Habitat for Humanity San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valley will be presenting its Hammer of Hope award to Philanthropist Austin Beutner and Primestor’s Arturo Sneider and Leandro Tyberg at its annual Habitat Hearts for Heroes Gala and Auction, which will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, March 2 at the Universal Sheraton, 333 Universal City Drive.

Austin Beutner

Austin Beutner, a well-known philanthropist who has supported the arts and art scholarships for low income young people in Los Angeles County for many years, recently combined his business acumen and philanthropic mindset, serving for $1.00 per year as First Deputy Mayor and Chief Executive for Economic and Business Policy for the City of Los Angeles.

In his role as First Deputy Mayor, Beutner oversaw City Departments that had a profound positive impact on Habitat for Humanity’s ability to provide housing in Pacoima, ranging from Planning and Building Safety to Housing.

Arturo Sneider and Leandro Tyberg as Principals of Primestor are being honored in recognition of their ongoing commitment to urban markets and the Hispanic community through the development of properties that have a direct impact on the communities served.

Leandro Tyberg

Their dedication to economic development for small businesses and low-income workers has a direct and lasting impact on Habitat for Humanity families.

Starting with the launch of the new “Habitat for Heroes” program in 2011, Habitat for Humanity SF/SCV expanded into a new direction.  With over 20,000 veterans in foreclosure in 2010, many of whom were still on active duty, there is a great need for veteran affordable housing in Southern California.  It has been reported that 80,000 vets who served after 9/11 are paying more than 50% of their income for housing, placing serious burdens and stress on their families.

This year’s Gala, themed Habitat Hearts for Heroes will be raising money for home modifications, repairs and new home options for veterans, their families and families of the fallen.

Arturo Snyder

Register for the event at HumanityCA.org/buildersball2012 or call/email Emily at 818-884-8808 or EDoyle@HumanityCA.org.

About Habitat for Heroes

Habitat for Heroes programs include:

Critical Home Repair/Disability Modification: This program brings together donated materials, volunteers, and resources to help veterans who need repairs or modifications on their existing homes.

Brush with Kindness: Partners with veteran homeowners and their low-income neighbors to restore the exteriors of existing homes.

Neighborhood Revitalization: This program will focus on renovating foreclosed properties in redevelopment areas for veteran families to purchase.  Veterans will work alongside volunteers and builders to rehab their home as well as take advantage of financial and other educational workshops.  Entire neighborhoods will be transformed through additional Brush with Kindness efforts.

Veteran “Enriched” Neighborhood: Build veteran-specific communities in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys that includes a number of new homes, an urban garden, playground and educational services. It will offer life skills, training and support to veterans and their families to become self-sufficient.

About Habitat for Humanity San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys

Habitat for Humanity San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys is a separately incorporated affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Our affiliate is one of only 5% of Habitats internationally that have built or rebuilt over 100 homes (with 214 in our history). Even fewer Habitats build large neighborhoods of homes, and no other does so in an enriched environment that teaches a 12-month program of targeted self-sufficiency skills. We are currently working on our 9th neighborhood in North Los Angeles County. HabitatSCV.org and HumanityCA.org