Habitat for Humanity Fresno County celebrated its 25th anniversary with a community breakfast, Sept. 16. The event, known as the “Building Homes Building Hope Breakfast,” was held at ReStore, a warehouse owned by Habitat.
Habitat for Humanity Fresno County is a nonprofit organization that “seeks to end poverty housing in the county of Fresno by uniting individuals, families and communities to build decent, affordable housing,” according to its website.
Sophomore Ashlyn Key, whose father is the Second Vice President of the Board of Directors for Habitat Fresno, attended the anniversary event. She views the organization as worthy of attention due to its role in the community.
“I think it is important for teens my age to know about Habitat,” Key said. “I think the work of Habitat should be spread throughout everyone because it is such a great thing to help these families. We are the next generation who may help these families ourselves one day.”
At a Habitat home’s opening, the family moves in and is given a Bible, a blessing and a small celebration. Having attended Habitat for Humanity’s events before, Key has directly witnessed the organization’s impact on families, she said.
“I have been to many house dedications where the family walks into their home for the first time,” Key said. “It is spectacular to watch the expressions of joy on their faces.”
As a beneficiary of Habitat for Humanity, Pao Vue expressed her gratitude for the organization at the anniversary breakfast.
“We have been so blessed by Habitat by giving us a house,” Vue said. “I want my younger siblings to have a good place to study in so they can do good in school. The best thing about Habitat is that they have built houses for so many people, and they don’t have favorites — they love everybody.”
At the anniversary event itself, the work of Habitat for Humanity members was honored. Having already constructed 79 homes, the group plans to continue constructing them.
“I think it’s amazing that our community can help people in such a meaningful way,” Key said. “This event was important because people could see what the future plans are and some of the achievements accomplished in the past.”
For more information, please visit Habitat for Humanity’s website.
