volunteer

Interfaith Build 2023

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group photo of InterFaith Build

Join us at our Yarrow Cottages project in South Park for fellowship and the hands-on work of Habitat for Humanity! 

Habitat’s Interfaith build started over 20 years ago in memory of September 11th, as a way to unite faith communities in both love and action. Join us in continuing this annual tradition of showing how we’re stronger together, and together we build! 

Habitat for Humanity honors the role that faith communities play in building a better world. In our mission of building decent homes for all, we work alongside and serve people of all faith backgrounds, and celebrate the role many faiths play in building stronger communities. 

Join us on Sept 9 – Yarrow Cottages, South Park

One site, one team (40-50 people total),5-8 people per faith tradition.

Members of all faiths are welcome!

Get together with members of many faiths to respond to our regional housing crisis. We strive to be an example of what we can accomplished when we work together. 

Get involved with the build 

Sign up for our build day. Volunteer your time for build activities and interfaith learning while helping your community. 

We are asking for groups of 5-8 people per faith tradition to make up the 25-person team. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and we will provide all the tools, safety equipment, and supervision needed for the day. 

Be a speaker 

We would love to have a representative on-site from different faith communities to share for 5-10 minutes each about how their faith calls them to action and service to others. 

Provide a meal/food prep 

Sign up to prepare and provide a meal for the volunteers. 

Provide and serve meals on-site for volunteers with enough to feed 40 people each day. We ask that food includes vegetarian options. This is a great way for youth to get involved. 

Learn more at www.habitatskc.org/volunteer.

Contact Alex Wyatt, at alex.wyatt@habitatskc.org to organize a group, sign up as an individual, or ask questions. Space is limited. 

Car Donation Pays Off for Habitat and for Donors

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Most of us remember our first car. 

For Sudhanshu Kumar, his first car meant independence in his new country. 

“When I moved to the States, before I learned how to drive or owned this car, I had to rely on others to move around,” he said.

Once he earned his license and his Hyundai Tiburon, Sudhanshu was free to go wherever he wanted. 

“I still remember finding the best pancake place in the city and driving this car to get there.  That’s one of the moments I felt such immense happiness and freedom.”

Sudhanshu recently donated his Tiburon and all those memories to Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program.

“I thank this car for such wonderful memories, and while I part with it, I am also happy to know if it might be of some use and value to others in need.”

Indeed, Sudhanshu’s generous donation will provide significant support to Habitat’s mission of providing everyone a decent and affordable place to live. Since 2005, Habitat’s nationwide Cars for Homes program has raised more than $30 million and repurposed over 120,000 cars. 

In addition to helping fund affordable homeownership, the Cars for Homes program helps to reduce carbon emissions in our atmosphere. According to a carbon reduction study by Worcester Polytech Institute, cars recycled properly can play a big role in reducing carbon emissions in the automotive manufacturing industry because recycling reduces the need to refine new materials.

Sudhanshu learned about Habitat’s Cars for Homes program from an ad on a Metro bus.

“I was commuting here in Seattle when I saw a sticker for an option to donate the car. I knew then and there if I ever parted ways with my Hyundai Tiburon, that’s what I would do. Being able to do that is such a wonderful feeling.”

Habitat’s Cars for Homes program is a win-win for potential homeowners, for the environment and it’s personally gratifying for the donor.  Donating a vehicle – cars, trucks, RVs, vans, SUVs, boats, and motorcycles, running or not – is simple.  Towing is free! And many are tax deductible. Click the link for details and instructions.

Habitat Adds New Roof and New Life to Old Home

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After months of searching for help to repair their home, Carlean and Eddie Green finally found the support they needed through Habitat for Humanity SKKC. Their Skyway home, where they have lived for more than 30 years, was in dire need of repair, especially the leaking roof that posed a threat to the entire house. Despite applying to various organizations that provide assistance to older adults, the Greens either didn’t qualify financially or the necessary funding was unavailable. With time running out, Carlean turned to Habitat for help, following a friend’s recommendation.

What set Habitat apart was their approach. Unlike other organizations, Habitat didn’t require the Greens to have money in the bank or be free of credit card debt. The Habitat team got right to work, understanding the urgency of the situation. In just 15 days, they replaced the roof, gutters, and eaves of the 64-year-old ranch-style home. Eddie, who is retired and disabled, praised the Habitat repair team, highlighting their professionalism and efficiency. They promptly addressed any additional issues they encountered during the repairs, keeping the Greens informed throughout the process. Carlean also commended the team for their politeness and respect.

“They (the Habitat team) got right to work,” Carlean said.

The total cost of the repair project, including the brand-new roof, was estimated at $17,000 by Eddie.

“We didn’t have to pay a cent,” Eddie said. 

