EPISODE 5 OF 7

In this episode, we have the privilege of meeting Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) board member and environmental scientist, Dave Tamayo, and Leah Miller, the President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Sacramento.

Leah and Dave both shared riveting stories about their career paths and the importance of community in their journey. Their narratives were bound by the spirit of community building, emphasizing its importance in creating a tangible sense of belonging.

Habitat for Humanity: Creating Opportunities for Stability:

Leah’s story of her journey to Habitat for Humanity is particularly inspiring. Raised by a single mother who tirelessly worked to provide stable housing, Leah sees a lot of her own upbringing in the families Habitat serves. Habitat brings together a culturally diverse group of individuals to build homes for those in need. It's this sense of community that Habitat offers that Leah finds the most rewarding. The joy in seeing a family being given the keys to their new homes is unmatched. When they step into a community developed by Habitat for Humanity, they aren’t just receiving a home, but they’re also being welcomed into a community that cares about one another.

SMUD’s Work in Creating Sustainable and Affordable Communities:

Dave touches on how SMUD’s work in sustainability and community outreach is spreading across Sacramento. He highlights the public service aspect at the core of SMUD’s mission. Dedicating resources to strengthen communities and develop more affordable, greener homes is not merely a transaction – it is an investment. Dave emphasizes that SMUD isn’t just doling out funds to organizations. Instead, SMUD is investing in the long-term sustainability of people’s homes and the community.

Building a Collaboration Model:

The collaboration between SMUD and Habitat for Humanity showcases an effective model of strategic alliances to bolster community development. By partnering, these organizations are not just creating affordable, sustainable residences, but constructing communities that nurture the spirit of togetherness.

In sum, this conversation with Leah and Dave sheds light on the crucial work being done in Sacramento to better housing conditions and nurture communities through collaboration and sustainable practices. As we collectively aim for a zero-carbon world, every little effort can collectively spark a ripple of change that leads us to a brighter and more sustainable future.

^{Filmed at Shattered Records in Sacramento, CA.
This podcast was made possible through the generous support of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).}