It's no secret that there is a shortage of affordable housing in San Diego. In 2000, there were more than 91,000 affordable housing units in the county. By 2020, that number dropped by 72 percent.
Thankfully, our region has organizations like San Diego Habitat for Humanity, who are ready and able to tackle the housing shortage one property at a time. Since 1988, San Diego Habitat has built or repaired nearly 400 homes throughout San Diego County. To build these homes, Habitat relies on thousands of volunteers each year, most recently volunteers from Team SDG&E.
On Saturday, June 12, a team of 15 Environmental All-Stars volunteers worked with Habitat for Humanity staff to support construction efforts at their newest National City build site. The build site, off Harding Ave. & W. 18th Street will include six affordable row townhomes, each with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,110 to 1,300 square feet. The community will feature drought-tolerant landscaping, sustainable materials, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and efficient appliances. Construction began in the Fall of 2020 and the homes will be completed by May 2022.
“As a new member of the Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors, I have a feeling this will be the first of many projects for me. And that’s what it’s all about," said Kevin Geraghty, Senior Vice President of Electric Operations. "These projects provide us all with a sense of purpose that is greater than ourselves. The sense of purpose to make our communities better.”
In May, company volunteers also participated in Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build — a month-long campaign that encourages volunteers to come together from all walks of life to build stronger, safer communities. We recruited volunteers from the company’s Lean In network, a community of more than 300 women dedicated to helping each other achieve their ambitions. On May 21 and May 22, Lean In volunteers supported new construction efforts in Encinitas and National City, working under the guidance of construction professionals to build new homes for hardworking low-income families and individuals in need.
Get involved in your neighborhood
The projects completed by San Diego Habitat for Humanity are only possible with help from dedicated volunteers like our Environmental All-Stars and the Lean In program. Click here to learn more about Habitat for Humanity and find a way to make a difference for a neighbor in need.
Environmental All-Stars
Through the Environmental All-Stars program, SDG&E employees regularly volunteer their time for a variety of projects in the community, ranging from building school gardens and installing solar panels for low-income residents to restoring habitats for endangered species.
In 2021, Team SDG&E has a full calendar of projects scheduled, including partnerships with San Diego River Park Foundation, Coastal Roots Farm, San Diego Canyonlands, and many more.