Success Stories

Foundation for Change: Cara’s Journey to Homeownership

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Born and raised in Ellensburg, Cara’s roots run deep in her community. A devoted mother to her six-year-old daughter, she finds joy in her work at a preschool. She is building her first home through Habitat SKKC.

Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program enables income-qualified people to build and to buy their own homes with sustainable, affordable mortgages and a support system of other partner homeowners nearby. The current project, located in the north side of Ellensburg, is bringing 18 three-bedroom homes to approximately 81 people in our community that will benefit not only this generation but many more to come through affordable homeownership.

“For me, being a homeowner means a fresh new start,” Cara says.

Cara’s journey is marked by bittersweet memories. Three years ago, Cara lost her mother to cancer, leaving behind cherished memories of their family home just down the street from her home in progress. Cara has found solace in the prospect of creating a new home for her family in the same area as her childhood home. The news of her acceptance into the Habitat for Humanity program came as a divine answer to her prayers for structure and a community that feels like family.

As Cara embarks on this new chapter of her life, she finds herself reflecting on the journey that brought her here. Memories of driving past Habitat for Humanity homes as a child flood her mind, reminding her of the dreams of having her own home from a young age.

Through the challenges and lessons of the construction process, Cara has discovered newfound patience and resilience. “I’ve learned a little bit more patience. It’s quite a process building a house,” she admits. With Habitat SKKC’s support, this dream is becoming a reality.

Looking to the future, Cara envisions a world where affordable housing is within reach for all families, regardless of their circumstances: “I feel like there’s a huge need for people in our community for affordable housing situations, who want to have roots to build a home and have a family.”

In Cara’s story, we find a testament to the transformative power of hope and community. Through Habitat SKKC, she has not only found a place to call home but also discovered a newfound sense of belonging and purpose. As she steps into this new chapter of her life, Cara embodies the spirit of resilience, reminding us that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible, including our vision to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

To learn more about our affordable homeownership, visit https://buyhabitat.org/

Foundation for Change: Genevieve and Luke’s Journey to Homeownership

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Thanks to her hard work and a little bit of help, Genevieve is planting roots deep into the community she holds dear. Married to her high school sweetheart and mother to a lively three-year-old daughter, her life is interwoven with love, laughter, and the exciting adventure of building her own home through Habitat SKKC’s homeownership program.

“For me, being a homeowner means stability and leaving a legacy for my family,” Genevieve shares. “It’s about creating a place where we can build and pass down traditions without worry, focusing on what truly matters: giving back to our community.”

Genevieve’s journey through the process of building her home is both challenging and meaningful. “Building a home is really fun, but it’s very difficult,” she admits. Teamwork has become her mantra, learning that while everyone may be trained in the same skills, each person shines differently.

“I am fabulous at putting nails in the wrong area, but everything is fixable,” she laughs. This insight speaks to a larger truth in her experience: the empowering process of trying, failing, and trying again until you succeed.

The mission of Habitat SKKC resonates deeply with Genevieve. “Everybody having a decent place to live means everyone flourishes,” she explains. “When people have their basic needs met, they can focus on becoming better versions of themselves, being good neighbors, and giving back to their community.” This philosophy underscores the transformative impact of secure housing on individual and collective well-being in Kittitas County and beyond.

Genevieve and her husband are forever grateful to Habitat SKKC, Kittitas County, and the USDA for making this possible. She extends heartfelt thanks to Nick Nelson for his guidance and patience and to the neighbors she has come to know through building their homes together.

“We got to help build each other’s homes, and then we get to live alongside each other and raise our kids together,” she reflects. “I’m really thankful for the opportunity.”

Through Genevieve’s eyes, we glimpse the resilience and solidarity born from collective effort. Guided by Habitat SKKC, she not only achieves homeownership but also uncovers a profound sense of identity and direction. Her story illustrates how a secure, nurturing home acts as a catalyst for personal growth and community prosperity, forging a path toward a brighter future for all.

To learn more about our affordable homeownership, visit https://buyhabitat.org/

Foundation for Change: Ron’s Journey to Homeownership

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Ronnie’s journey is not only a tale of miles traveled but of the profound impact of community and the resilience of the human spirit. Throughout his life, Ronnie has been guided by a deep appreciation for family and a commitment to creating a better future for those he holds dear. Now, that dream is coming to fruition through Habitat SKKC’s homeownership program.

As he reflects on his journey, Ronnie recalls the rugged beauty of rural Washington, where he was born and raised in the picturesque town of Manson, nestled along the shores of Lake Chelan. It was in these idyllic surroundings that Ronnie’s love for the Pacific Northwest blossomed, laying the foundation for a lifetime of adventure and exploration.

