On Friday, May 16, more than 75 business and community leaders from across Orange County gathered at Behr Paint Company in Santa Ana to take part in the 16th annual Leaders Build Challenge with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. This year’s event raised over $170,000 and helped frame the ground floors of six homes that will soon welcome families in Santa Ana.
Participants worked in teams throughout the day, each vying for the Champions Cup. The challenge ended in a tie, with Antis Roofing & Waterproofing and Eaton Aerospace both recognized as 2025 Leaders Build Challenge Champions.
A Day of Purpose and Partnership
The Leaders Build Challenge is one of Habitat OC’s most anticipated events, offering companies the chance to invest directly in their community through hands-on service. The shared experience of raising walls and raising funds brings teams closer to each other and to the cause of affordable homeownership.
“This challenge impacts all of us,” said Kendra Angier of Cotality. “Our partnership with Habitat is super important. Our employees love to give and participate because it just ties perfectly with our mission.”
Stories That Inspire Action
During the event, participants had the chance to hear from Habitat OC homeowners about the impact of safe, stable housing. Julia Pham of Halbert Hargrove shared one family’s story that stayed with her.
“Idalia talked about giving birth to her first child while living in a shared home with multiple families,” she said. “They came home from the hospital to a living room. Now, she and her four children have a house of their own, where she taught her 5-year-old to ride a bike for the first time. It was really touching.”
Responding to the Housing Crisis
In a county where only a small fraction of families can afford a median-priced home, events like the Leaders Build Challenge create real change. They support the construction of affordable homes and bring visibility to a growing need in our region.
Habitat OC invites more companies and community leaders to get involved in building solutions. Whether through team builds, corporate sponsorship, or future challenges, every contribution helps more families achieve the dream of homeownership.
Learn how your team can participate at habitatoc.org.
