Habitat Homeowner Christie with her two youngest children Cameron and Teyson.
During National Volunteer Week, we gathered to honor the incredible volunteers who power Habitat’s mission. At our annual Volunteer Appreciation event on April 25th, we celebrated that nearly 2,600 volunteers have contributed over 43,500 hours so far this year!
Whether swinging hammers on our construction sites, staffing our ReStores, assisting with administrative tasks, or providing governance as board members, our volunteers are the heart of Habitat. Their dedication helps build strength, stability, and self-reliance for families in need of decent, affordable housing.
Christie, a Habitat Homeowner since 2023, spoke about how homeownership has transformed her life as a testament to the impact of our volunteers:
“Today, I stand before you as a single mother of six children, each one a beacon of light in my life. Our journey has been one of resilience, determination, and unwavering hope. But it was Habitat for Humanity that truly changed the trajectory of our lives.
Imagine, if you will, a small two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment. Now imagine squeezing four of the six growing children into that space, each night a symphony of elbows and knees, a testament to the love and closeness that binds us together. It was a life filled with challenges, but also with love, laughter, and an unyielding determination to create a better future.
Then, Habitat for Humanity entered our lives like a guiding light, offering us a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. The opportunity to build our own home alongside volunteers was nothing short of miraculous. From the moment we swung our first hammer to the day we stepped through the door of our new Habitat home, it was a journey filled with sweat, tears, and immeasurable joy.
Working alongside volunteers to build our home was an experience unlike any other. It wasn’t just about constructing walls and laying foundations; it was about building relationships, fostering community, and realizing the power of collective effort. Each volunteer brought with them a sense of purpose and a willingness to make a difference in the lives of others. Their generosity and kindness left a lasting mark on our hearts, reminding us that we were never alone in this journey.
But perhaps the most profound impact of Habitat for Humanity has been on my children. From our cramped apartment to our spacious Habitat home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms, the transformation has been nothing short of miraculous. No longer do my children have to share a single bedroom; they now have the space to spread their wings and pursue their dreams.
My youngest, at two years old, will never know the struggles we faced in our cramped apartment. Instead, he will grow up in a home filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities. My other three school aged children, ages 11, 16, and 17, have been profoundly impacted by the stability and security that our Habitat home provides. They have witnessed firsthand the power of perseverance, community, and compassion.
Even my two oldest, now young adults aged 26 and 23, who live away from home, cherish the time they spend with us in our Habitat home when they visit. They see the transformation in our lives and are filled with pride knowing that their family has a place to call home—a place where memories are made and dreams take flight.
In closing, I am eternally grateful to Habitat for Humanity and the volunteers who have forever changed the trajectory of my family’s future. Our Habitat home is more than just a physical structure; it is a sanctuary, a symbol of hope, and a testament to the power of community. Together, we have built not just a house, but a home filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.”
Thank you, Habitat volunteers! Your service builds hope, homes, and brighter futures.
