CONTACT: Delis Alejandro |  (310) 566-1530  | 

St. Monica Catholic Community is honored to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity by sponsoring volunteer builds in various locations in Southern California and other states and countries!  Habitat for Humanity  advocates for affordable housing with specific focus on homeownership opportunities for families with limited-incomes. 

This fall marks Habitat’s 50th anniversary. Started in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has been a global movement of people working together to build more prosperous, vibrant communities and expanding access to safe and affordable homes.

Recent Activities

Palisades Community Build - September 2026

St. Monica’s was honored to support and participate in Habitat LA’s four-day Community Build in Pacific Palisades, held September 23–26. The event brought together more than 700 volunteers over four days, along with sponsors and other community partners. 

On Saturday, Msgr. Torgerson led a prayer for the 150 volunteers heading out to several sites throughout the community, including our own team of parish volunteers. Our St. Monica’s team helped clear vegetation from a lot where a home will be rebuilt. That morning, four homebuilders announced they would each donate their services to build a home for a family who lost theirs in the wildfire.

The event was a stark reminder that, nearly two years after the fires, the work of rebuilding is still just beginning for many families. At the same time, seeing so many people come out to support the community offered a powerful sign of hope. The Community Build is just one part of Habitat LA’s broader efforts to support fire survivors to rebuild and return home.

CNN Feature on Palisades Build event

Erin Grove Dedication - August 2026

Habitat for Humanity of Greater LA recently dedicated its largest development in Long Beach of 36 homes. It’s a unique community where 20 homes will be for Habitat families and the remaining townhomes will be sold at market rates. They are at the center of the Washington neighborhood in Long Beach that Habitat has been helping to revitalize. Erin Grove is named for Habitat LA’s CEO, Erin Rank, who was born and raised in Long Beach.

St. Monica Build Day on Orange Ave. in Long Beach  - August 2026

We brought an enthusiastic crew to the Orange Ave. site on August 15th where Habitat is building eight townhomes. Some of us painted while others worked on the second story framing. Since it was a warm summery day, everyone took extra water breaks and enjoyed the cool breezes when they appeared. These homes are scheduled to be finished by next summer.

Wildfire Relief

Habitat LA is supporting those impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires, offering assistance to repair and rebuild homes, restore stability, and help families recover. They are prioritizing support for low-income households that are uninsured, underinsured, or most vulnerable.

Disaster Relief Services:

• Smoke Remediation
  Smoke damage clean-up and remediation 
• Water Damage
  Repairing and restoring flooring, walls, and electrical systems.

• Home Repairs
  Essential repairs to restore homes.

• Rebuilding
  Support and funding to help rebuilding efforts.
• ReBUILD Financing
  Silent loans to cover the difference between insurance payouts and actual rebuilding costs.

As an immediate step, Habitat LA  has launched the Accelerator Fund—flexible grants of up to $10,000 designed to remove barriers and help families get back home faster.

To learn more about these initiatives or to donate, please go to https://www.habitatla.org/how-to-apply/disaster-relief/