Blog Articles

Building Connections: Interfaith Volunteers Unite for Affordable Housing 

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The 24th annual Interfaith Build welcomed volunteers from across faith communities for two weeks of direct service in South Park. Together, nearly 100 volunteers worked at Habitat SKKC’s Yarrow Cottages neighborhood, which will be complete in December of this year.

On the kickoff day, sponsored by St. Joseph Parish, the morning began with participants gathered for ice breakers. Paths to Understanding (PTU), our nonprofit partner, provided the prompts: “What community/traditions are you from, and what brings you to Habitat for Humanity today?”

PTU has been Habitat SKKC’s partner at Interfaith for the last five years. The organization, which has a mission of “bridging bias and building unity through multi-faith peacemaking,” helps recruit volunteers by networking with various wisdom traditions throughout the region. PTU uses the phrase “wisdom” instead of “faith” when referring to groups/traditions because the latter is an inherently Christian term, and they want their work to be more inclusive of all traditions.  

“It’s important for wisdom communities not to claim superiority over others,” said Reverand Terry Kyllo, PTU’s Executive Director and a Lutheran Christian pastor. This framework is fitting for an affinity build that aims to unite people from all religious backgrounds to focus on the common goal of providing everyone in our region with a safe and affordable home.

In addition to bringing new volunteers to Interfaith Build, PTU led morning and lunch programming throughout the two-week event, including the ice breaker questions meant to encourage conversation and connect the various volunteers in attendance. Rev. Kyllo liked to hear the laughter and chatting that resulted from the ice breakers and extended throughout the day while volunteers worked side-by-side. At this year’s Interfaith Build, volunteers worked on the trim and siding of the last two units to be completed in the neighborhood. 

During the lunch conversation, led by Rev. Kyllo, he spoke about the need to bring different communities together to remember how to engage with each other with civility. “We can get together with our neighbors and start rebuilding society. When we start to relate to each other, we can change our hearts and minds,” he said. 

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During the second week of Interfaith Build, PTU employee Ana returned for her fourth year of volunteering. Over the years, she has worked on window trim, painted, and learned how to use power tools. In addition to participating in the build, she led the conversation and get-to-know-you activity. During lunch, volunteers played a version of BINGO, appropriately retitled BUILD, where they learned more about each other via questions about their backgrounds and experiences. 

During her talk, Ana discussed her own background. Growing up, Ana’s parents encouraged her to befriend kids from different religions. “I’ve seen how wonderful it is to create communities with different cultures,” she reflected. 

That day’s lunch was provided by Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Despite having a mosque in Monroe, members traveled all the way to South Park to bring food for volunteers. Food is a special aspect of Interfaith Build. Each day’s sponsoring group makes or buys lunch for that day’s volunteers and staff. Food can represent different cultures while bringing people together. At Interfaith Build, everybody has a seat at the table. 

Volunteers like Laura returned for a second year. She learned about the volunteer opportunity at her temple, Temple Beth Am, and her love of building—homes and community—inspired her to come out last year. Laura even brought a friend with her who had never used power tools before. Her advice, both to her friend and anybody who hasn’t attended yet, was, “Trust that you will be taught everything you need to know.” 

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Next door to the Yarrow Cottages, general contractors began work on the future Yarrow Townhomes, Habitat’s next South Park build. Where once volunteers and staff parked their cars on a gravel lot, large machinery could be seen smoothing the ground that will eventually hold 30 new homes. 

Interfaith Build happens in September on the cusp of fall—a time of transition. It felt appropriate for the build site that was currently in a state of flux: Fences have been erected between the two build sites, the break area moved, and the parking lot was no more. As volunteer opportunities moved from one site to the next, volunteers at this year’s Interfaith Build took with them new skills, friends, and memories. 

Another volunteer, Al, was a part of the original group of volunteers that launched Interfaith Build in 2002. Al reflected on how momentous it was that Habitat SKKC was the first affiliate to launch Interfaith Build: “At the time we thought, this is something really important. We enjoyed meeting together, working together, having a meal together, and during that meal learning about each other’s faith traditions. I encourage all Habitat affiliates to think about having an Interfaith Build. We’re in such a divisive state in our country. Coming together in an Interfaith Build is a tremendous solution for that gap.” 

