You’re invited to a habitat home dedication

By Altrim Luma, Habitat Lakeside marketing intern

At Habitat for Humanity Lakeside, we are constantly stressing the importance of a stable home to a family. However, hearing about the benefits and being able to experience them differ dramatically.

Luckily, I had the chance to experience them firsthand.

As a new intern at Habitat Lakeside, I went on my first visit to a home occupied by a Habitat Lakeside homeowner. Her name is Kewanna, and she has four children. As I pulled up to the street, I saw the home surrounded by vibrant green grass. Brightly colored toys were scattered around the driveway. When I walked in the house, I was immediately greeted by playful children and a space filled with warmth. Pictures and decorations, such as drawings and sticky notes on the fridge, hung all over, enriching the space and making it feel personalized and homey.

Throughout my visit, Kewanna’s kids were playing around the house, riding bikes, and making full use of their new driveway. The kids told us they had made new neighborhood friends; they will continue to make lifelong relationships, building a deep sense of community in the neighborhood. Kewanna beamed with joy as she led me around the house, and as she watched the children play blissfully, I could only imagine how she felt.

In my own life, I have moved homes twice, and each time, it was an emotional rollercoaster. When visiting Kewanna’s house, I remembered how it felt to be a kid in a new place, excited to make new memories while also feeling anxious in a new area. Having to get used to an entirely new space in an entirely different neighborhood can take time. Luckily, time passes anyway. Each time I moved, I was able to meet new people and have unique experiences. Having my sisters and parents with me during those uncertain times is what turned them into great memories. I also remember going to a new school and feeling worried about meeting new people. However, the friends I made there ended up being a huge reason for feeling so at home.

Because of this, I was reminded that the people we share these experiences with are what truly define home.
As I left the house, I had a profound feeling of fulfillment. The thought of Kewanna and her family being able to enjoy their home and make memories in it together is one that confirms Habitat’s mission, and my understanding of it. I walked down the pavement, observing the beautiful greenery planted in the woodchips, which will continue to grow with the seasons, right alongside the family.

It was this visit that allowed me to personally witness the importance of stable housing. To experience something like this for yourself, we invite you to attend the dedication of our 54th home on Monday, Aug. 24, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 2126 Geele Ave. in Sheboygan. Parking will be available in the west-side lot of St. Dominic Catholic Church, located across the street from the house. 

The dedication, open to the public, will include a tour of the home, remarks from Beau and Courtney, the intended home buyers, and the opportunity to mingle with other supporters of affordable housing. Refreshments will be served and, most importantly, guests will have the opportunity to fully witness the positive effects a stable, decent home has on a family.
​
As the saying goes, seeing is believing.

Habitat Lakeside’s 54th home, almost finished, is on Sheboygan’s north side.