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Winter 2022 Edition
The Soto family started the new year with a new home.
The Sotos settled on their completed Habitat home in mid-December. They now have the keys to a safe, affordable space for their family of six. Ivette and Virgilio enjoyed helping at the construction site so much that they are looking forward to helping their future neighbors build their homes.
Ivette says “Being able to work with my husband and also my oldest kids in our future home, together is an amazing feeling. Also being able to help on the other families’ houses knowing that those will be our neighbor’s homes is just wonderful. I look forward to giving my kids a home they deserve. A place they can call ‘home’.”
This family is living in a safe, warm, affordable house thanks to you! Whether you’ve donated your time, talent, or treasure to Habitat, it all adds up to making a difference for families in the community. From the Soto family and all the team at Habitat for Humanity of Chester County, we thank you for building homes, communities, and hope!
Contest for 5th graders is back in person!
On March 19, 2022, we welcome 5th graders from across the Delaware Valley back for an annual tradition. Habitat for Humanity of Chester County and Fox Roach Trident Charities are hosting the 19th Build a House Build a Dream Contest! Students are invited to design and build 3D model dream homes to be submitted in a friendly contest with their peers. The contest is a creative outlet for participants to dream big while learning the importance of safe, affordable housing.
For the past two years, the contest was held virtually, to protect the students and volunteers. We’re excited to announce this year’s event will be held in person at the Exton Square Mall. “We chose the former Sears building because of how much room there is to spread out and give everyone ample space for social distancing.” shares Marketing and Communications Manager, Becki Patterson. “We will continue to watch numbers and protect all participants by requiring masks at the event. We’ll also be supplying hand sanitizing stations throughout the event.”
Contest and raffle winners will be announced at the end of the event. Be sure to stick around for fun activities provided by local youth and family organizations like the Boy Scouts of America and more.
Since 2002, more than 6,000 fifth-grade students representing some 750 schools have participated. The contest has raised roughly a half million dollars through sponsorship to help support Habitat’s homebuilding initiatives. The contest itself is free to participants with all funds donated by generous local sponsors in the area.
Fuller Meadows moving full steam ahead!
Ten more homes are on their way to completion for Habitat families. Thanks to volunteers and corporate team builds, we have kept things moving in the winter months! The families that moved into the first five homes (phase 1) celebrated their one-year anniversary in December 2021. These homeowners keep in touch with us about how affordable housing has changed their lives for the better.
Habitat started construction of the next five homes (phase 2) of the future 40 in March of 2021. Only the final touches like flooring and paint remain before these will be ready for five more families. Phase 3 of construction started in September 2021. Another five families are working on their sweat equity hours preparing for move-in day this summer. The next steps for these homes are HVAC and plumbing before getting started on electrical work.
While all 15 of these homes are spoken for there are 25 more needing qualified applicants!
