Giveback Homes at the Hollywood Build-A-Thon

Hey Everyone! I’m Kari, and I joined the Giveback Homes team in August to manage the relationships with with our wonderful Giveback Homes Members as well as our Building Partner, Habitat for Humanity. One of the many perks of my job is getting to get out of the office and help build a home for the day! So on November 6th, my good friend Meredith and I participated in the Annual Habitat for Humanity of Los Angeles, Hollywood Build-A-Thon. The build took place in Long Beach, CA and the goal was to shine a spotlight on local veterans within the community, and help them construct and revitalize their homes. The Build-A-Thon is a three-day event, filled with lots of hammering, painting, and plenty of opportunities to get to know the local community and the veterans we were there to help.  

The veterans' home that Meredith and I worked on, was in need of a new paint job on the outside. There was a crew of about 15 of us that received instructions and immediately got to work painting. We painted all morning and then headed back to camp for lunch where some Veterans and Habitat Homeowners were able to share their stories and explain the impact Habitat has had on their lives. It was here that we truly were able to see the difference Habitat for Humanity is making right here in LA.  

There was such wonderful support from community members from all over LA and from active military personal and veterans. It was a great event to help local community members and veterans who needed some home repairs but weren’t able to complete them on their own. Below are some pictures of the fun we had at the event! Thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Los Angeles for all the incredible work they do, and thanks to all the volunteers (about 600 throughout three days) for their passion and dedication to build a better community. And finally thanks to Giveback Homes, for creating such a meaningful partnership with Habitat for Humanity, that allows us to come together for Build Days throughout the year. I look forward to coming to this event again next year… Homes Change Lives! 

- Kari Dirksen