale. That's okay, we all get busy! So if you are still looking for a quick and easy way to help Habitat for Humanity, write a Check!

Habitat welcomes all types of donations, large and small. Every cent helpes us help a family. You can donate on your own or to get a group involved through corporate or group donations. Habitat for Humanity partners with corporations all over Los Angeles and that helps us keep building homes. Call us to find out more about being a monetary House or family Sponsor, or how to make a corporate gift. You can also do it right now online at Network for Good.

To find out more about how to donate a monetary amount, contact us at habitatgla@gmail.com! We can't wait to hear from you.

Read more about 21 Ways you can help Habitat
Tip #1: Go Shopping
Tip #2: Have a Yard Sale
Tip #3: Write a Check

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #2: HAVE A YARD SALE!

Yard sales are as common in Los Angeles as traffic, but what if your junk could change lives? We know you have all kinds of unused items like couches, lawn mowers and clothing that would sell great at a garage sale, so why not make it a fundraiser, this weekend? To make your Habitat garage sale a real success let everyone know that all the money you make (or a portion) will go toward helping Habitat for Humanity build more homes in Greater Los Angeles. By supporting your community and letting potential buyers know it, you could draw in more customers and avoid haggling!

Clean out your closets, basements and garages, get out there and enjoy a warm day while you make a difference. Heck, engage the kids by adding a lemonade stand and really make some money! Just the very sight of your efforts may also encourage a neighbor to think differently about their junk.

Be sure to advertise on Craigslist or in local newspapers and remember that yard sale shoppers start early - usually by 7 am. People also like to read the classifieds to find out what types of items will be available at different sales, so be sure to mention your Habitat tie-in.

You will helping a some great families in your community so get out there and sell! We guarantee you'll experience the warm feelings that come along with helping those in need. Who knows, you may start having yard sales once a month!

Read ALL the ways you make a difference with Habitat:
Tip #1: Go Shopping

HABITAT'S 21 WAYS IN 21 DAYS TIP #1: GO SHOPPING!

Yes, you can go shopping at Habitat for Humanity's Home Improvement Store in Gardena and every penny you spend will go directly toward building homes in Greater Los Angeles! Our home improvement store receives great new and used merchandise every day - all donated and all on sale for a fraction of retail prices. We also work with major Hollywood studios to recycle old movie and television sets from major studios.

Our home improvement store opened its doors in August 2004 providing affordable home furnishings and materials to the community while diverting several hundred tons of materials from landfills each year.

We consider all donated materials, please contact our donation department for more information at 310-323-4663 x101. We proudly work with local deconstruction services to recycle your home during renovation, please call us for more information.

Great Items In Stock Now:

REFRIDGERATORS

CABINETRY

BOOK CASES

ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS

DINING TABLES

VINYL WINDOWS

MULTI-PANEL INDOOR/OUTDOOR DOORS

Coming Soon:

BRAND NEW WATER HEATERS FROM SEARS

Please tell all your friends about our store and stop by often as we get new deliveries daily!

Habitat for Humanity Home Improvement Store

17700 S. Figueroa

Gardena, CA 90248

310-323-5665

http://www.shophabitat.org/

The Home Improvement Store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.