Hammers for Hope is a local nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to the mission of providing “charitable assistance to low and moderate-income households in Lake County through a program of home repairs, home improvements, and weatherization.”

H4H began its work in 2012 as a partnership between Calpine Corporation, Kelseyville Lumber, and a Lake County Supervisor. We are an all-volunteer Board and 100 percent of the funds we raise go toward our clients’ needs. Thus far, H4H has completed approximately 21 repair projects ranging from wheel chair ramps to ADA-compliant bathroom improvements.

However, our focus changed completely in 2015, as we shifted to re-building entire homes for qualified residents who lost everything in the Valley Fire and later the Clayton, Pawnee, and Mendo-Complex Fires as well.

Through a partnership with the State’s CalHome program, North Coast Opportunities, and the faith-based group Hope City, H4H has provided almost $1.5 million to build 19 homes – in Anderson Springs, Cobb, Middletown, Lower Lake and Clearlake.

The community has always helped guide H4H’s mission. Project referrals and volunteers come from a variety of sources, including applicants themselves, the Upper Lake High School Woodshop class, area churches, AmeriCorps, County Supervisors, the Lions Club – even Congressman John Garamendi.

Now that the CalHome program has ended Hammers for Hope has returned its original mission of providing home renovations and repairs. The need for what can seem like simple repairs is very real and, once completed, they make individuals safer, healthier, and offer a better quality of life.