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Season’s Greetings from Heather

What an amazing year 2016 has been!  Not only did we complete the final townhomes at our Sable Ridge Community, but we also broke ground on what will become our largest-ever homeownership development with 63 new homes at Sheridan Square.

In addition to Habitat’s milestones, the City of Denver also reached an important milestone this year when the city council passed Amendment 625, Denver’s first affordable housing fund.  This fund will allow $15 million to be invested into affordable housing per year for the next 10 years.  With Denver’s population swelling, and housing costs hitting record-high levels, this investment in affordable housing is needed now more than ever.

At Habitat for Humanity, we raised our voice in support of Denver’s affordable housing fund, and I am proud that so many of our supporters did the same.  City leaders heard us loud and clear. One voice that especially resonated with me was that of Habitat homeowner Donna Curlin, who stood up in front of a large crowd at the city council meeting and shared why owning an affordable home has made a big impact in her life.

“If it weren’t for programs like Habitat for Humanity, I would not be able to afford a home… and I don’t know where I’d be,” shared Donna. “But, because I have a home where it’s quiet and peaceful, I can study and maintain good grades. In fact, I’ll be graduating in May with my Bachelor’s degree in Law. And there are many people like me who are not looking for a hand out, but instead need a hand up.”

As 2016 comes to a close, I like to reflect on all of the highlights and milestones, and give thanks for all of our blessings.  I’m especially grateful for the more than 700 families who are celebrating their holidays in warm, safe and affordable Habitat homes across metro Denver because of Habitat.  This would not be possible without the generous gifts of time, energy and financial support from people like you.

Thank you for making a difference with Habitat for Humanity this year – and I look forward to building together next year too!

Happy Holidays!

Heather Lafferty
CEO and Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver