Helping elderly residents, veterans, and other local homeowners remain safe and comfortable in their homes, Ponderosa is a grassroots effort rooted in friendship and a deep love for North County.

Devon and Holly first met as students at Atascadero High School, graduating class of 1997. Decades later, their friendship remains strong, along with their shared commitment to the community that helped shape them. Devon is a local general contractor with years of hands-on experience. Holly’s background includes serving as a local emergency dispatcher, years managing a small business, and now helping others as a massage therapist. Nearly three years ago, Devon approached Holly with a vision: to create something meaningful that would use his construction skills and her experience in serving others. Together, Ponderosa was born.

Though both work full time and Holly is raising her family here on the Central Coast, they dedicate their spare time to Ponderosa’s mission. The organization assists elderly residents, veterans, and other homeowners who need a little extra help maintaining safe and comfortable homes. At its heart, the goal is simple: to help people age in place safely, with dignity, and in the homes that mean so much to them. Projects range from installing wheelchair ramps and grab bars to yard work, minor home repairs, and other accessibility improvements. On smaller projects, Holly’s children, known as The Collins Crew, can often be found lending a hand and learning the importance of helping others.

Collaboration is central to Ponderosa’s impact. Devon and Holly have partnered with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and SLO County Veterans Helping Veterans, expanding their ability to reach more residents in need. These partnerships strengthen the network of support available across the region.

All donations to Ponderosa are tax deductible and go directly toward continuing projects that benefit local residents. Come out and meet them this summer at the Templeton Concerts in the Park and learn more about how this hometown initiative is making a meaningful difference, one project at a time.