Habitat for Humanity Sussex County hosts Pride build
Habitat for Humanity Sussex County hosted a home-building day in honor of Pride Month June 16. The Pride build provided an opportunity for members of the community to feel included and come together for a greater cause.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing homes for low-income families. As an organization, they strive for inclusivity and believe that everyone deserves a quality living space.
“We are here for the entire community – we support the whole community – and we think everyone should have a decent place to live,” said Katie Millard, director for development and advocacy.
The purpose of the Pride build was to bring members of the community together to help build Habitat homes in Georgetown. Volunteers focused efforts on groundwork as they leveled the ground in preparation for sod.
The turnout for this LGBTQ+-inspired event exceeded the initial goals made by Habitat members. Volunteers included members from the community, CAMP Rehoboth and Habitat for Humanity.
“It just brings the community together. It doesn’t matter where you're from, what your beliefs are, what your background is ... you come on common ground, and you're here for one purpose. That one purpose is to build safe, affordable homes and make a significance in people’s lives,” said Lewis Dawley, member of Habitat’s board of directors.
The build gives an opportunity for volunteers to bond with one another and feel that they are united and accepted.
“As a Christian organization, we believe in reaching out and being inclusive, and we want to show love and acceptance for folks of all different backgrounds and perspectives. So to do this in a very public way and to celebrate Pride Month by having a build day dedicated to that idea of inclusivity is really important to us, “ said Kevin Gilmore, CEO of Sussex County Habitat for Humanity.
This theme build works toward the establishment of 11 new Habitat homes in Kimmytown, Georgetown, as a part of Habitat for Humanity’s neighborhood rehabilitation program.
Each home is predesignated to a Habitat family to ensure that each home fits the size of each family. This way, every family is set up for success.
Included in the build is the future Jeremiah House, an establishment with office space, meeting space and five apartments that will be used to host volunteers from multiple organizations and/or Habitat families who need a place to stay before their house is complete.
Habitat for Humanity Sussex County finds these theme builds to be successful as they target and attract a general audience. Previous themes that have brought volunteers together include Black History Month and women’s builds.
The organization has found that citizens are more likely to volunteer with groups that they have something in common with, which is partially the reason the Pride build was a major success.
Although they are most known for their home construction program, Habitat for Humanity does much more than build homes. They have helped 173 low-income families through their home repair program, energy efficacy program and financial literacy coaching.
If someone does not qualify for a Habitat home because they have delinquent debt or other issues, they are referred to the financial literacy program, which helps get families stable, on their feet and make future financial goals.
In addition to its many programs, Habitat for Humanity Sussex County has a resale store at 18501 Stamper Drive near Lewes off Route 9, where customers can make an impact while they shop as all sales go toward home builds.
This year, Habitat for Humanity will hit more than $1 million in sales at the restore – enough to build two Habitat homes.
More information on how to get involved, volunteer, donate or apply for a Habitat home is available online at sussexcountyhabitat.org.