Thanks to Habitat’s assistance, Carlean can now care for her six-month-old grandson while his mother works, free from the anxiety caused by the deteriorating condition of their home.

If given the opportunity to express his gratitude to the Habitat team, Eddie would offer his heartfelt thanks and a warm hug. For him, Habitat for Humanity is at the top of his list, representing a beacon of hope and a source of immense support in their time of need.

The Greens’ experience with Habitat for Humanity SKKC serves as a powerful testament to the organization’s mission and impact. By providing affordable housing solutions and critical home repairs, Habitat ensures that families like the Greens can continue to live in safe and sustainable homes. Their work goes beyond construction; it builds communities, preserves legacies, and transforms lives.

Habitat’s commitment to serving those in need, regardless of their financial circumstances, is truly commendable. Through their efforts, families can maintain the stability and security they deserve, creating a brighter future for themselves and the generations to come.

Carlean and Eddie Green’s story is a reminder of the profound impact that organizations like Habitat for Humanity have on individuals and communities. Their dedication to providing shelter and restoring homes not only improves living conditions but also instills hope, dignity, and a sense of belonging. It is through the unwavering support of organizations like Habitat that dreams are preserved, families are empowered, and communities thrive.

Thank YOU for making the2023 Beyond the Build Luncheon a BIG success!

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Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties welcomed over 750 guests last week at the 2023 Beyond the Build luncheon! And because of our generous donors, we were able to earn the entire Challenge Match, made by our wonderful partners, and raised more than $1.7 million, and counting to combat our region’s affordable housing crisis.

Thank you to those who were able to gather and join us at the new Seattle Convention Center. We loved seeing everyone’s enthusiasm and hope you came away inspired by the shared stories from our Homeowner partners, guest speakers, and Majora Carter the award-winning author of Reclaiming Your Community: You Don’t Have to Move out of Your Neighborhood to Live in a Better One.

Habitat’s Community Leader of the Year, The Seattle Office of Housing, was recognized for their commitment and long-standing support. And Gary Fallon was acknowledged as Habitat’s Volunteer of the Year for his service to our projects.  

We hope everyone who attended the event enjoyed the experience.

On behalf of Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas County and all the Habitat Partner Families in our community, thank you for your support!

Check our our event photos here! 

Watch the Community Impact video 

and the Volunteer of the Year video!

Want to get more involved? Sign up to be a volunteer, become an advocate for affordable housing, or shop/donate to one of our Habitat Stores. 

BIG thanks again to all who made Beyond the Build 2023 a success!  

Habitat for Humanity’s Beyond the Build Luncheon: Celebrating a Look Ahead and Honoring Supporters

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We are just a few days away from this year’s Beyond Build Luncheon, which was recently featured on KIRO 7 (click the link). This special occasion serves as a celebration of our achievements, a reflection on the past, and an opportunity to honor and express gratitude to our dedicated supporters. Join us as we gather to commemorate our shared commitment to affordable housing and look ahead to the future of our mission.

Be sure to watch the KIRO 7 clip, which includes an interview with keynote speaker Majora Carter.

Looking Back on Our Journey: The Beyond Build Luncheon allows us to pause and reflect on the incredible journey we have undertaken. Together with our passionate volunteers, generous donors, and resilient homeowners, we have made a significant impact on the communities we serve. This event is a moment to acknowledge the progress we have made in creating affordable housing opportunities and transforming lives.

Honoring Our Supporters: One of the highlights of the Beyond Build Luncheon, as mentioned by KIRO 7, is the opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to our supporters. Their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions have been instrumental in driving our mission forward. From individuals to corporate partners, volunteers, and community organizations, we will take this moment to recognize their commitment to our cause.

A Look Ahead: The Beyond Build Luncheon is not just about celebrating our accomplishments; it also serves as a platform to share our vision for the future. We will discuss our strategic plans, innovative programs, and upcoming projects aimed at further expanding affordable housing opportunities in our region. Together, we can make a difference and create lasting change in the lives of families in need.

Community Impact and Engagement: Throughout the event, featured on KIRO 7, we will showcase inspiring stories of the families we have helped and the transformative power of affordable homeownership. Our speakers will share their personal experiences, shedding light on the profound impact that safe, decent, and affordable housing has on individuals, families, and entire communities.

Join Us at the Beyond Build Luncheon: We invite you to join us at the Beyond Build Luncheon on Thursday (more details in the link). It is an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, engage in meaningful conversations, and be part of a movement that is shaping the future of affordable housing. Your presence and support, alongside KIRO 7, will play a vital role in furthering our mission and making homeownership dreams a reality for deserving families.

As we gather at the Beyond Build Luncheon, we celebrate the milestones we have achieved and express our gratitude to the supporters who have helped us along the way. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future and provide hope and stability to those in need. Join us at this remarkable event, and let’s create lasting change one home at a time.

Click the link for more information.