volunteer

2024 Interfaith Build Draws Record Number of Volunteers 

Posted on

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.

Celebrating Nearly 32,000 Hours of Volunteer Commitment

Posted on

More than 120 devoted Habitat for Humanity SKKC fans spent a beautiful summer evening at T-Mobile Park on Thursday, August 8 for our annual Volunteer Appreciation Night. Habitat staff, volunteers, and donors came out to soak up the sun and get to know so many others with whom they share a commitment to build safe and affordable housing for all in the Puget Sound region.    

It was also an opportunity to celebrate this year’s exceptional volunteers and generous donors. Enthusiastic applause punctuated the Volunteer Awards presentation with Jim O’Farrell earning this year’s Volunteer of the Year award for his tireless work on this year’s Interfaith Build – the largest to-date in our affiliate’s history. 

More outstanding volunteers who earned recognition:

  • Jerry Haas earned the Construction Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Kayla Shuster Sasaki is this year’s Advocacy Volunteer of the Year
  • Paul Gustie was awarded Homeowner Services Volunteer of the Year
  • Addison Hawk, is the Habitat Stores Volunteer of the Year

Habitat’s Volunteer Program Manager Caroline Keck reported, “We all made our way to the ballgame to see the Mariners face off against the Detroit Tigers.” With plenty of popcorn, beer, and laughter, she said everyone had a blast. The excitement continued when the Mariners clinched a dramatic win in the bottom of the 9th inning, capping off a fantastic evening with a thrilling finish!

If you, your family or company would like to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity SKKC, please contact Caroline Keck at caroline.keck@habitatskc.org

Habitat Celebrates Make-A-Will Month this August

Posted on

August is Make-A-Will Month, and Habitat for Humanity SKKC is celebrating by partnering with an organization called FreeWill to encourage our supporters, volunteers and homeowners alike to get their wishes in writing for their heirs. Last August, over 40,000 people used this online

estate planning tool to create their wills and even support the causes they love. You can use this month as an opportunity to plan for your future on your own terms. 

Nearly 67% of American adults don’t have a will, but we’d like 100% of our Habitat SKKC community to protect the people love. Over a million people have used FreeWill to do just that and to have a profound impact on the causes that are dear to them— such as Habitat’s mission of making sure everyone has a safe, affordable place to live.

By creating your will this month, you can get peace of mind for the future, protect your family, and even support the future of Habitat SKKC. Completing your will with FreeWill’s tool can take just 20 minutes; it’s time well spent for your loved ones’ future. Remember, planning for tomorrow starts with our actions today.

To create your free will today visit, https://www.habitatskc.org/how-to-help/donate/planned-giving/ or contact Amy Farrier at amy.farrier@habitatskc.org and 206-456-6943. 

Habitat SKKC Builds with Pride

Posted on

Habitat for Humanity SKKC staff, volunteers, and supporters proudly joined the vibrant sea of rainbow shirts and flags as they marched alongside over 250 other groups in Seattle’s Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30. This year’s parade celebrated its 50th anniversary with the theme of NOW!

Habitat SKKC took that theme to heart with this year’s Pride Build aimed at creating inclusive communities where everyone has a safe place to live. Seventy-five volunteers contributed their labor in June’s first weeks to assure that members of the region’s LGBTQ+ community have access to safe and affordable housing. 

Habitat’s annual Pride Build is designed to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing for all and its power to transform lives for the better. For Pride Build 2024,  Habitat SKKC partnered with area organizations and allies to raise $16,000 in support of homeownership for LGBTQ+ families and individuals.  

Habitat SKKC is dedicated to building safe, affordable, and inclusive communities for all our hard-working and marginalized neighbors across Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties. We pay special attention to groups that have historically faced systemic discrimination in accessing homeownership, ensuring their needs are prioritized by Habitat SKKC and our supporters.

Interested in being a part of Pride Build or the Pride Parade next year? Contact Alex Wyatt at alex.wyatt@habitatskc.org for more information.