(L-R) Jill Shook, Louise St. Juste, her son, Karen Gibbs and Anthony Manousos on the site of Louise’s burned home in Altadena (Photo – MHCH)
Making Housing and Community Happen (MHCH), a nonprofit dedicated to housing justice, will mark its 7th anniversary with a special event on Saturday, November 22, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pasadena.
By News Desk
The event, which will also feature key community leaders, activists, and local residents, will celebrate the organization’s contributions to affordable housing, justice for those impacted by wildfires, and ongoing efforts to support unhoused individuals.
Trinity Lutheran Church, the venue for the anniversary celebration, plays a significant role in the community’s response to housing instability. The church hosts a Safe Parking program, one of MHCH’s key initiatives, providing safe parking and case management for individuals living in their vehicles. To date, 16 people have been successfully housed through the program, and several of these former parkers are expected to attend the event.
The Benn Family Singers
A highlight of this year’s celebration will be the performance of the Benn Family Singers, a group whose extended family lost 17 homes during the devastating Eaton Canyon wildfires. The family gained national attention when they performed their song Rescue on America’s Got Talent, sharing their poignant story of loss and resilience.
Another moving moment will include the presentation of a virtually free RV to Louise St. Juste, a survivor of the wildfires who lost her home. The RV, which she will use while rebuilding, is a crucial part of her efforts to restore generational wealth by passing down a stable home to her children. The community will send her off with flowers, prayers, and well-wishes as she embarks on this next chapter.
“Right to Return”
The theme of the event is “Right to Return,” a call to restore housing opportunities for those displaced by wildfires and economic hardships. MHCH, in partnership with the Pasadena Clergy Community Coalition (CCC), is working to promote the Right to Return for displaced residents of Altadena and Pasadena. This effort has gained traction through advocacy, prayers, and community support, with a special nod to MHCH’s recent recognition during CCC’s 20th anniversary celebration for its contributions to housing justice.
At the anniversary event, the organization will honor several key partners and advocates. The Affordable Housing Rock Stars awards will be presented to Friends In Deed and Abundant Housing, two organizations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in affordable housing advocacy. Additionally, the John J. Kennedy Legacy Award will be given to Virgil Nelson, the founder of the first Habitat for Humanity affiliate in California, whose tireless work has helped expand access to affordable housing across the state.
MHCH will also recognize the N. Fair Oaks Empowerment Initiative Fellows, community leaders who completed a program focused on revitalizing Altadena’s historic “Black Main Street.” The initiative aims to empower local residents and businesses while fighting against gentrification, ensuring that new developments benefit the community without displacing longtime residents.
Another significant honor will be given to the Congregational Land Partners, a nonprofit that started under the auspices of MHCH in 2019. This team of experts has supported over 100 congregations in building affordable housing on underutilized land, helping to produce over 1,600 affordable housing units for local communities.
MHCH Mission
MHCH’s broader mission has included organizing housing justice forums, bus tours, and educational institutes—all aimed at equipping faith-based organizations, community leaders, and advocates with the tools they need to make lasting change. Through successful advocacy efforts, the organization has played a pivotal role in securing policies like ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), rent control, and SB 4, a law that enables congregations to develop affordable housing on their campuses.
The anniversary event will also feature refreshments and an opportunity to connect with others passionate about addressing the housing crisis. For more information or to register for the celebration, visit the MHCH’s website.
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