Last month, we had the pleasure of dedicating two houses in Encinitas that were built in partnership with local families in need of improved housing and that were sold to them at a price they can afford. Please meet Leticia here, and Mauricio and Alejandra here.

The 1,400 square foot (3 bedroom) and 1,700 square foot (4 bedroom) single-family homes feature attached garages, covered porches, drought-tolerant landscaping, and energy efficient appliances and plumbing fixtures. These two new homes were built in partnership with the City of Encinitas and is our second Habitat community in the city.

The houses were intended to be mostly built by Habitat’s army of approximately 5,000 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. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a dedicated group of 19 “regular” volunteers, superintendents, and AmeriCorps members jumped in and got the job done in good health, safely, and on time.

We were joined by many donors and volunteers who made this joyous occasion possible, including longtime sponsor Guild Mortgage Company, who donated $250,000 to build one of the homes in this community, and donors from our Homebuilding Investment Fund.

We wish the new homeowner families well as they embark on their new lives filled with strength, stability, and independence.

Thank you to these sponsors who supported the Leucadia II community: