Alex and Dion’s Home Dedication!
At the end of October, we had the pleasure of celebrating the Home Dedication ceremony for Dione and Alex. Unlike traditional dedications held at the Habitat home, this special occasion was hosted at Victory Church, creating an intimate and meaningful setting for the celebration.
The ceremony was a small but cozy gathering, attended by Dione’s family, Alex, and a select group of their supporters who have stood by them throughout their Habitat journey. Among the attendees were two members of our Habitat community: Jenn, a dedicated board member, and Jolene, our ReStore manager. They shared in acknowledging all of the hard work that this family has done so far on their home and the homes of others. The event was not just a celebration of a new home but a testament to the couple’s perseverance and the strong community support that surrounds them.
Spreading the #GivingTuesday Word
In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, Sara, one of our hard-working Partner Family members, planned an adventure to promote our ‘406 Gives!’ fundraiser. Demonstrating leadership and initiative, she organized a volunteer day to spread the word about our campaign, mission and values! Sara divided our Partner Family teams into three groups, and together we embarked on a mission to spread awareness throughout our community. Armed with flyers and a shared passion for our cause, we visited various locations in the downtown area, as well as grocery and hardware stores across town, informing residents about our fundraising efforts.
After a few hours of canvassing the town and engaging with our community members, Sara arranged for Jimmy John’s to generously donate lunch for our hardworking crew – a much-appreciated gesture that fueled our spirits.
We are thrilled to announce that our Giving Tuesday initiative was a success, raising $2,195! This achievement was made possible thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers like Sara and the generous support of our community. The funds raised will play a crucial role in furthering our mission and impacting the lives of families we serve.
To learn more about the ‘406 Gives!’ campaign and our ongoing efforts, we invite you to visit the dedicated tab on our website. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed, whether by spreading the word or donating. Your support underscores the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together for a common cause.
From Hope to Home
The Hale family (most of them) signed a giant stack of paperwork for their new Home in November! Thanks to Flying S Title & Escrow for walking us through the purchasing process and letting us use your fancy signs!
As they transition from participants in the Homeownership Program to proud homeowners, the Hales were so excited to get out of their small apartment and into their new home before Christmas.
A key highlight of our Home Building Program is the assurance that their mortgage payments will remain affordable, never exceeding 30% of their monthly income. This milestone not only marks a new beginning for the Hale family but also stands as an inspiring example of what dedication and hard work can achieve in the journey towards homeownership.
Home just in time for the Holidays!
On November 29th, the Hales hosted a Home Dedication Ceremony at their Habitat Home on Castle Pines Drive. Friends, family, staff, and volunteers gathered to celebrate the Partner Family and all the hard work that they have put into this process. Their home, nestled in a quiet neighborhood with beautiful sunsets, stands down the road from Victory Church, symbolizing their journey of faith and perseverance.
The celebration was not just about marking the completion of a house, but the beginning of a home filled with love and memories. It was a joyous occasion, reflecting the culmination of the Hales’ journey with Habitat for Humanity – a journey marked by dedication, learning, and community involvement.
They have worked tirelessly alongside volunteers, contributing hundreds of hours of sweat equity, which is a cornerstone of the Habitat program. This hands-on involvement is not just about building a house; it’s about learning the skills and developing the confidence to maintain a home.
As guests toured the home, the sense of pride and accomplishment was felt by all. Each room told a story of the journey, the volunteers who helped, and the love (and sweat!) that was poured into every corner. The Hale family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported them through this transformative process. Nicole shared her story as a child who grew up in a Habitat for Humanity home and it was truly a powerful moment. Full interview coming soon!
The Hale’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to support one another. Their Habitat home is more than just a structure; it’s a testament to the power of hope, hard work, and a shared vision of providing everyone with a decent place to live.
ReStore Updates
Happy Birthday John
On November 15th, John turned 24! John has been manning the front counter for a little over a year now and we appreciate all you do for Habitat!
Thanksgiving Feast!
Eric’s mom’s chocolate pie was a hit! Jolene served up some yummy smoked ham and sausage balls. Mary served the potatoes, gravy stuffing and turkey! Marty gave compliments to the chef(s) and that’s all we care about 🙂
Deck the Halls!
The ReStore is full of Christmas and Holiday decorations! From wreaths to ornaments, we have a big selection of your next unique Christmas find. We have new items coming out daily from our Christmas donations.
Construction Update
We are looking for a Construction Coordinator to keep our builds on track! We are working on finishing house 45 at the moment. For a full job description please email director@greatfallshabitat.org.
The holiday season is a great time to give the gift of volunteering to our builds. Only by giving can one expect to receive.
Have a Holly-Jolly Christmas and a Happy New Year!
-Martin NoRunner
Year End Fundraiser – A Home For the Holidays
Our goal is simple but powerful: to raise $2,500 in donations to help more families experience the joy of a safe, loving home.
But that’s not all – there are more ways to spread cheer! If you have items you no longer need, consider donating them to our ReStore. Your used goods can find new homes and help fund our mission. And if you’re eager to roll up your sleeves, we’d love for you to join us on the construction site or at the ReStore as a volunteer.
Please see our A Home for The Holidays tab to learn more.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement with Great Falls Habitat for Humanity. Together, we are building strength, stability, and self-reliance through permanent home ownership!
Your involvement and donations are pivotal in transforming the lives of families in our community, one home at a time.
Stay connected with us for more updates and ways to contribute, and follow us on our social media channels as we continue to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live.