Letter From Our CEO
Dear Habitat Friends and Neighbors,
As we come to the close of 2025 and the holiday season, I want to share my deep gratitude with you on behalf of Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County. This has been a year of growth, learning, and renewed energy for our mission – and none of it would be possible without you: our homeowners, volunteers, donors, and community partners. During this season of reflection and celebration, I am especially thankful for the kindness, generosity, and hope you bring to our work.
Since 1997, Habitat SLO has been bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. In that time, this community has helped us move from an idea into a sustained, long-term effort to address the need for safe, decent, and affordable housing in our county. Since 2003, we have built 26 homes for local families, creating stable, affordable homeownership opportunities that will impact generations to come.
Our work is about more than new homes. This year, we renewed and expanded our Home Preservation program to better respond to the growing need in our community, particularly for seniors who are aging in place. By focusing on critical repairs, accessibility improvements, and health and safety issues, we are helping long-time residents remain safely and comfortably in the homes they love. These projects may not always make headlines, but they change lives in profound ways.
This year, we also celebrated both of our ReStores after being completely shut down in 2020 due to COVID and being restarted in their new locations on Broad Street in SLO and 9th Street in Paso Robles. Today, our ReStores are not only open but thriving—profitable, mission-driving hubs where donated items find new life, where sustainability and affordability intersect, and where every purchase directly supports Habitat’s work across SLO County.
Looking ahead, I am incredibly hopeful about what comes next. In 2026, we are preparing to take an important step forward in our building efforts. I invite you to mark your calendars for our annual Build with Us event on April 25, 2026. At this special event, we will not only celebrate what you’ve helped us accomplish, but we will also share exciting news about our next Habitat home build and how you can be part of it—on the job site, as an advocate, and as a supporter.
As we close out this year and step into the next, I am humbled by all that has been accomplished since 1997 and energized by the work still ahead. With your continued partnership, Habitat SLO will keep building more than homes—we will keep building strength, stability, and self reliance for families across our region. During this holiday season and in the new year, thank you for all the ways you give, serve, and stand with us. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful holiday season and a joyful New Year.
With gratitude and hope,
Anthony Overton
Chief Executive Officer
Habitat for Humanity San Luis Obispo County