Habitat for Humanity joins community effort to save Broadway home

Habitat for Humanity is joining the effort to rehab the home of an 84-year-old Sonoma woman who faced eviction a year ago after the century-old structure was red-tagged by the City.

Irma Castillo has lived in the home on Broadway, across from Adele Harrison school, for over 40 years. After the rundown structure was cited by City inspectors, a volunteer effort led by contractor David Dinkinis came to the rescue. His crew utilized donations of money and materials from The Rotary Club, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Sonoma Chamber of Commerce, Freidman’s and individuals through a special Westamerica Bank account.

Now, Habitat for Humanity has joined the team, coordinating a Corporate Build Day with Bank of America on September 29. Regular volunteer work will continue Tuesdays through Saturdays until the project is complete.

Making the connection was Patricia Shultz, executive director of the Sonoma Chamber of Commerce, during a recent meeting with the Santa Rosa-based nonprofit.

“I thought Habitat might be just the community partner to come in and get the project completed, and immediately connected Habitat to David (Dinkinis),” she said. “The Chamber is also excited to assist with the volunteer training Habitat provides, so our locals will have an opportunity to assist on this project and hopefully many more!”

Habitat’s Home Repair program enables a homeowner to stay in their home, and preserve the home’s integrity. In order to qualify for our home repair services, homeowners must have a household income below 80 percent of Area Median Income.