Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County (Habitat SoCo) is an affiliate of Habitat
for Humanity International. Habitat for Humanity International is a faith-based
organization and welcomes volunteers from all faiths who are committed to Habitats
goal of eliminating poverty housing.

The affiliate was formed in 1984 by a group of Sonoma County residents who wanted
to end poverty housing. As an all volunteer organization with limited resources, the
affiliate focused on rehabilitating existing housing for low income households.
Community volunteers completed 18 rehabilitations, and in 1991 built the first
Habitat home in Sonoma County for the Efren Carrillo, Sr. family. In 2000, with
the support of the Methodist Church, the affiliate initiated a blitz build and
built the second home for a family in need in one week.

In 2002, the Board of Directors made a bold decision to build multiple homes over
the next five years. They hired a small staff to coordinate the recruitment of
volunteers, and to provide training, planning and supervision of home building.