Jack & Rita Kirkwood Habitat Supporters

“We have been financial supporters of Habitat for nearly 20 years, and when we retire, we hope to volunteer too … although fair warning, Rita is a messy painter.

Seriously, we are truly amazed how Habitat transforms lives, taking a person from one place to a better one, all while teaching them through sweat equity how to be self-reliant. In our minds, this is true justice. We recently completed JustFaith, a 30- week intense course that integrates social justice, spirituality and a call to action. We know that by supporting Habitat, families are able to build better lives, not just for themselves, but for generations to come.

As the old saying goes, give a child a fish, they’ll eat for a day … teach them to fish, and they will be set for life.’ This is what Habitat does – whether teaching families, volunteers on the construction sites, students in the LEED green building program, supporters like us, and their own staff. Mary (Buikema, Executive Director) is marvelous, and we are lucky to have her at the helm, always investigating new and better ways to do things – whether it be building the first LEED-certified affordable home in the nation, or the affiliate’s first triplex, thereby addressing land scarcity concerns and maximizing volunteer resources. Having met some of the homeowners, we have seen the impact Habitat makes and we are proud to be part of this fine organization.”

Karl & Patti Betz Habitat Supporters

“We have seen the difference the Habitat staff and volunteers have made in the lives of families in our community. These families only need a helping hand to realize their dream of buying a home at a reasonable price. When we met some of the families working hard to get over their personal hurdles and obtain a home to call their own and raise their families, it made an incredible impact on us.

The fact that the homeowners participate in the construction along with the volunteers really impressed us as well – Habitat’s help does not come in the form of a “hand out”, but rather as a “hand up” to those willing and eager to make a better life for themselves and their families.

How many of us expect, and even take for granted, the security and pride that comes with home ownership? How do you measure the impact on children and the long term effect on our community?

Habitat for Humanity provides us with an opportunity to make a difference in our community in a very real and personal way. Habitat’s staff is incredible, and they conduct a very thorough selection process. The families we have met are phenomenal and we are proud to support this organization.”