Marking The Agency’s 29th Build Day, the Beverly Hills and Beach Cities offices came together with Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles and Giveback Homes to make progress on an important project in the Willowbrook neighborhood of South L.A. Isabel Villas, the newest development by Habitat L.A., aims to address the challenges faced by low- to moderate-income families in the area, providing them with affordable housing opportunities. With a focus on community empowerment and sustainability, this project is a significant step toward creating a more equitable future for the residents of Willowbrook.
Returning to the project for the second time, The Agency’s team enthusiastically participated in various construction tasks during the day, with activities included siding, painting and fencing. Through their dedication and hard work, The Agency’s team exemplified the spirit of volunteerism and collaboration, making a tangible difference in the lives of future homeowners.
In the Willowbrook community, low- to moderate-income families are experiencing immense challenges to accessing homeownership opportunities and avoiding displacement. Census data reveals that only 42% of families in Willowbrook own their homes, compared to 55% and 64% in California and the United States, respectively.
Habitat L.A. recognizes the challenges faced by communities like Willowbrook and strives to provide equal housing opportunities for all residents. In an area where 96% of the population identifies as Black or Latinx, Habitat L.A.’s Isabel Villas development seeks to alleviate housing challenges and promote inclusive homeownership. By doing so, this initiative aims to contribute to narrowing the racial wealth gap and ensuring fair and equal access to housing programs.
Construction on the Isabel Villas development began in June 2022 and is projected to be completed by Summer 2023. The project comprises eight single story, detached homes ranging from 1,076 to 1,148 square feet, featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two-car garages. To enhance safety, the homes have a private roadway, providing homeowners with secure access to their garages and front doors away from the busy thoroughfare.
Habitat L.A. is dedicated to creating environmentally friendly communities. The Isabel Villas development incorporates several green features, aligning with Habitat L.A.’s commitment to sustainable building practices. These features include drought-tolerant landscaping, energy-efficient heating systems, insulation made from recycled content and low-flow plumbing fixtures. Notably, Isabel Villas will be the first Habitat L.A. development to install solar energy systems in each home, benefiting both the environment and homeowners by reducing monthly utility costs.
The Isabel Villas development represents a crucial step towards addressing the housing challenges faced by low- to moderate-income families in Willowbrook, and The Agency team was honored to be a part of it, demonstrating our commitment to equal housing opportunities, sustainability, and community empowerment. As Isabel Villas nears completion, the impact it will have on the lives of families in Willowbrook is immeasurable, offering hope, stability and a path to a more equitable and environmentally conscious future.