Yet, Ronnie’s path was not confined to the tranquil landscapes of his youth. With a career spanning a decade in the transportation industry, Ronnie crisscrossed the country, from the bustling highways of the East Coast to the rugged terrain of Alaska. It was a life defined by long hours and hard work but also one filled with the richness of experience and the camaraderie of fellow travelers.

However, life took an unexpected turn when a back injury left Ronnie disabled, challenging him to redefine his path forward. In the face of adversity, Ronnie turned to Habitat SKKC, seeking not just a house but a place of safety, security, and belonging for himself and his loved ones.

Through the collaborative efforts of Habitat SKKC, Ronnie found not only the opportunity to build a physical home but also to cultivate a meaningful support system.

“Working together on building these houses, we really bonded together as a family. And that’s how I feel about Habitat for Humanity. They’re a family to me, too,” Ronnie says.

Throughout his journey, family has remained a constant source of strength and inspiration for Ronnie. With relatives scattered across Washington state and beyond, Ronnie cherishes the moments spent with loved ones, recognizing the enduring bonds that unite them across distance and time.

As Ronnie looks to the future, he envisions a world where safe, secure housing is accessible to all—a world where families can thrive, communities can flourish, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow is within reach for everyone. With each brick laid and nail hammered, Ronnie’s dream takes shape, a testament to his unwavering determination and the collective effort of those who have supported him along the way.

Ronnie’s journey serves as a reminder that, in the face of adversity, the human spirit has the power to endure and thrive. Through perseverance, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to community, Ronnie has transformed his dreams into reality, paving the way for a future filled with hope, happiness, and the warmth of a place to call home. To learn more about our affordable homeownership, visit https://buyhabitat.org/

Habitat Repairs Bring Health and Safety to a Federal Way Couple

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Love brought Annama Joseph to the United States from India 34 years ago.  She came here to marry Varghese, a U.S. veteran and fellow Indian immigrant.  They lived happily in their Federal Way home for 20 years and raised two daughters there.  But, as their fortunes changed, they struggled financially.  

Annama was seriously injured in her job as a nursing assistant when a violent patient kicked her in the face and neck.  The injuries were so severe, she was rendered unable to work and has been receiving a disability pension since 2015.  At about the same time, her husband Varghese was declared disabled due to a neurological disorder.  Their income plummeted, making home maintenance a low priority.

For years they had undetectable leaks in their bathroom that caused mold to grow in the house.  Both Annama and Vhalise suffered regular respiratory illnesses.  In addition, the insulation in their attic and crawlspace had disintegrated causing their utility bills to be extraordinarily high. Despite assessments by several professionals, the sources of their problems were not detected until a Habitat repairs crew got inside their home.

“In about one month,” Annama says, “the Habitat people finished all the repairs.”

The couple received a completely new bathroom, including added grab bars and a new shower door.  The mold was eradicated, and so were their respiratory problems.  Outside, the crew replaced the corroded gutters and the rotting deck. 

Insulation was added to the attic and crawlspace, too.  “Our utility bill is 50% lower now than it was before the repairs,” Annama declares. She adds that the bill has remained low through the winter, even though her pain requires extra warmth. “My disability is progressing, so it’s important that I stay warm.”

She raves about the Habitat crew. “They did a very, very good job. And they are very nice people. They helped us so much. They are great people, all very special in my life.”

If you know someone in need of critical repairs in your community, please visit: Home Repairs – Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties (habitatskc.org)

The Joy of Fresh Paint and a Little Help

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Dan Autry has lived self-sufficiently in his Kittitas home for more than 26 years. He’s a retired Vietnam veteran, and when his manufactured home needed work, he welcomed in Kittitas County Habitat for Humanity volunteers.

Dan takes pride in his home, and it needed a new paint job that didn’t fit his budget. “Those volunteers painted the whole home,” Dan says happily. “In fact, Tahaina (Petrovitch, on the Habitat staff) did 90% of the painting herself.”  The Kittitas crew also replaced the sheeting that circles his home from ground to its outside wall and they added insulation to his front and back doors.

Dan learned about Kittitas County Habitat from a friend who told a friend, and he was delighted he could qualify for repairs assistance.  He says his home is looking so much better and , “the work Habitat did was great.”

After two tours of duty in the Army during the Vietnam war, most notably during the TET offensive, Dan became a civilian in 1979. “To me it was just about getting out, coming home, taking off that uniform, and being a civilian.” He’s satisfied these days to stay in his home and take care of himself. He’s grateful for the service Habitat extended to him.

“I appreciate everything they’ve done for me. I drop in just to say ‘Hi’ to Tammy and Tahaina. They’re real nice people.” He adds that he spreads the word about Habitat whenever he can so others might get the help they need – just as he did.