Volunteers traded in their keyboards and boardrooms for hammers and a construction site during the annual Leaders Build Challenge of Habitat for Humanity OC.
The 48 volunteers joined the pros during the day-long event on West Washington Avenue in Santa Ana were crews are building six townhomes that are approximately 1,430 square feet.
CJ Bibolet, with City National Bank, clowns around while working on a home at the 17th Annual Leaders Build Challenge of Habitat for Humanity OC in Santa Ana, CA on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Six units are being constructed by Habitat for a June move-in. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Workers and volunteers construct homes during the 17th Annual Leaders Build Challenge of Habitat for Humanity OC in Santa Ana, CA on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Six units are being constructed by Habitat for a June move-in. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Scott Augustine (on ladder) and Scott Butcher with BNBuilders work on a home during the 17th Annual Leaders Build Challenge of Habitat for Humanity OC in Santa Ana, CA on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Six units are being constructed by Habitat for a June move-in. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Workers and volunteers construct homes during the 17th Annual Leaders Build Challenge of Habitat for Humanity OC in Santa Ana, CA on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Six units are being constructed by Habitat for a June move-in. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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CJ Bibolet, with City National Bank, clowns around while working on a home at the 17th Annual Leaders Build Challenge of Habitat for Humanity OC in Santa Ana, CA on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Six units are being constructed by Habitat for a June move-in. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Five of the six families are helping to build the homes they will move into in late June. A sixth family is being chosen.
Volunteers helped with framing, sheathing, siding and painting before having a little fun playing some construction-related games.
Teams competed driving nails, in XL Pong, an oversized, outdoor version of beer pong, and hatchet throwing.
The annual challenge has helped HabitatOC raise more than $1.8 million, which funds the affordable housing group’s mission.