Habitat SKKC Celebrates Our Dedicated Volunteers

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Last week, Habitat SKKC recognized and celebrated our many generous supporters at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party. The event continued the tradition of including a Mariners game for party invitees to attend following the festivities, another way for us to say thanks for giving back.

The party itself included drinks and food from Hatback’s Steelheads Alley, a lively venue across from T-Mobile Stadium. Guests filled the private event space and spilled out onto the patio. The mood was congenial and celebratory. Staff and volunteers caught up over drinks and tacos before the official volunteer awards ceremony began. 

Habitat SKKC staff spoke about the valuable contributions that volunteers made this past fiscal year. More than 1,650 people volunteered over 25,000 hours in FY 2025. That includes helping us construct and finish 40 homes and repair 106 homes this past fiscal year.  

Volunteers also played a pivotal role at our Habitat Stores, where we saw a 12% increase in volunteers. They helped us divert 3,224 tons from landfills this year. Volunteers who supported our advocacy efforts helped secure major legislative wins, including funding allocations that significantly boosted support for key housing initiatives and new policies that reduce development costs and expand housing options. 

Following the overview of our year in volunteering, staff members from across the organization took turns recognizing standout volunteers across six categories. 

Lorraine Y., a member of the Habitat Young Professionals (HYP) program, won the Advocacy Volunteer Award. She was an active participant in our advocacy work, traveling with Habitat SKKC staff to the state capitol to attend our first Housing Impact Day, where she met with members of Congress to advocate for affordable housing and homeownership, as well as organizing a HYP-led postcard writing campaign. 

Habitat homeowner Amber C. won the Homeowner Services Volunteer Award. She has been an amazing speaker at our events. She has told her homeownership story at a charity auction and at Women of Impact Day during the annual Women Build. Though she purchased her Habitat home two years ago, she continues to share her story and promote Habitat’s work.

Tracy C. received the New Construction Volunteer Award. She reflected on winning, “My balance of making mistakes vs. being helpful must be tipping! That is thanks to the other new-construction regulars, Habitat staff, and AmeriCorps volunteers, so in my mind we all share this award.”

Tracy is humble about her win, but she has shown true dedication as one of Habitat SKKC’s Winter Warriors, a small group of volunteers who show up to the construction site even during the cold and dark winter months. Read more about Tracy’s involvement at Habitat SKKC in our blog post all about Winter Warriors. 

David B. won the Stores Volunteer Award. He was recognized by Southcenter Assistant Manager Teresa Elliott: “He goes above and beyond every day—not just for our team, but for every customer and donor who walks through our doors. Whether he’s moving furniture with a smile or offering kind words and genuine care, David embodies the spirit of Habitat for Humanity.”   

When presenting Michael L. with the Repairs Volunteer Award, Repair Site Coordinator Kalia Gentiluomo called him “talented and dedicated.” He has been a volunteer for only a year and has already contributed 120 to the Repair team. 

The Resource Development Award was given to Jennifer T., who has taken part in the annual Women Build for the last five years. Not only is she “everyone’s best friend,” according to Alex Wyatt, Director of Corporate and Community Programs, Jennifer even served as our inaugural Women Build social media influencer for our 2025 build.  

When she received the award, Jennifer expressed gratitude for Habitat, calling the organization, “part of my legacy.” That legacy includes bringing her daughter into the fold, who has volunteered at Women Build for the last two years. Read more about Jennifer’s impact in our recent volunteer spotlight. 

The final award for Volunteer of the Year was given to Beverly S., who has volunteered over 3,000 hours during her tenure with Habitat. She travels from Vashon Island every Thursday for her volunteer shifts. She is the first person to introduce herself and welcome new volunteers and AmeriCorps members to the build site. 

“I was overwhelmed by all the love that was expressed for my years of doing something that gave me and continues to give me such great pleasure. Habitat has been such a fulfilling place to spend my days. When I am there, I envision the family that will live in the house largely made possible by the hours the volunteers give. When there, I am surrounded by others with that same appreciation for the work and for the great camaraderie that exists whether a first-time volunteer or a regular for 20+ years. We have fun. There is lots of laughter along with the hard work,” Beverly says of her win and her experiences overall. 

Congratulations to Lorraine, Amber, Tracy, David, Michael, Jennifer, and Beverley, and thank you to all the volunteers who contribute to our mission and make our work possible.  

