Catherine Stihler’s leadership journey spans the globe, with a proven track record of driving success in two major nonprofits— the Open Knowledge Foundation and Creative Commons. Her strategic vision, financial acumen, and commitment to innovation have propelled both organizations to new heights. With two decades of experience shaping European policy and navigating the complex intersection of regulation and progress, Catherine’s expertise uniquely positions her to lead and inspire. Now, as the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay, she is poised to channel her wealth of experience into creating lasting change and building stronger communities across the region.
Today, Catherine is excited about making a difference in her new local community as the CEO for Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay. The mission of Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is to build decent, affordable homes and provide homeownership opportunities to qualified families who live and work in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay is a community-based organization striving to make a positive impact for as many people as possible.
“There is more to our program than just providing affordable homeownership for low and very low-income families. Our partner families attend workshops on budgeting and financial management, gaining skills and knowledge that help them establish a foundation for economic stability and create a brighter future for their children.” -Catherine Stihler
Habitat for Humanity works in more than 70 countries and has helped more than 62 million people improve their living conditions since 1976. Habitat works together with families, local communities, volunteers and partners from around the world so that more people are able to live in affordable and safe homes. Their advocacy efforts focus on policy reform to remove systemic barriers preventing low-income and historically underserved families from accessing adequate, affordable shelter.
Recently, Catherine joined forces with sister Habitat affiliates in Sacramento, CA for a powerful housing advocacy effort. More than 80 Habitat experts, including CEOs, team members, homeowners, and board members from 33 affiliates across 42 California counties, gathered to champion the cause of affordable homeownership. The topic of discussion: the housing crisis in California continues to worsen. The average age for first-time homebuyers in California is now 49, compared to the U.S. average of 35 and sadly, only 18% of California households can afford to purchase a home. The projected median home price for Californians in 2025 is $909,400. When coupled with rising costs for taxes, mortgage insurance, and wildfire insurance, affordable homeownership is becoming increasingly unattainable for many residents of California.
To help combat rising costs and housing insecurities, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay partners with qualifying homeowners who build and buy their own homes at an affordable price. The goals are to create stability and financial independence, improve health and well-being, and begin to build generational wealth. “Everyday, we see families that can’t afford a safe, stable home,” said Catherine. “Raising our voices is just as important as swinging our hammers when it comes to addressing the affordable housing crisis, and we look forward to working alongside lawmakers to ensure more people have a place to call home. In Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, the lack of affordable homes isn’t just a statistic, it’s a daily reality for families.” Catherine further emphasizes, “The rising housing costs in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties are deeply affecting individuals and families. Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay remains unwavering in its commitment to providing accessible, safe shelter for everyone in our community.”
Habitat For Humanity could not make such an impact on communities without the help and support of volunteers. The volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds with a variety of skills. Anyone can come and put decades of knowledge to work building affordable housing or come in with no experience and learn how to construct a home from the ground up. Each home that is built helps keep the Monterey Bay region a place where working class people can continue to raise their families. Together, volunteers and families have built 65 homes supporting 77 families, with further plans extending through the foreseeable future.
Catherine Stihler concludes, “At Habitat for Humanity, we build because we believe every person, everywhere, deserves a healthy, affordable place to call home. When a family is part of building or improving their home, they’re not just transforming their own future—they’re strengthening the entire community and creating a better life for everyone.”
Comcast is proud to sponsor this column, which features the great work of non-profit groups supporting the Santa Cruz community.
