No place like home

Thank you to every person who has made affordable home-ownership possible for low incomes families. With the support of many generous donors and loving volunteers, two Habitat families have now become first time homeowners – just in time for Thanksgiving!

Robert’s Home Dedication: the Wells Fargo House, in memory of Jennifer Riordan

This past year Robert dedicated more than 500 hours working alongside volunteers to build his home all while raising four children on his own and working a full time job. “This will be our first home together,” said Robert. “It feels like a true beginning. With our own home, my family can live without fear or shame. We will be able to eat, sleep and laugh in peace.”

Robert’s Habitat home is named the Wells Fargo House, in memory of Jennifer Riordan. “Wells Fargo has been a dedicated partner over the years and Jennifer was a tireless advocate of our mission,” said Joan Costello, Executive Director of Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity. “Her enthusiasm and sincerity were unwavering, and her actions exemplified her motto to always be kind, loving, caring and sharing. Jennifer’s motto will live on in the lives of the family who will share this home in her memory.”

The grant that aided in the construction of Robert’s home is from the Wells Fargo Foundation 2018 Priority Markets Program (PMP). “The mission of nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity aligns with our company’s goal to find housing affordability solutions and strengthen communities,” said Patricia Nie, Corporate Philanthropy and Community Relations. “The new homeowner, Robert, just happens to work with Fathers Building Futures, a nonprofit that Wells Fargo also supports. This intersection for our community giving across nonprofits shows the impact of our giving and volunteerism.”

Irene’s Home Dedication: The Beloved Community House

Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 193rd home on Saturday November 16th when Irene became a first time homeowner and received the keys to the Beloved Community House.

Irene has been caring for her 4 grandchildren for years. And now, because of so many caring and loving people like you, this family has a warm, safe, affordable home where they can build a foundation for a brighter future.

“My dream is to support my grand kids by giving them a stable home. I have been raising them since birth and will continue to be in their lives as long as God wills. I am blessed to have them in my life,” said Irene.

During the dedication ceremony Irene thanked everyone who helped her family this past year saying, “Because of you, this is all possible!”

Becoming a homeowner is not an easy process. Once someone’s application is approved, future homeowners must take hours of finance and budgeting classes. They are also required to work 500 hours of sweat equity, helping to build Habitat homes alongside volunteers and other future homeowners.  Fitting this time into busy schedules with work and childcare responsibilities can be tricky. But with perseverance and a lot of support, Habitat families make it happen.