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Keni Silva Supports Housing Opportunities
for Women at Habitat for Humanity
Women Build Event
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~ The Model, TV Personality and Real Estate Executive Joins Volunteer Home Builders at New Pasadena ReStore Site ~ | |
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Pasadena, CA, March 11, 2023 – San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity (SGV Habitat) kicked off the organization’s Women Build Month in style this weekend with celebrity TV personality, model and philanthropist Keni Silva, who joined over 150 community volunteers at the future site of the new SGV Habitat ReStore in Pasadena.
Special Guest Keni Silva (as seen on the "Real Housewives of Orange County”), took to the podium on Saturday to inspire the crowd and say a few words about her own experiences as a single mother of two who's been investing in real estate and supporting programs that help lift women up, for almost 15 years.
“According to the National Association of Realtors, women make more financial sacrifices than men in order to purchase a home. For single mothers, those sacrifices are even greater. As a single mother and realtor myself, I am proud to support San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build event and SGV Habitat’s efforts to help make homeownership a reality for women and their families.”, stated Ms. Silva.
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The 2023 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Royal Court also traded in their sashes for tool belts today, to help frame walls for the brand-new three-bedroom, two-bath, single story house that will soon be erected on Olive Avenue in Altadena– the first SGV Habitat house to be built in that community.
The future homeowners Brenda, Gerardo, and their three kids, put in their own sweat equity this weekend, expressing their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity SGV Habitat has given them, "We're currently living in a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment and the living space is very crowded. It's a struggle sharing one bathroom between five people, and there's not enough room in the kitchen for everyone to sit and eat together." said Brenda "Being able to partner with Habitat for Humanity is a privilege for our family. We're looking forward to finally being able to sit together as a family for dinner, having a yard to hang out with the kids, maybe adopting a family dog they can play with, and being able to thrive knowing that we have a safe and secure place to call our own."
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SGV Habitat Homeowners, Ofelia, Liz (daughter Sara) and Ceasar (SGV Habitat Construction Site Supervisor) | |
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In California, 1 in 5 households spend more than half of their income on housing. Homeownership is also further out of reach for California’s working families than ever before. Since 1991, Women Build has brought together women and their allies to raise funds, recruit their friends and build homes side-by-side with those in need of affordable housing in Glendale, Pasadena, Monterey Park, Baldwin Park, Monrovia, and throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
“Women Build also honors the efforts being done by SGV Habitat to break down the barriers to homeownership that many women have faced,” says Bryan Wong, CEO of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity. “Due to a significant gender pay gap and factors such as increased care-giving responsibilities, women on average have a greater debt-to-income ratio, unequal access to credit and loans, more mortgage denials and higher mortgage interest rates. The result is an increasing number of women living in substandard, unsafe and unaffordable conditions. The goal of Women Build is to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness against bias, and take action for equality.”
With the unusually wet weather California is experiencing, this was the first year of the annual event where Women Build took place entirely inside and off-site of the intended home address. "We were thrilled to be able to bring everybody inside to continue the build, and have the opportunity to show off the new space of our future ReStore, which will open in May," said Faith Mellinger, Director of Marketing & Communications for SGV Habitat.
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East West Bank returned as the events lead sponsor this year. “As we celebrate the bank’s Golden Anniversary this year, we reflect on 50 years of building bridges that reflect our commitment to invest in affordable housing,” says Robert Lo, East West Bank EVP- Head of Commercial Real Estate Banking and SGV Habitat board member. “We believe that building homes leads to stronger communities and gives families the confidence to reach further. Our amazing team of female leaders rolled up their sleeves at this year’s Women Build and I was honored to serve with them. Together we can all play our part in developing a place people can call home."
They were joined by co-sponsors C.W. Driver Companies, Traveler’s Insurance, Union Bank (now US Bank), Stanley Black & Decker, The Tournament of Roses, PFAR and Honeybee Robotics. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Hart House, Altadena Grocery Outlet, Sparkletts, Perry’s Joint and Holistic Bodywork by Ibrahim also lent support by providing breakfast, lunch and services to event attendees
During Women Build Month, SGV Habitat encourages everyone who's able to consider making a donation to SGV Habitat "in honor of an inspiring woman they know or admire". Funds help women, families and neighbors achieve their goals of homeownership and financial stability. Donate now at https://sgvhabitat.org/get-involved/womenbuild/
For more information SGV Habitat Women Build 2023, visit https://sgvhabitat.org/get-involved/womenbuild/
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About San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, a small group of committed volunteers founded San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity in 1990. Fueled by the generosity of volunteers and donors, we’ve served over 300 families in our local community and abroad. Families and individuals partner with Habitat to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners receive a hand up, not a handout, as they help build their own homes alongside volunteers. All Habitat home buyers pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves.
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About Keni Silva
Keni Silva is a former model and OC Socialite, working in real-estate while moonlighting as a “friend of” on the ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’. Keni has become a red-carpet notable, including at this year's LACMA Gala. Keni is currently working on a book about her high-profiled divorce, aimed at helping women navigate the scary one-sided process with all the things they need to know to break up successfully. After going through her divorce, she is finally on the other side and all she wants to do is empower women. In addition to her modeling and television career, Keni has been involved in residential and commercial real estate for almost 15 years. Her charitable support includes: Second Harvest Food Bank, JDRF Southern California Chapter, Red SongBird Foundation, Visionary Women, and many more.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Faith Mellinger
SGV Habitat for Humanity
FMellinger@sgvhabitat.org
626-425-4609
Jessica Bradford
2BPR
Jessica@2bprinc.com
(626) 379-2381
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