More than 100 volunteers from a variety of regional faith and interfaith communities came together at Habitat for Humanity SKKC’s Yarrow Cottages site for five days in September as part of the annual Interfaith Build. Led by long-time Habitat SKKC volunteer Jim O’Farrell, this year’s event hosted the most volunteers of any local Interfaith Build to-date.
Initiated in response to 9/11 under the name “Together We Build,” dozens of Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Sikh, and other interfaith groups have been convening each year to build for the community, overcome the cultural divisions that rise in the wake of violence, and to practice creating a better world together. More than 50 faith communities have participated in local Interfaith Builds since the program’s inception.
The 2024 Interfaith Build kicked off on September 6, featuring lunchtime speakers Deacon Steve Wodzanowski from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Reverend Terry Kyllo with Paths to Understanding, and concluded on September 14. When completed this Fall, the Yarrow Cottages will provide 26 hard-working local families with wages less than 80% of the average median income with permanently affordable home ownership opportunities. Yarrow’s homes will feature 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, brand new appliances, and easy access to parks, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and downtown Seattle.
“The Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build 2024 showed how much we can achieve when people from diverse faiths come together for a common cause. It wasn’t just about building homes; it was about building connections and fostering understanding between communities,” O’Farrell shared. “As we look to 2025, our focus will be on deepening those relationships, creating more opportunities for dialogue, and ensuring that everyone—no matter their background or skill level—feels welcome and empowered to contribute. Together, we can continue to strengthen the bonds that unite us and make a lasting impact.”
Volunteers from the following faith communities participated in the 2024 Interfaith Build: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Seattle; Beth Am Temple in Seattle; St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Seattle; Paths to Understanding in Bothell; Bear Creek United Methodist Church; Islamic Center of Bothell; Gurudwara Sikh Community of Bothell; Peace Lutheran in West Seattle; Westside Interfaith Network; Queen Anne Lutheran; Northshore Interfaith Group; Interfaith Community Sanctuary; Holy Rosary Catholic Church of West Seattle; and numerous religious, yet unaffiliated individuals.
To view photos of this year’s Interfaith Build click here.
To learn more about next year’s Interfaith Build click here.