habitat builder
spring 2026 - issue 30
2026 Non-Profit of the Year
Assemblymember John Harabedian
San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity Recognized as Nonprofit of the Year San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember John Harabedian of District 41. “It is a great honor,” said Bryan Wong, Chief Executive Officer of SGV Habitat. “This recognition is a testament to the commitment of our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who work tirelessly to empower families through safe and affordable housing.” SGV Habitat for Humanity continues to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to creating affordable homeownership opportunities, revitalizing neighborhoods, assisting households impacted by the Eaton Fire and supporting families across the San Gabriel Valley through housing, community development, affordable home furnishings and volunteer engagement initiatives. “We are grateful for the work of SGV Habitat and want to extend our congratulations for this well deserved recognition,” said Geoff Green, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits) which sponsors the initiative. “Nonprofits are among our country’s most trusted organizations and an integral part of civil society. There’s likely never been a more important time to lift up the contributions nonprofits make within the communities they serve.” “From the earliest days after the Eaton fire, San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity has been there for our community, helping survivors begin their difficult path home,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena). “At a time when families were facing unimaginable loss and uncertainty, Habitat showed up with compassion, urgency, and action. In Altadena, their work is helping people hold onto the belief that their future can still be rebuilt. That dedication to serving families in their hardest moments is why I was proud to recognize San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity as Nonprofit of the Year.”
Habitat Aligns With Green Fenix to Bring Trees Back to Altadena Once known as a “green oasis” of Southern California, Altadena’s iconic tree canopy was devastated by the Eaton Fire — leaving residents to mourn not only the loss of homes, but also the natural landscape that defined their community for generations. Now, in a shared commitment to restoring both neighborhood beauty and community spirit, SGV Habitat, Green Fenix and Moon Valley Nurseries are joining forces to launch a major tree restoration initiative across Altadena. We are beyond thrilled to announce that on May 14th, the first two mature trees went in the ground at SGV Habitat’s first Rebuild home and newly constructed ADU located in Altadena! Representatives from our partner organizations alongside the homeowners and community members, gathered for the ceremonial planting. This is just the beginning of the joint initiative which aims to help restore the lush, shaded landscape that once defined the foothill community while supporting long-term recovery and environmental resilience. “Knowing that we have a team at SGV Habitat that will be rebuilding 100 to 200 homes in Altadena and planting two trees on every lot is going to change Altadena for generations to come.” — Bryson Reaume, CEO of Green Fenix