Foundations for Hope: Jessica and Ella D

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Jessica has lived in Washington state for most of her life. Born in Tacoma and raised in Puyallup, she moved to Seattle as a teenager. This happened in the mid-1990s, at the height of grunge’s popularity, and she moved to the city because she really liked the arts scene. When she arrived, she lived briefly in a recording studio, where she met a lot of musicians and got to know people in the arts community. 

The arts have always been important to Jessica, who started acting when she was a kid in local theater. Now, she owns a business producing jazz concerts featuring female artists. Their next show will be a collaboration with the Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association (SKSCA). Every year, the SKSCA brings a female artist from Kobe, Japan to perform in the U.S. for the first time. Seattle Women in Jazz helps to present this artist in an international concert, that also features performances by local artists. 

When not supporting Seattle’s artistic community, Jessica works in a middle school as a special education teacher. She was a substitute for several years until about a year ago, when she received her teaching certification and her master’s in education. This fall marks her beginning as a permanent, full-time teacher.  

“Last year was my first year, and I did it half-time, and then the other half I subbed. So, it was a nice, gradual easing into it, because even though I was a substitute teacher, I didn’t really feel ready to do it full time after graduating. Next school year, I’ll be a full-time teacher. I’m a little bit nervous about it, but I feel like I have an idea of what to expect, since I was doing it half-time,” Jessica explains. 

Jessica’s daughter Ella was born in Seattle and has lived in or around the city her whole life. She’ll start the third grade this fall. She takes after her mom in some of her interests, from singing to attending shows at the Seattle Children’s Theater. She also helps her mom out at the jazz concerts Jessica produces. Jessica likes Seattle’s abundance of parks, and she enjoys going to concerts around town. Together, the pair enjoys traveling, from trips to Disney resorts or closer stays on the Oregon coast. 

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The family had been living in an apartment in Lake City, where Ella attends school, but sharing a building with a difficult neighbor escalated from uncomfortable to dangerous, and Jessica had to make a quick decision to relocate to somewhere safe. This led Jessica to move in with her mother in Puyallup, all while still commuting to Lake City so that Ella didn’t have to leave her school. 

Jessica says, “When we went to live with my mom, we weren’t expecting to stay as long as we have. We started looking at different options of where we could live that might be safer. Habitat for Humanity seemed like a good option for Ella to have more permanent housing than an apartment where we may end up with someone that we don’t feel safe around.” 

While Jessica was in graduate school, she started to think of different options of how to buy a home once she graduated. Ella really wanted to live in a house, so Jessica made a list and looked at different options in terms of what she could afford.  

“Part of what helped me get through graduate school was the possibility of being able to have a house once I graduated,” she adds. 

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Jessica applied to the Yarrow Cottages neighborhood and was accepted into Habitat SKKC’s homeownership program. She liked the neighborhood’s location in a quiet part of Seattle. Meeting the people on the other side of the unit’s shared wall before moving in helped Jessica feel comfortable with the prospect of new neighbors after her previous difficulties. 

Ella drew a picture for their future neighbors, and when they found out who the couple was at a Habitat-sponsored event, Ella gave it to them. Touched by the gesture, they said they will frame it and put it up on their wall. The photo featured a house and a cat—a not so subtle message to her mom as Ella has expressed interest in owning a cat once they move into their house. She has already picked out the name Luna for her future pet. 

During her time in the Habitat homeownership program, Jessica volunteered at the Southcenter Habitat Store and onsite at Yarrow Cottages helping to build her future neighbors’ homes. She simultaneously completed the required homeownership classes that addressed topics like how to budget and the costs associated with buying a house. This kind of support and engagement throughout the homebuying process helped her to already feel like part of the Yarrow Cottages—and greater Habitat for Humanity—community. 

Jessica reflects, “I think one of the nice things baked into the Habitat program is how much you get to know your neighbors. You’re building community right from the start.” 

To prepare for the move, Jessica has already started exploring her future neighborhood, checking out the local parks, bakeries, and library branch. She’s thinking about the family photos she wants to line the walls of her new home with and the potted plants she can grow on her front porch. 

For her part, Ella is dreaming too. When asked what’s the first thing she wants to do when she moves in, she succinctly answers, “Get a cat.” 

Building a Better Seattle: Speak Up for a Bold, Inclusive Comprehensive Plan

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Next week, Seattle residents have an opportunity to make a real impact on the future of the city. With your help, we can deliver an important message to the City Council: We want Seattle to be sustainable, diverse, and affordable for all its citizens. As part of the Complete Communities Coalition, Habitat SKKC supports a bold comprehensive plan for Seattle. 

