For decades, Habitat for Humanity Coachella Valley (HFHCV) has remained steadfast on its mission to unite people to build homes and communities. One key thing that is never left out is hope, which Dave Thornton, HFHCV’s executive director, says is one of the fundamental building blocks of the revered nonprofit organization.
“I’m excited that we can help people as it relates to housing and security,” Thornton said. “In our affiliate, we’re building one to two houses a year for low-income families.
“We also help stabilize people who are in unsafe situations and overcrowded situations,” he added, “so maybe the kids can now have a home they can go to, and they can make friends in their neighborhood, and the parents don’t have to think about their rent going up another year and then having to move again.”
The nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. Through the years, it stood out for deeply addressing the issues of poor housing conditions. It’s founding conviction was clear: “That every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live.”
“We come in and find the neediest families, then try to help them have a fresh start in life and a chance at a normalized life,” Thornton said.
Recently, HFHCV received a grant from Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) through the Riverside County ARPA Fund, which Thornton says has been directed to address housing repair for those in need.
“People call us weekly with requests for needed repairs, and when we go into a home, it’s not just one repair; it’s between three and five repairs, and we do them on our own,” Thornton said. “It’s at no cost to the senior citizen and/or the young families, who may be low-income.”
He offers a recent example of a household with a broken refrigerator that wasn’t functioning because of a blown-out breaker. 
“We also find out that their food has spoiled and the refrigerator isn’t what they thought,” he said. “Next thing we find out it’s their electrical panel that’s blowing breakers because it’s so antiquated or unsafe. Then we’re able to repair that. Sometimes it’s a leaky faucet in the bathroom, and then they’ve been sort of fixing that faucet because they have no money. Through the IECF grant, we’re able to help a lot of people with these kinds of repairs.”
Most noteworthy, perhaps, about the organization is that the nonprofit constructs new homes with the support of community partners, donors, and volunteers. Additionally, its homeownership program assists qualified homebuyers at no profit. Thornton said affordable loans streamline the process.
To be sure, HFHCV is known for its intrepid volunteers and supporters, too. Another valuable local extension of the nonprofit can be found via the ReStore thrift store, which HFHCV runs on Dinah Shore Drive in Palm Desert. All proceeds from sales support the nonprofit’s mission.
Families who meet the application criteria are welcome to apply. A selection committee decides on a future homeowner based on the level of need, a willingness to become partners in the program, and the ability to repay the no-interest loan.
Another standout component of the nonprofit is “A Brush with Kindness,” a unique program in which volunteers offer home restoration and repair for various homeowners. These are typically senior citizens or disabled residents who fall into the low-income bracket or have other factors that prevent them from maintaining their homes.
“Everybody needs housing,” Thornton said. “We try to advocate for people, but we also work with our local representatives to help provide people with more funding. We’re committed to making a difference.”
Learn more at inlandsocaluw.org.
This article originally appeared in the Desert Sun, November 2024
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