Lending a Hand (and a Hammer): How Kiavi Supports Habitat for Humanity's Mission

Revitalizing neighborhoods, supporting affordable housing, and empowering families aren’t just buzzwords for Kiavi; they reflect our commitment to help people live better through real estate. 

Where others see outdated properties and neighborhoods, we see untapped potential.  But rebuilding communities goes beyond real estate investing—it’s about coming together to make a meaningful difference. That’s why we’re proud to work with Habitat for Humanity, an organization that shares our commitment to neighborhood revitalization and helping families achieve the American Dream through homeownership.

Recently, we collaborated with Habitat for Humanity on impactful projects in Pittsburgh and San Francisco, the two cities where Kiavi has offices. These efforts combined hands-on action and meaningful contributions to support Habitat’s mission of providing affordable housing. 

What makes these projects special? Explore our Pittsburgh row home renovation and the San Francisco playhouse build, and learn how to volunteer and make a difference in your community.

Kiavi’s Collaboration with Habitat for Humanity

Stable, thriving communities are essential, which is why partnering with Habitat for Humanity was a perfect match for us. Habitat for Humanity is widely recognized for tackling housing challenges by building affordable homes, promoting financial literacy, and providing zero-interest mortgages to families.

Together, Kiavi and Habitat for Humanity are bridging gaps in housing affordability and bringing communities closer together through shared efforts.

Here’s how Carrie Snow, Valuation Analyst at Kiavi and co-organizer of both the San Francisco, California, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, builds, put it:

"I feel incredibly grateful to be part of a company that cares deeply about the communities we serve. Home affordability impacts the places where we live, work, and do business—and I’m proud to work at a company whose sponsorship made it possible to bring our team together to volunteer and donate our time to our local Habitat chapters."

Through volunteer initiatives, sponsorships, and expert resources, we strive to create a lasting, positive impact in the communities we serve. Our dedication extends far beyond financing homes—we’re committed to enhancing the overall well-being of these neighborhoods. By empowering real estate investors, we help them build thriving, sustainable communities for all.

Pittsburgh Row Home Renovation Project

An aging row home in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood desperately needed restoration. With Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh leading the effort and Kiavi providing hands-on support, this once-deteriorated property was transformed into a functional two-bedroom, one-bathroom home. But this project was about more than just renovating a building—it symbolized the revitalization of a neighborhood that faced significant challenges. Through skilled craftsmanship, teamwork, and unwavering dedication, this row house has become a fresh start for a family seeking a brighter future.

Since its founding, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh has built or renovated over 200 homes, equipping families with shelter and resources like financial literacy programs to help ensure lasting stability. Each project extends beyond providing a roof over someone’s head—it ignites economic growth, restores dignity, and breathes new life into communities.

For Kiavi, partnering on initiatives like this aligns perfectly with our mission to unlock the potential in aging homes, creating positive outcomes for real estate investors, families, and neighborhoods alike.

The San Francisco Playhouse Build

Initiatives like the playhouse build in San Francisco, CA, go beyond affordable housing by focusing on uplifting the community as a whole, especially its youngest members. Building strong neighborhoods is not just about physical structures; it’s about creating spaces for joy, learning, and connection.

Kiavi team members, led by our CEO, Arvind Mohan, enthusiastically participated in this hands-on event, working together to craft a playhouse designed to bring joy and functionality to local children. Over the course of the build, the team assembled and decorated a fully equipped playhouse, adding vibrant touches and personal details to make it special. Once complete, this playhouse was delivered to Wonder Years School, a beloved local preschool and childcare center that serves many families in the area.

The playhouse build was more than a project—it brought together our team, the community, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater San Francisco. It reminded us that revitalizing neighborhoods is about fostering care and collaboration. We’re proud to support their mission to create spaces where children and communities can thrive.

The Value of Collaboration

Habitat for Humanity’s work goes far beyond building houses. Through resources like financial literacy programs and no-interest mortgages, families are empowered to create brighter futures and achieve lasting stability. This stability transforms lives and strengthens entire communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Volunteering is a chance to be part of this impact. It’s about more than giving back—it’s an opportunity to connect with others, learn new skills, and experience the fulfillment of making a tangible difference. At Kiavi, these values align with our core mission of creating a meaningful, lasting impact. But volunteering isn’t just about our mission—it’s about you.

As Jacob Goldberg, Senior Risk Analyst at Kiavi and co-organizer of both the San Francisco, California, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania builds, shared:

“I’ve been involved with my local Habitat affiliate for four years, and it means so much to me that Kiavi supports its employees’ passions and supports the communities in which we operate. Habitat has such a huge impact on the families they help house, and working alongside coworkers to be a small part of making that house someone’s new home was a special experience.”

Whether you’re looking to give back, grow personally, or simply do something meaningful, giving your time to causes like these benefits everyone, including you. Together, we can build stronger communities and brighter futures for all.

How You Can Get Involved

Real estate investment is about more than returns; it’s about making a difference where it matters most. If you’re passionate about affordable housing or neighborhood revitalization, here are some ways you can help:

1. Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity: Take part in home builds, renovations, or various community improvement projects that make a lasting impact. You can get involved today by exploring opportunities on Habitat for Humanity’s Volunteer Opportunities page. 

1. Donate: Whether you choose to donate money, building materials, or other resources, every contribution plays a vital role in strengthening Habitat for Humanity’s ability to provide safe and affordable homes for families in need. 

1. Use Your Skills: No matter your area of expertise, Habitat for Humanity can benefit from your unique skills, whether it’s construction, fundraising, event planning, or marketing. Your talents can help advance their mission of creating stronger communities.
2. Encourage Others: Help amplify Habitat for Humanity’s message by spreading the word about their incredible work. By engaging your network of real estate professionals, friends, or colleagues, you can inspire more people to join in and contribute to strengthening the communities they are invested in.

Giving back uplifts neighborhoods and elevates the way we do business, making success a win-win for everyone.

Commitment to Stronger Communities 

Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity reflects Kiavi’s dedication to blending real estate investing with purpose. Whether it’s a row home in Pittsburgh or a playhouse in San Francisco, each project underscores the impact we can achieve when a shared vision of affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization comes to life.

Now, it’s your turn. Consider how you can lend a hand (or hammer) to drive meaningful change in the communities you care about. Start by exploring Habitat for Humanity volunteering opportunities near you, and help build a foundation for stronger, more equitable communities.

Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity today!