I am a big fan of Giveback Homes and the work that they do, but last week some of my colleagues from The Agency and I got to see their good works in action, and help them out on a project. We put on our work boots, got our hands dirty and helped to build a home for a deserving family of five!
The Lopez family has spent the last six years cramped in a one-bedroom apartment, with no place for the children to play. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) and Giveback Homes partnered to create a home for and yard for the Lopez clan. Families are not simply given a house, they have to contribute at least 500 hours of sweat equity on their home.
My friend Blake Andrews is the founder of Giveback Homes. He is truly an inspiration and we at The Agency were so happy that we had a chance to help him with this project. “This first build day in collaboration with The Agency is so important to us because this beautiful thing we’re building is not just one home but it’s a better future for this family and the start of a wonderful partnership between Giveback Homes and The Agency.”
The Agency’s Million Dollar Listing Stars, James Harris and David Parnes were also there, along with a camera crew, recording the hard work. Perhaps we will see it on the Bravo TV show and more people will have an opportunity to see the good works that Giveback Homes is doing.
We all spent the day painting the exterior of the house, installing insulation throughout, securing frames around the exterior windows, and caulking the seams.
We had lots of help from The Agency’s associates. President and Co-Founder of The Agency Billy Rose, Kathrin Nicholson and Jonathan Ruiz all grabbed their work gloves and pitched in too. Installing the insulation was a difficult process and required all hands on deck. The insulation itself was made of recycled Levi’s jeans and we all signed the wall with well wishes and inspired messages for the family.

Photo credit: The Agency
We wish the Lopez family a lifetime of happiness and a home filled with joy and love! Thank you, Giveback Homes and Habitat for Humanity for allowing us to be a part of this humbling and inspirational experience!
For more information or to get involved, please visit the Giveback Homes site.
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