Custom-built doghouses are just some of the items up for action at the Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area’s Journey of Hope Gala – Building Hope for Veterans on Friday, March 22nd from 5:30pm- 9:00pm at the University Hall in Redlands.

Habitat Committee member Teresa Dolan of ESRI came up with idea to build doghouses, and auction them off as a fundraiser at Habitat’s “Journey of Hope” Gala. Habitat for Humanity’s Executive Director Dennis Baxter and its board of directors thought that it was a splendid idea.

Dolan also made and delivered the first of three doghouses available for auction. Photos of the doghouses can be seen on Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area’s Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/habitatsb.

“Funds from the gala supports Habitat for Humanity’s goal of working in partnership with families to eradicate substandard, poverty housing, strengthen communities and transform lives by building new homes, rehabilitating existing homes, and making affordable home ownership a reality for community members in need,” said Baxter.

Funds will also be used to increase rehabilitation and home building of for San Bernardino area Veterans, said Baxter. Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area has built 28 homes since its founding in 1992.

According to Baxter, too many veterans have been left homeless by the economic recession, this together with difficulties many soldiers suffer as they return from deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq have really hurt their ability to keep or buy a home for their families.

“Building Hope for Veterans” uses Habitat for Humanity’s proven low-income home buyer tools to make Veteran’s housing affordable. The Habitat model has approved homebuyers that provide 500 hours of work in the construction or rehabilitation of their homes. Our interest free financing make mortgage payments under $500 a month, ensuring that families can keep their homes,” said Baxter.

Fifth District Supervisor, Josie Gonzales is the keynote speaker for Journey of Hope Gala and San Bernardino Mayor and Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area founding board member Mayor Pat Morris is the master of ceremonies.

“The gala also honors volunteers and donors who do so much help us accomplish our goals”, said Baxter. He added, “With our wonderful, hard working and dedicated volunteers and donors, Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area could not achieve our present success!”

Habitat for Humanity San Bernardino Area is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a faith-based nonprofit organization that works in partnership with families to strengthen communities and transform lives by building new homes, rehabilitating existing homes, and making affordable home ownership a reality for community members in need.

Live entertainment for the Gala is provided by The Overeasy, a band dedicated to the groove. Born at the University of Redlands, The Overeasy has been grooving since May of 2009. Drawing from musical styles ranging from rock to funk, they incorporate these influences to produce uniquely original music.

The San Bernardino Area affiliate serves the communities of Redlands, Loma Linda, Fontana, San Bernardino, Highland, Yucaipa, Colton, Bloomington, Rialto, Grand Terrace, Mentone, Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, Hesperia, Apple Valley and Victorville.

Tickets for the event are $75 per person, $125 a couple and $500 for a table of eight.

For more information call 909-478-1176 or visit www.HabitatSB.org.