Volunteers needed for Castillo project

Habitat for Humanity is moving into the Sonoma Valley, and its first project is helping finish the rehabilitation of Irma Castillo’s home on Broadway in Sonoma. Today, Tuesday, Sept. 27, those who are interested in lending a hand through their own labors can get started with a volunteer overview meeting at St. Andrew Church.

“We are dipping our toes into the Habitat for Humanity Neighborhood Revitalization world,” said Tamara Stanley, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Sonoma County. She elaborated that the Neighborhood Revitalization is a “hand up not a hand out” program, whereby the homeowners can pay for any repairs needed at a much reduced rate, due to volunteer labor and in-kind contributions.

Che Casul, the Volunteer and Community Development manager for Habitat for Humanity Sonoma County, will lead the volunteer overview meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 27, from noon to 12:45 p.m. at St. Andrew Church, 16290 Arnold Drive. The front porch repair of Castillo’s home is being sponsored by St. Andrew Church and the Sonoma Chamber of Commerce for the cost of supplies.

Casul will provide the necessary paperwork to work on local construction projects. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age to be on a job site. People who take part in this volunteer training can be a part of the crew to finish up Castillo’s home repair in Sonoma.

The 85-year-old widow has lived in her home for more than 40 years, and fell on hard times with the death of her husband about 10 years ago. A community effort to prevent her eviction and home tear-down has literally rescued her over the past year.

The Sonoma Young Professionals are coordinating the final amount of fundraising needed for the completion of Castillo’s house, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the project. Donate $50 or more and receive a complimentary bottle of Local Sonoma Olive Oil. Go to tinyurl.com/hhdbx98 to register or donate or register for the Sept. 27 volunteer training.

“We are envisioning assisting additional low-income homeowners with critical home repairs,” said Stanley. “After this pilot project, our goal is to roll out a full program at the beginning of 2017.” Learn more about Habitat for Humanity Sonoma County at habitatsoco.org.

Contact Christian at christian.kallen@sonomanews.com.