Thank you to everyone who attended our special dedication ceremony on Saturday, May 9th, marking our 300th home! It was an exciting day—celebrating our shared purpose of building community and hope.
Bruce Jackson, Esq., Board Chairman, remarked in his welcome message: “That number—300 homes—represents far more than lumber, nails, and concrete. It represents 300 opportunities. Three hundred acts of faith, perseverance, partnership, and hope. It represents hundreds of families who now have a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home, and countless volunteers, donors, sponsors, community partners, and supporters who made those dreams possible.”
In the midst of heartfelt speeches, prayers, and gifts, Johanna Jose, Juana Martin de Jose and family, and Yvelice Almonte de Santos, Dario Santos and family were welcomed into their new homes—the culmination of years of commitment, sacrifice, patience, and hard work from the families, as well as the many volunteers and sponsors who help make Habitat for Humanity homes possible.
“What stood out to me most was not just the need, but their determination. As far as working on a home, Dario worked in construction in Puerto Rico and was anxious to do the work. The whole family was ready and willing to put in the hard work required to become homeowners. And that is exactly what Habitat is all about,” said Charlie Griggs, Habitat CFC Family Selection Committee. “To both the Johanna Jose family and the Santos family, congratulations. You earned this moment. We are all incredibly proud of you, and we wish you many years of happiness, peace, and wonderful memories in your new homes.”
The event also included the burial of a time capsule containing a beautiful quilt custom-made for the occasion by JoAnne Fabry of the Connecticut Piecemakers Quilt Guild, a proclamation signed by Habitat CFC board members, a personal note of thanks from Yvelice, notes written by well-wishers at the event, and Habitat CFC literature and gifts.
While we recognized the remarkable progress made by Habitat CFC over the past 40 years, Bruce Jackson also noted: “As we celebrate this moment, we are reminded that the need for affordable housing remains urgent. Families throughout our communities continue to work hard every day while struggling to find stable housing they can afford. Habitat’s mission remains as important today as ever.”
We are deeply grateful to all the partners and volunteers who continue to dedicate their time, effort, and resources to making a positive impact for their neighbors in Coastal Fairfield County.
