 The son of Javier and Anna Baena cuts a ribbon to his new house as Mayor Marty Blum and Habitat for Humanity volunteer Kalon Kelley look on. Photo by Bethany Burns / Brooks Institute of Photography (c) 2007
That’s the reality driving Habitat for Humanity, a Christian-based nonprofit that unveiled its first housing development Thursday with fanfare and support from businesses, government, the religious community and private donors. Politicians and about 50 others involved in the project gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the three furnished homes on Via Lucero near La Cumbre Road.
Selected from 177 applicants, the three families saw their new homes for the first time along with dozens of others who attended the ceremony. “My family has a new beginning,” Tiara DuPree said to the crowd, fighting back tears. “From this point on, you are all a part of that," said the mother of three. DuPree and her children had previously been living at Transition House, a shelter for low-income families, while she earned a college degree in business and worked as a banker. Each of the recipients underwent an extensive application process. After credit checks, home visits, interviews -- and some hard decisions by the board members of Habitat for Humanity -- the families were ultimately chosen based on need, the size of their families and the stability of their income. “This is a dream that has come true for us,” said Bernardo Zarate, a landscaper who is also one of the new homeowners.  Tiara DuPree receives her house keys at a dedication ceremony Thursday for Habitat for Humanity's first project. Photo by Bethany Burns / Brooks Institute of Photography (c) 2007 Part of the deal for low-income families who qualify is that they will put in 500 “sweat hours” for their homes -- meaning they help actually build them -- as well as future homes. Their mortgage payments, not to exceed 35 percent of their income, will be put toward the cost of other projects.
Eligible families typically make under $40,000 a year, or between 30 and 50 percent of the median income in Santa Barbara County.
“This is meant to be a hand up rather than a hand out,” said Hugh Davis, president of the Board for Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County. Habitat for Humanity used the opportunity to announce plans for its next project: a four-home unit on property at San Pasquel Road. The land has already been purchased with help from Santa Barbara’s Housing and Urban Development department. The organization needs to raise about $2 million to complete this second project.
They'll also be looking for volunteers. It took roughly 1,000 volunteers two years to complete the Via Lucero project. Businesses donated materials and manpower, and state and local politicians helped secure funding.  The Rev. Lynn Brewer of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church gives a blessing at Thursday's dedication ceremony. Photo by Bethany Burns / Brooks Institute of Photography (c) 2007
Several City Councilmembers attended Thursday’s reception, along with a representative from U.S. Rep. Lois Capps’ office.
“This is really heart-warming,” said Santa Barbara Mayor Marty Blum, who cut the ribbon with a pair of giant scissors. “We’re ready to pound some more nails.” Email:
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