In October 1989, 45 people met to consider forming a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the Pomona Valley. In March 1990, a decision
was made to raise $5000 to build a house in Tijuana, Mexico for a Jimmy Carter Work Camp project. At a July 1990 Steering Committee
meeting, eleven persons were named to form the Board of Directors. Early in 1991, Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity began work on
the first house, donated by Pilgrim Place in Claremont. The house was moved to a site in San Dimas and, in cooperation with the City
Redevelopment Agency, the work of rehabilitation was completed in December. Many lessons were learned in this effort and have been
incorporated into subsequent projects. Over the years the local affiliate has built or renovated 34 homes, averaging two homes per
year.
The response of the community to partner with Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity has been outstanding. Usually over 200 citizens
of the community work over a period of five months to build a new house. In contrast, the rehabilitation of an old house takes only
four months.
