Diane Reed, Habitat South Bay/ Long Beach Co-Founder
Greg Bisenieks, Torrance ReStore Manager
Habitat LA mourns the loss of two members of our extended family: co-founder Diane Reed and Torrance ReStore Manager Greg Bisenieks.
Diane Reed, who co-founded the Habitat South Bay/Long Beach affiliate in 1990 with her husband David, passed away after a battle with cancer November 28, 2018. She was 79. The Reeds were friends of Habitat for Humanity founder Millard Fuller, and shared his vision of putting faith into action. In less than 30 years, the all-volunteer organization the Reeds founded has become one of the largest Habitat affiliates in the world, employing more than 100 full-time staff and serving families in over 85% of Los Angeles County.
“Diane Reed was a driving force behind the initial work of creating an affiliate: raising funds, finding land, and getting volunteers out to build the first home,” said Erin Rank, Habitat LA President and CEO. “She was proud to see how far we’ve come from those first few months in a one-room rented office. She will be greatly missed.”
Greg Bisenieks, who managed our Torrance ReStore, passed away on December 31, 2018. Greg joined Habitat LA in January 2012 as a member of our construction department, before transitioning to the ReStore. “His smile and helping spirit were well known among staff from all departments,” said Erin. “We will miss him tremendously.”
