FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2019
Contact: Ellen Immergut | Director of Communications
Mobile: (619) 379-5793
Email: ellen.immergut@sandiegohabitat.org
MEDIA ADVISORY
Celebrating empowerment and renewed hope for local families in need of improved housing
WHAT: San Diego Habitat for Humanity is pleased to be dedicating the final three homes of its affordable housing community in El Cajon. A total of five new homes were built in partnership with local families in need of improved housing, and have been sold to them at a price they can afford.
The other two homes were built as part of San Diego Habitat’s Home Builders Blitz in 2018, and were dedicated at the end of that weeklong build event.
Guests at this heartwarming event will wish the new homeowner families well and send them blessings as they embark on their new lives filled with strength, stability, and independence.
Families like Mark and Hadar’s —
Mark and Hadar were married in 2010, and have a beautiful, talkative 4-year-old daughter who loves ballet, music, and coloring. Mark works to help public sector health, education, and human services organizations better serve our communities, and Hadar is a full-time college student. The couple truly believes in the power of education, and the opportunities it can provide. They believe in working hard, and say, “Whatever you give life, life will give you back.”
Mark and Hadar are refugees — they were religiously persecuted in their home country, and their family home was destroyed by ISIS. Mark and his four siblings are all safe in the United States now, and he will be the first one in his family to own a home here.
Family comes first for Mark and Hadar. In their free time, they enjoy local parks, beaches, and picnics with family and friends. Their Habitat home will provide safety and better financial stability, allowing them to save money for their little girl’s education and continue to be a vital part of our community.
Mark says he has no words to express his gratitude to Habitat and donors like you for giving his family the greatest push they need for success in life.
The houses were mostly built by Habitat’s army of approximately 7,000 annual volunteers working alongside the new homeowners, who commit to build and buy their own homes, as part of their partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The 1,300 square foot homes have 3 bedrooms, 2-car covered carports, private yards, drought-tolerant landscaping, and energy efficient appliances and plumbing fixtures.
Habitat is honored to have the support of the City of El Cajon and many generous sponsors such as TD Ameritrade, Wells Fargo, and Realty Income, in making this community a reality.
WHEN: Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 2:00pm
WHERE: 585 Ballantyne Street, El Cajon, CA 92020
Directions: Take 8 East. Take exit 17C for Magnolia Avenue toward Civic Center. Take the first left off the freeway at E Madison Avenue. Turn left onto Ballantyne. Site is on your right.
Parking is available at the Heartland Masonic Center at 695 Ballantyne Street. If you need closer access for live feed, please contact Ellen at 619-379-5793 for assistance.
WHY: No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve to have a decent life. We deserve to feel strength and stability day after day. We deserve to know we have the power to take care of ourselves and build our own futures. Habitat believes in a community — and a world — where everyone has a decent place to live.
Interview and Photo Opportunities Include:
Lori Holt Pfeiler, President and CEO | San Diego Habitat for Humanity
Deputy Mayor Steve Goble | City of El Cajon
Habitat for Humanity Homeowners
About San Diego Habitat for Humanity
San Diego Habitat for Humanity, the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is a nonprofit organization that builds simple, decent and affordable homes for ownership by local families in need of improved housing. Habitat homeowners are selected on the basis of housing need, willingness to partner with Habitat and ability to repay an affordable mortgage loan.
Habitat for Humanity exists through volunteer labor and contributions of money, land and materials, including purchases and donations to the ReStore, Habitat’s discount home improvement retail center. For more information, visit www.sandiegohabitat.org or call 619-283-HOME (4663).
