Burque Build Honors Bernalillo County First Responders

First Responders – police, firefighters, and emergency workers – risk their lives every day to protect our community.

To offer our gratitude for these every day heroes, one of Habitat’s homes currently under construction is the Burque Build, a home dedicated to all our amazing Bernalillo County First Responders.

Many friends and supporters came to the opening ceremony this summer, including city officials, past Habitat homeowners, fire fighters, police officers and medical emergency professionals.

Among those who spoke, Danny Valenzuela, Division Chief for Bernalillo Fire Department, addressed the crowd by saying, “Thank you for honoring first responders through the Burque Build. We share a common passion with Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity, to help families like Louis and Crista’s family to gain a better future.”

Kirk Krumperman, Chief Albuquerque Ambulance Services, said,“What’s common among all first responders is we would love not to have to respond to calls in the first place. We believe in prevention and Habitat for Humanity is one way to prevent crisis that comes from people’s lives. Getting stability and hope in your life, to have a wonderful place for kids to grow up is a wonderful way to prevent the need for emergency services.”

From Buarundi Africa, Louis, Orariya and their four children will be the homeowners of the Burque Build. Escaping political war and violence, they moved to the United States just 2 years ago, finding jobs and a welcoming community here in Albuquerque. During the  ceremony, Louis addressed the crowd saying “Me and my family love this country. Because of war and political conflicts, I have not lived in a home for 23 years. My children do not know what home is. Thank you Habitat for Humanity for helping us achieve this dream. God bless you for helping my family.”

Visit the Burque Build page to learn more and donate to help us build this home.