The Los Angeles Post

BARGER, SAN GABRIEL VALLEY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY KICK OFF NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH AT GROUNDBREAKING

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Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, San Gabriel Valley (SGV) Habitat for Humanity, dignitaries, and community leaders kicked-off  National Homeownership Month today at a groundbreaking ceremony in Altadena for the Olive Project – a new affordable single-family home designated for first-time homebuyers.

The event marked a milestone for the unincorporated community of Altadena since it is the first time they have partnered with SGV Habitat for Humanity. The ceremony was attended by partners who share a determined support for helping make homeownership accessible to local residents in a competitive housing market.

“I am proud that Los Angeles County transferred this land to San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity,” stated Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “The County process was long, but our partners were patient. Soon, this empty lot will be transformed into a sustainably built home designed to preserve the character of the surrounding neighborhood. The Olive Project is truly a model of how we can solve the affordable housing crisis. Partnerships and collaborations are our path forward. They fuel our shared mission to uplift those in need.”

Bryan Wong, Executive Director of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, shared how the project will make a long-term difference. “This future home will serve as the first step towards economic independence for the selected first-time homebuyer. It brings opportunity to a family that never would have been able to buy a home on their own. We are proud to be part of a transformative journey that will make a difference for generations to come.”

Altadena Town Council Member Diane Marcussen shared how the Olive Project incorporated community input throughout its planning process. “Our Altadena Town Council evolved from an evaluation committee to a support committee,” Marcussen said. “The County and developers were clear that they respected our feedback and included us from the very beginning. We look forward to continuing this partnership. May this project be the first of more to come.”

Construction at the Olive Project site begins this summer and will be completed by December 2022. The property, which was also rezoned with support from the County, will be transformed into a 1,300 square foot three-bedroom, two-bathroom single story house. Renderings of the completed home are available here.

SGV Habitat for Humanity is leading efforts to select the first-time homebuyer for the Olive Project. To be eligible, applicants need to be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income level. They must also agree to be the home’s occupants and keep it as affordable housing, meaning they will not “flip” the property at market rates. More information about the homebuyer qualification and selection process is available on SGV Habitat for Humanity’s website.