Framing the Future: Ava Volunteer Day at Habitat for Humanity’s Sequoia Grove Development
On a sunny day in March, Ava Community Energy staff, board members, and elected officials rolled up their sleeves for a day of meaningful action at Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley’s Sequoia Grove development in Hayward. This all-electric affordable housing community represents what’s possible when organizations join forces to address both climate and housing challenges.
The day-long build event brought together Ava Board Members Hayward City Councilmember Julie Roche and Alameda County Supervisor Elisa Márquez, as well as 22 Ava staff members, who worked alongside Habitat and AmeriCorps construction crews. Together, we framed three housing units and reinforced fire barrier walls.
“Due to that volunteer work, the first of the back homes has its second floor on, and we’re moving the other party walls into place,” shared Ben Grubb, Senior Construction Manager at Habitat for Humanity EBSV.
Our team was delighted to lend hands-on support to the project. “As an Alameda County Supervisor, my goal is to uplift all our residents through housing security, safe communities, responsive government, and a green future. Volunteering with Ava and Habitat for Humanity EBSV at Sequoia Grove was an incredible opportunity to deliver on that goal,” said Supervisor Márquez. “I’m proud to have played a part in building these homes, and look forward to welcoming new homeowners in the summer of 2026.”
Later in the day, Oakland City Councilmember Rowena Brown, San Leandro Mayor Juan González III, and Union City Vice Mayor Scott Sakakihara, as well as staff from the offices of U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, and California State Assemblymember Liz Ortega joined for a picnic lunch and a site tour led by Ben and Habitat for Humanity EBSV Communications Manager Patti Wang Cross.
Building Electric From the Ground Up
Since breaking ground in August 2024, Sequoia Grove has hit several key milestones. The site’s foundation is taking shape with completed rough grading, installed storm drains, and finished offsite sewer connections.
“In the next two months, we’ll complete the underground water, fire, and electrical systems,” Ben explained. “This will happen as we finish framing the buildings, with weatherization and MEPS (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and sprinklers) starting in early summer.”
As Habitat for Humanity EBSV’s “greenest” development to date, Sequoia Grove will be fully electric and include technologies that haven’t always been financially accessible to all, including solar panels, battery backup storage, heat-pump systems, and induction cooktops. All of this means energy and utility bill savings, better indoor air quality, protection during power outages, and low carbon emissions.
Lessons We’re Learning Together
Every new project offers valuable insights, and at Sequoia Grove, the learning has already begun. Integrating clean energy technology into any construction project, especially in high-density affordable housing, requires thoughtful planning and partnership from the earliest stages.
Lesson 1: Incorporate battery placement during initial design development
“Finding sufficient exterior wall space to mount batteries has been a challenge, as the townhomes have a relatively small footprint and a lot of windows,” noted Ben. The solution? Adding innovative wing walls specifically designed for battery installation.
Lesson 2: Explore more efficient solar energy sharing solutions
In a typical single-family home, rooftop solar panels connect directly to the home’s electrical system and meter. But in a townhome development, especially at a site like Sequoia Grove with limited space, it can be complicated to physically connect the solar panels to each residence. “We need to do more research on remote or virtual net metering possibilities for townhomes, to avoid the need for hardpiping to each unit,” Ben explained.
Lesson 3: Think about electrification from day one
“Getting energy providers involved early is very useful!” Ben emphasized.
“By sponsoring this development and rolling up our sleeves as volunteers, Ava is putting our mission into action,” said Annie Henderson, Chief Customer Officer at Ava Community Energy. “It’s inspiring to see our financial support and our staff’s hands-on efforts combine to create sustainable, affordable homes that will serve Hayward families for generations to come.”