Learning from Homeowners

Throughout the past semester, I have been fortunate enough to work at the Habitat office in Lexington. Besides learning about this amazing organization, my task is simple: to visit homeowners at their homes built by Rockbridge Area Habitat and the amazing volunteers and to hear about their experience with Habitat. What I’ve learned will eventually be compiled into a yearbook-type product that includes both pictures and stories.

            The homeowners that I have been able to meet, Jane Ann Wells, Dorman and Janet Mook, and Jodie Wilhem and her son Ryan, have been so very helpful and enjoyable to speak with. After every visit, I am overcome by the sense of thankfulness and confidence that is evident in these homeowners’ lives. I truly believe that Habitat not only helps people own a home of their own, but the process also yields benefits in other aspects of life. As Jane Ann put it, “Habitat changed more than just an address.”

            After seeing the homes and also working with Joe and Kelly, I understand how well built these houses are. Dorman and Janet Mook’s home in Buena Vista was the first to be build by Rockbridge Habitat, and it still looks spectacular. It is very obvious how devoted everyone at Habitat and the volunteers are to providing homeowners with a safe and nice place to live, not to mention energy efficient!

            I look forward to meeting as many homeowners as I can in the next few weeks and hopefully through the winter. Habitat has shown me a great deal about the acts of kindness that are possible with a little well-worth-it work.