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.