Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2024

Contact:
Devonna Almagro | Director of Communications
(619) 283-4663 x125
devonna.almagro@sandiegohabitat.org

San Diego Habitat for Humanity Unveils Ten New Affordable Homes in Escondido
A Milestone Project Celebrating Community Collaboration and Housing Solutions

Escondido, CA — San Diego Habitat for Humanity proudly celebrated the dedication of its newest affordable housing community, El Norte Parkway, this past Saturday, August 10, in Escondido This milestone event marked the completion of ten duplex-style homes, representing Habitat’s seventh for-sale affordable housing project in the city and the 175th new home constructed by San Diego Habitat in San Diego County since 1990. The ceremony honored the new homeowners, dedicated volunteers, and generous supporters whose contributions made this dream a reality.

San Diego Habitat began construction at the El Norte Parkway site in May 2022. The newly completed community, serving 41 residents, including 19 adults and 22 children, features ten 1,300 square foot, 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom homes, each with attached 2-car garages, private yards, drought-tolerant landscaping, and energy-efficient appliances, including solar panels — the first San Diego Habitat community to incorporate solar energy. This development, built in partnership with future homeowners who each contributed a minimum of 250 hours of sweat equity by working alongside Habitat staff and volunteers, exemplifies the true spirit of community and collaboration, fostering a deep sense of pride and ownership.

Kwofi Reed, President + CEO of San Diego Habitat for Humanity, expressed his gratitude, “Today’s dedication is more than just a celebration of bricks and mortar; it’s a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together. We are honored to hand over the keys to these families, knowing that each home represents a future filled with hope and stability. As more San Diegans face escalating housing costs and challenges, our work has never been more essential. We remain committed to making affordable housing a reality for working families.”

With the median home price nearing $1 million and one in five households spending over half their income on housing, the need for affordable housing is urgent. The increasing number of San Diego families struggling to afford rent underscores the critical demand for such developments. San Diego Habitat for Humanity is steadfast in its mission, going beyond providing shelter to nurturing hope and creating lasting opportunities for families to thrive.

During the program, new Habitat homeowners Zachary and Jessica, shared their heartfelt story: “Working in partnership with San Diego Habitat for Humanity in our homeownership journey has been an incredible experience. We’ve worked hard alongside volunteers, and now we have a place to call our own. This home represents security, a brighter future, and a stable foundation for our family. We are incredibly grateful for the support from everyone who made this possible.”

The Wells Fargo Foundation provided grant funding to support the project. Antonio Barbosa, Vice President, Community Relations from Wells Fargo, stated, “Wells Fargo is proud to have played a role in making these homes a reality. Our contributions and volunteer hours reflect our commitment to community development and affordable housing. We are inspired by the dedication of San Diego Habitat for Humanity and are thrilled to see these families move into their new homes.”

The success of this project was supported by a $1 million allocation from HOME program funds from the City of Escondido and $1 million in CalHome funding from the State of California. Additional funding came from Bank of America, Realty Income, San Diego Foundation, and Cox. The project also received crucial support from Mission Driven Finance and both individual and institutional investors in the Homebuilding Investment Fund.

Photo credit: Amanda SanMartin

About San Diego Habitat for Humanity
People in our community partner with San Diego Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners build their homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. With our help, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.

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).

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