Habitat for Humanity SLO County Delivers Six Custom Playhouses to Families and Boys and Girls Club
Playhouse Program continues to bring joy and hands-on collaboration across SLO County
San Luis Obispo, Calif. – July 28, 2025 – Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County (Habitat SLO) recently completed the delivery of six custom playhouses through its Playhouse Program, a community initiative designed to provide children with safe, imaginative spaces by connecting creative volunteers and generous sponsors to build joy in SLO County.
Five of the playhouses were gifted to families across San Luis Obispo County. One was delivered to the Paso Robles Boys & Girls Club, where children were already at play moments after it was assembled.
The Cal Poly Girls Build Summer Camp built and designed four playhouses, customizing them to suit the children who would receive them. Additionally, the Rotary Club of Atascadero sponsored and painted two more playhouses.
Deliveries and onsite assembly took place on June 30 and July 1. Habitat SLO Program Manager Colleen Stefanek, Cal Poly Girls Build Summer Camp Organizer and Construction Management Professor Stacy Kolegraff, and Bank of America Student Leader interns Nathan Robasciotti and Gustavo Ocampo delivered the six playhouses to families in Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, and Atascadero. The large four-by-five-foot houses were transported and assembled at each location by the team, including Habitat SLO’s first-ever indoor installation.
“Seeing the joy and gratitude on each child’s face as we set up their new playhouse was truly unforgettable,” said Nathan Robasciotti, Bank of America Student Leader Intern. “Giving them something they can call their own, a space to play and just be a kid, makes a huge impact.”
“From the moment of delivery to the final stages of building, creating these playhouses was an incredible and heartwarming experience,” said Gustavo Ocampo, Bank of America Student Leader Intern. “One of the most rewarding parts was seeing the children’s faces light up with joy once their playhouses were complete.”
Stefanek also emphasized the value of youth leadership and education. “Partnering with the Cal Poly Girls Build Summer Camp for the second year was so much fun,” she said. “I love seeing these young women work together while learning new skills, to create a beautiful, meaningful space for children in our community.”
The playhouse delivered to the Paso Robles Boys & Girls Club was met with excitement. “Our kiddos are having a blast playing in the playhouse, and we are so appreciative of all the people who helped make this possible,” said Alora McNulty, Flamson Club Director of the Boys & Girls Club in Paso Robles. As the final touches were completed, children eagerly gathered around. “Wow! This is so cool. Thank you,” said Xander S., age 7.
The Playhouse Program is a hands-on way for volunteers and sponsors to build community while creating spaces for children to play. The program also helps support Habitat SLO’s broader mission of building homes, communities, and hope.
For more information or to learn how you can support Habitat SLO County, contact Dawn Smith at dawn@habitatslo.org or call 805-316-1192.
Bank of America builds playhouse for Coastal Children’s Center in Arroyo Grande
Volunteers build joy for local children
Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County is excited to announce that Coastal Children’s Center received a custom playhouse, thanks to the generous support of Bank of America and its dedicated volunteers. The Habitat SLO Playhouse Build program is a unique initiative that brings together creative volunteers and generous sponsors to craft personalized playhouses for deserving families in our community. This program not only provides children with a special place to play and imagine but also offers participants a rewarding team-building experience.
“We are so thankful to be gifted a beautiful playhouse for our school yard,” shared Brook Jackels, Director of the Coastal Children’s Center. At Central Coast Children Center, we believe that through play in a well arranged and regular enriched environment – children learn about themselves as they develop their cognitive, social and emotional capabilities. Our school was in need of a playhouse and Habitat SLO and Bank of America delivered.”
The Coastal Children Center, located in Arroyo Grande, is dedicated to providing a warm, nurturing environment where children can learn and grow. Their curriculum is designed so that children are naturally curious about their environment and that play is an essential ingredient of preschool programming.
“As a longtime sponsor and partner with Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo, we know the incredible impact the organization makes for families and the community to provide affordable housing and services, which is why we continue to support them through dedicating our volunteer hours and philanthropic giving,” said Greg Bland, president Bank of America. Nominations for families to receive a playhouse are open year-round at habitatslo.org, and the community is encouraged to nominate deserving local families.
“If you know of a family whose children would benefit from a fun place to play and dream, nominate them today,” shared Colleen Stefanek, Habitat SLO Marketing and Volunteer Coordinator.
“The kids especially love the racetrack on the interior walls,” Jackels said. “The playhouse is so cute and you can tell love and labor have gone into the structure. Habitat for Humanity SLO County was so quick with delivery and set up. Thank you, Habitat SLO and Bank of America!”
To nominate a family, learn more about sponsoring a Playhouse Build, or to see a brief video about the initiative, visit our Playhouse Build page.