"Their openness to innovation and sound project management has made them an ideal partner for the City of Santa Cruz, delivering successful projects that help meet critical housing needs in our community." - Cynthia Mathews, Mayor of Santa Cruz Now celebrating our thirtieth year, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is an independent and locally operated affiliate of HFHI. How the Program Works Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is not a hand out – it's a hand up. Habitat homes are purchased by the homeowner families who make a down payment and have a monthly mortgage payment. Families also invest a minimum of 500 hours of sweat equity. Homeowner families are chosen according to their need, ability to repay their mortgage, and willingness to work in partnership with Habitat. Generous Giving Together, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay volunteers and families have built more than 50 homes. However, to build new affordable homes in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, Habitat must purchase suitable properties and carry construction costs until the eventual sale of the home. We can only fund these projects with the support of our communities.