Habitat for Humanity Partners with PG&E and Local Church to Support Community Rebuilding in Merced, CA

Furniture World News Desk on 3/28/2024

Following the major disaster declaration by FEMA and the State of California due to heavy rains and flooding in January 2023, Habitat for Humanity Merced/Stanislaus Counties has announced a partnership with the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Merced to renovate a property owned by the church. This renovation project is designed to serve as temporary housing for volunteers committed to assisting with the long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts in the region.

“The devastation from these storms and flooding has left many sections of Merced, McSwain, Atwater, HWY 59 and particularly the community of Planada the hardest hit,” shared Anita Hellam, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Merced/ Stanislaus Counties. Hellam highlighted the ongoing need for safe and secure housing for storm survivors, noting that many are still in damaged or temporary housing.

The renovation of the Calvary Assembly of God Church’s property is seen as a crucial step in ensuring the availability of volunteer support for the community’s restoration. This initiative received significant financial backing from the PG&E Corporation Foundation, contributing to the project's funding. “PG&E is deeply committed to serving our hometowns, and we are honored to stand alongside other community leaders in the noble mission of providing shelter for volunteers who selflessly provide a helping hand to those in their greatest time of need,” said Tracy Mello, Regional Senior Manager of PG&E’s Central Valley Region.

Additional support for the project has come from donations of materials and supplies to the Habitat ReStore, as well as assistance from Habitat for Humanity California, Habitat for Humanity International, and First 5 of Merced County. The involvement of local interior design experts, including Wendy Glaister, Stephanie Poulsen, Sarah Grover, Monica Salvador, Leila Mendoza, and Adri Denlinger, has been instrumental in the planning and execution of the renovation.

Construction on the project has begun, with completion targeted for early April 2024. Upon completion, the facility will welcome volunteers from across the United States, coming together to aid in rebuilding and repairing homes affected by the 2023 storms.

About Habitat Merced/Stanislaus Counties
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. Working in local communities across all 50 states and in more than 70 countries around the world, Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat works toward this vision by building and improving homes in partnership with individuals and families in need of a decent and affordable place to live. We believe affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities. By partnering with Habitat, families and communities transform their lives with the incredible effects of safe and affordable shelter, including improvements in health, safety, child development, economic opportunity and educational achievement.

About Calvary Assembly of God 
Located at R and 10th Street, the Church Has Been Serving Neighbors with Its Youth Outreach Program and With Other Initiatives Designed to Serve Its Diverse and Expansive Community.  Both Habitat and Church Members Serve on The Long-Term Recovery Group (ltrg) Where, with Other Nonprofits, They Receive Regular Recovery Updates and Help Support the Communities Still Severely Affected by The Winter Disasters.  

To Celebrate the Grand Opening of Our Volunteer Hub, the Public Is Invited to Join Us for A Ribbon Cutting Friday, April 5th at 10:00 Am at 1157 10th Street, Merced.

About The Pg&e Corporation Foundation 
 The Pg&E Corporation Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, separate from PG&E and sponsored by PG&E Corporation.