Site Tour and Blessing to Take Place Tuesday, July 7
Los Angeles, CA (July 7, 2015) – Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) and its Catholic Coalition will welcome Archbishop of Los Angeles, José H. Gomez, to its new home development in the City of Lynwood on Tuesday, July 7. Archbishop Gomez, who is the Archbishop of the nation’s largest Catholic Archdiocese, will lead a blessing of the seven homes from 11am to noon in support of Habitat LA’s Catholic Coalition which sponsored and helped to build one of the homes. He will be joined by the Habitat LA partner homebuyers for these homes as well as Catholic clergy and parishioners from more than 18 Catholic congregations across greater Los Angeles.
The inaugural build of Habitat LA’s Catholic Coalition began in July of 2014. In the last year, Catholic churches and schools have joined together with a goal of raising $150,000 to construct the home. They have also recruited fellow parishioners to help build the home and become advocates for affordable housing.
Habitat LA’s first Catholic Build home is being purchased by Maria and Ricardo Rendon. Ricardo is a retired U.S. Navy Veteran and Maria is a Catholic school teacher in South Central Los Angeles. They have four children and have prayed for the opportunity to provide their kids with a better home for years, but have never had enough income to make it a reality.
In order to qualify as a Habitat LA partner homebuyer, the couple proved that they have good credit and the ability to pay back a zero-interest mortgage. They have also contributed sweat equity hours helping to build their home and the homes of their neighbors.
“It is an incredible honor to have Archbishop Gomez bless these homes, partner families and the work of our Catholic Coalition,” says Erin Rank, Habitat LA President and CEO. “It has been amazing to have the Catholic community rally around our mission and put faith into action building the Rendon’s home.”
Event Details
Site Blessing
Tuesday, July 7
11am to noon
3305 Magnolia Ave., Lynwood CA
The Catholic Coalition plans to continue partnering with Habitat LA to build decent, affordable and sustainable housing for hardworking, low-income families and individuals. Archbishop Gomez’ support will hopefully help to expand Habitat LA’s Catholic Coalition into a partnership that is able to fund and build many more homes in the next five years. For more information on Habitat LA’s Catholic Coalition, please email Chris Untiet, Habitat LA’s Associate Director of Faith Relations, at chrisu@habitatla.org.
About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) strives to eliminate substandard housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families and individuals in need to build decent, sustainable and affordable housing. Since 1990, Habitat LA has built, rehabilitated and repaired more than 1,000 homes locally and worldwide, transforming the lives of thousands of individuals. Habitat LA is a Guide Star® Valued Partner and has four consecutive Charity Navigator 4-Star ratings awarded to non-profits for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. Habitat for Humanity International recognized 14 affiliates out of more than 1400 as Affiliates of Distinction for 2015-2017 and Habitat LA is proudly one of them. For more information, please visit www.habitatla.org or call 310-323-4663.
Media Contact:
Ali Mullin
Habitat for Humanity of Greater LA
(310) 502-1269
amullin@habitatla.org
