Chaffee County Habitat joins the 39th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter
Work Project via new “Rural Rally” across America
Chaffee County Habitat for Humanity (CCHfH) celebrated the completion of construction on our 26th new home build with a dedication ceremony on October 25th in Nathrop, Colorado, during the inaugural Habitat for Humanity International Rural Rally — as part of the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Corina Walker was officially welcomed into her new home, surrounded by family, friends, Habitat volunteers, as well as several local, regional, and state government officials.
The Dedication Ceremony is a time for all to gather together to celebrate the newly completed home. The afternoon commenced with great anticipation, as well as overwhelming excitement. Coming together to celebrate the hard work and determination of this deserving family, who is realizing the dream of home ownership, while honoring the work of President Jimmy Carter and Mrs. Rosalynn Carter.
The Habitat for Humanity International Rural Rally is a national initiative spotlighting the critical need for affordable housing in rural America. The goal is to address the urgent housing needs of rural communities and implement practical, place-based solutions that make a meaningful difference. The initiative highlights the need for affordable housing in rural America and is included as part of the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, Habitat’s flagship build honoring the profound impact President and Mrs. Carter had on Habitat for Humanity’s mission worldwide. This year’s event was in Austin, Texas, where hundreds of volunteers constructed 25 homes in just five days.
BV Mayor Libby Fay, Colorado Speaker of the House of Representatives Julie McCluskie, Chaffee County Commissioners, P.T. Wood, Gina Lucrezi, Dave Armstrong, Reverend Tom Abbott
Presenters at the ceremony included Colorado Speaker of the House of Representatives, Julie McCluskie, County Commissioners, Dave Armstrong, Gina Lucrezi, and P.T. Wood, and Buena Vista Mayor, Libby Fay. Videos were received from Colorado’s Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera and U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen congratulating Chaffee County Habitat’s newest homeowner, Corina, and discussing the accomplishments of Habitat for Humanity, as well as the challenges we continue to face in affordable homeownership efforts in rural Colorado.
Representative McCluskie shared the importance of advocacy efforts and the impact that Habitat for Humanity has on affordable housing in Colorado. “Commitment to rural affordable housing is something we should be proud of,” McCluskie said. “We’ve got more work to do, clearly, but to everybody involved with this project and Habitat here in this great county, thank you. It matters that rural voices are heard and that we see this as a strategic economic advantage for all of us when homes are built for our local workforce and families.”
Buena Vista Mayor Libby Fay stated, “Habitat is all about neighbors helping neighbors, and it can go anywhere from donations of land, donations of building supplies, shopping at Restore, making cash donations, volunteering your time as part of a group to come and spend a day or a week working on these projects. It makes all the difference.” She also discussed her experience volunteering at our sister affiliate, Habitat Paraguay, through the Habitat for Humanity Global Village program.
Commissioner P.T. Wood talked about Habitat’s impact over the past 25 years. “Chaffee County Habitat has contributed 36 new homes/other housing projects and served 107 individuals, including 45 adults & 62 children, strengthening not just those families, but our entire county and our entire community.” He also discussed the impact of working on your own home. “There is a special feeling, and I know this from having helped build my house, that is well beyond the pride of ownership when you contribute your sweat equity into the house you’re living in. Corina has invested a fair amount of sweat equity into this home. It’s going to make it an even more special place for them to grow their memories and share their lives.”
Following the blessing of the home by Reverend Tom Abbott, of the First Presbyterian Church of Salida, the County Commissioners handed over the keys to Corina and her daughter, Reina. Everyone had the opportunity to tour the home and see the hard work and dedication of Chaffee County coming together to build homes, communities, and hope.
Make an investment in your community today! Your cash contributions, shopping and donating items to the ReStore, and volunteering your time and talents provide something priceless: the empowerment of families to build a brighter future for themselves and their children.
Representative Julie McCluskie
New Habitat Homeowner, Corina Walker, and CCHfH Construction Volunteers
New Habitat Homeowner, Corina Walker, & CCHfH Board of Directors
