FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2024
Contact:
Devonna Almagro | Director of Communications
(619) 283-4663 x125
devonna.almagro@sandiegohabitat.org
Media Release
San Diego Habitat for Humanity’s Second Annual Taste of Home Event Raises Vital Funds for Affordable Housing Initiatives
Carlsbad, CA — San Diego Habitat for Humanity successfully hosted its Second Annual Taste of Home event on June 2nd, bringing together over 150 guests for an evening of culinary excellence and community support, raising essential funds for the organization’s affordable homeownership initiatives. Taste of Home was not only a gastronomic celebration but also marked the commencement of National Homeownership Month, emphasizing the importance of homeownership in creating stable and thriving communities. Attendees savored diverse flavors crafted by renowned chefs and local restaurants, with generous contributions from businesses and wineries such as Asmara Café/Restaurant, Bitchin’ Sauce, BIVOUAC Ciderworks, Indulge at Embassy Suites by Hilton, Improv Booze Free Cocktails, Milton’s, Modern Times Beer, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pizza Port Brewing Company, San Diego Catering Company, Sipwell Wine Co., and Stone Brewing.
Kwofi Reed, CEO of San Diego Habitat for Humanity, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Taste of Home is more than a celebration of food; it honors the essence of what makes a house a home. As we kick off National Homeownership Month, we’re reminded of how crucial homeownership is in creating stability and healthy outcomes for families throughout San Diego County. This event also marks 13 years of homeownership for the residents of Roosevelt Gardens in Carlsbad, a milestone that underscores our commitment to fostering strong, sustainable communities.”
The event also commemorated the 13th anniversary of the Roosevelt Gardens development, a project completed in 2011, providing 11 affordable homes and helping 11 San Diego families realize their dreams of homeownership. Attendees were moved by inspiring stories from homeowners like Noor Yaqoob, a Habitat board member and homeowner, who shared, “After we got this home, we have been showered with ample blessings; as a result of the financial stability that Habitat for Humanity has offered us, my husband and I were able to advance our careers by obtaining higher educations and professional licenses, and this has played a transformative role in our family’s future. We are grateful for the support of San Diego Habitat for Humanity and the community that makes this all possible.”
In addition to raising $73,000 to support San Diego Habitat’s mission, the event proudly launched San Diego Habitat’s Builders Circle. This new initiative aims to strengthen the organization’s homeownership and repair programs, reflecting the community’s steadfast commitment to providing safe, affordable housing opportunities across the region.
Kwofi Reed, SD Habitat President & CEO, introduces the Yaqoob family, to share their Habitat story with guests.
Shayna Hensely, Habitat’s Director of Housing + Community Services joins a few residents of Carlsbad’s Roosevelt Gardens for the celebration.
Stone Brewing staff prepares delicious birria tacos for guests at Taste of Home event.
Photo credit: Wendy Childress Photography
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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