As a refresher: Comprehensive plans happen only every ten years, and they serve as a blueprint for where housing, transportation, and businesses will go in a city. Seattle’s plan is currently in front of the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan, where an amendment package is being considered before it will be passed out to the full Seattle City Council. 

The Complete Communities Coalition is pushing for more housing density to match our city’s rapid growth. To do that, we need to build more homes of all types, particularly townhomes, triplexes, stacked flats, and other affordable housing options.  

“This comp plan is our opportunity to address our housing crisis through increased supply at a more reasonable price point,” says Ryan Makinster, Advocacy and Policy Manager at Habitat SKKC.  

We also need to expand the number of proposed neighborhood centers: Small walkable communities within a city that give residents access to grocery stores, childcare, and other essential services near public transit. By adding eight more neighborhood centers—in Alki, Dawson, Roanoke Park, Gasworks, South Wedgwood, Broadview, Loyal Heights, and Nickerson-South Canal—than were proposed in the original comp plan, we aim to ensure that Seattle has affordable and inclusionary communities that are supported by ample public transportation. 

We need to go big if we want to see big changes! The next public hearing when residents can comment on amendments to the comp plan happens September 12. Add your voice and encourage City Council to take bold action on the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan amendments. 

Community in Action: Kittitas County Women Build 

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The 2025 Kittitas County Women Build saw more than 30 volunteers donate their time, skills, and enthusiasm into building homes and empowering other women to work on construction sites. Women Build is Habitat SKKC’s most popular volunteer opportunity, and this was the third time it was held in Kittitas County. 

Volunteers had the opportunity to participate as individuals or as part of sponsor groups, including Suncadia, Umpqua Bank, Central Washington University, and Mariposa Medical Aesthetics. Along with a day of service, volunteers spent quality time with Habitat SKKC staff, learning more about our organization’s mission to provide decent, safe, and affordable housing to everyone. There was ample opportunity for volunteers to learn new skills and bond with their teams over group lunches. 

“I truly appreciate the opportunity to volunteer. The experience was rewarding, and I was impressed by the dedication and passion your team has for the organization. I would be excited to come back and help out again,” said Jennifer, a volunteer with Suncadia.

This year’s Women Build took place at Stuart Meadows in Ellensburg over two weeks and was especially meaningful because the kickoff day had volunteers help transition the construction of the neighborhood from Phase II to Phase III. The first day welcomed volunteers from sponsor group Central Washington Women Builders Association. They spent the day marking the transition from Phase II to Phase III by building fences around the construction site, cleaning up the completed site, and prepping the next site.

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During another day of Kittitas County Women Build, female staffers from the King County office’s construction staff traveled over the pass to help their Kittitas coworkers inspire more women to work on the build site. They joined volunteers from sponsor group Kittitas Valley Healthcare on lot 17 (of 18) at Stuart Meadows.

It was a hot summer day in Ellensburg, but the wind helped cool off volunteers and staff. Volunteers worked side-by-side with the site crew to apply seam tape before siding is applied to building 17.  

“I loved walking into the scene. It was a lot of fun, and everyone was so friendly. They walked us through everything, which was great since my skills do not involve building. More than that, being able to volunteer in the community that I work and live in is really important to me. I never had those opportunities before,” said Katelyn, a volunteer from Kittitas Valley Healthcare.

Stuart Meadows is bordered on the north by a large field. The open space feels like a promise—more neighborhoods, more families who can call this beautiful area home. For now, as Phase III moves steadily toward completion, the volunteers at this year’s Women Build can take pride in contributing to a neighborhood that will soon welcome home six more families.

At the end of this year’s build, Habitat SKKC’s Resource and Development Coordinator Katie Long reflected, “What made this Women’s Build so special wasn’t just the work we accomplished—moving fence lines, installing windows, and prepping homes for siding—it was the chance to coach and teach along the way. Many of our volunteers came in with little to no construction experience, and it was incredible to watch their confidence grow as they learned each step. By the end of the day, seeing them not only complete tasks but feel proud of their new skills was such a powerful reminder of what these builds are all about: Strengthening and empowering one another while building a home.” 

This year’s Kittitas County Women Build raised over $11,000 to support affordable housing and increased homeownership opportunities in our region.