One of the best parts of my job is meeting the children of our build partner families. I spend a little time with the kids, taking pictures and videos for our volunteer thank you video I'm tasked with creating. I have them show me their future rooms, ask what color they want the walls painted, how they'll decorate, what they are most looking forward to doing in their new space.
Kids show their excitement in different ways, but its always endearing. The younger kids tend to bounce around, telling me where they'll put their posters (spider man was a big one this year) while the older kids play it a little more aloof showing me where their video game console will be set up. I end our time together asking what they think about their parents building them a house.
The answer is always the same- "It's really cool." Talk about hitting the nail on the head.
Habitat partner families contribute 400 hours (often more) of sweat equity to the construction of their homes. They work alongside hundreds of volunteers during our build season from May through September. Volunteers get a chance to know our homeowners, and our families get a chance to see first hand how much the community believes in them and wants to see them thrive as homeowners.
During the build season the kids are never far from our minds. We know the children of our partner families will be getting their start at life from the strong foundation home-ownership provides and that the benefits of that stability will have a lasting impact on their lives and the lives of generations to come.
Children who grow up in homes owned by their families are 116% more likely to graduate high school and move on to college or vocational school. This leads to careers with higher earning potential and an opportunity to end the cycle of poverty and build generational success for the families we serve.
When families can afford their own homes, they can focus on the things that matter most, free from the burdens of high rents, unsafe neighborhood, and the other negative effects of housing insecurity. Their energy is better spent being the best parent they can be and making memories in their home with their children to last a lifetime. We believe every family deserves the chance to know that owning a home is more than just a dream.
When you support Habitat for Humanity, you're giving a child the safety and security that only a home can bring and expanding their world to the possibilities of having a space to dream, learn, and grow into their full potential.
To date, 123 Cheyenne children have had the opportunity to grow up in a Habitat Home, owned by their parents. With your help we'll create the possibility for many more to come, please donate today.
