
On February 4th we had the pleasure of hosting a panel discussion with first time Habitat Greater San Francisco homeowners and young adults who grew up in Habitat homes, to reflect on the impacts of growing up with the safety, security, and stability of affordable homeownership. Many thanks again to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for their generous support.
On the panel we heard distinct perspectives on the impacts of children – first from parents, who helped us understand how their goals for homeownership fit so strongly with their hopes and dreams of their children. Next, the young adults who grew up in these affordable homes gave their take on the experience, reflecting on the difference it made to live in Habitat Homes on their education, career path, and overall well-being. As one panelist put it, “Home is where your story begins.”
If you weren’t able to join us, you can watch the recording below:

Arturo
panelist
My name is Arturo Tongson. I have lived in our Habitat home in Daly City since 2013. I do computer aided design for an engineering office in Burlingame.

Emilia
panelist
I'm Emilia, I graduated from UC Davis and am now a designer and art director in an advertising agency.

Janette
panelist
My name is Janette Liu, I have been living in my Habitat home for twelve years in San Francisco.

Kayla
My name is Kayla Branner and I have lived in my Daly City Habitat home for about eight years.

Dyantha
panelist
I am Dyantha Burton and my family and I got this amazing, life stabilizing opportunity to move into our beautiful South San Francisco home in 2008.

Stephanie
My name is Stephanie Arias , I’ve lived in my home for about 12 years now and I am currently a full time student at San Francisco State University, majoring in Psychology.

Matt Rosen
panel moderator
Matt is the Chief Program Officer at Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco.

Angelica Resendez
panel moderator
Angelica, who herself grew up in a Habitat home, is Senior Director of Homeownership Services at Habitat Greater San Francisco.