by Sophie Webster
At Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley, we partner with many groups and individuals to work toward our goal of providing affordable housing for families throughout the Vail Valley. Volunteers are vital to what we do and who we are. Every year, hundreds of volunteers help build Habitat homes — which helps ensure no homeowner pays more than 30% of their income towards their mortgage.
Recently, we worked alongside one of our partners of several years, The Vail Church. Lenée Smith, the Director of Missions and Mobilization at the church, shared her thoughts on the mission and work accomplished through this partnership.
The Vail Church has volunteered with Habitat Vail Valley in many ways, thanks to a shared vision of making a difference by serving the community. “The partnership between The Vail Church and Habitat strengthens the community by pooling resources, skills, and hearts. As we work together, we focus on commonalities and shared purpose, which helps strengthen our valley home,” says Lenée. When volunteer groups like churches or companies come together with Habitat, we have more manpower to make an even greater impact, helping keep the cost of home building as low as possible
When it comes to joining forces, we are united by the simplest fact: We are all human, called to come together for the good of one another. Lenée, who has served across the globe, says, “My global service experiences have reinforced simple truths, such as the fact that at our core, people are people; context is the variable. Around the world, we share fundamental needs for food, shelter, and a sense of belonging and acceptance.” At Habitat Vail Valley, we understand this fact and strive to partner with others who believe the same. Because through this, we are motivated at the deepest, most personal level to make a difference for our neighbors.
Both Habitat and the church are built on faith. What is most important, though, is putting this faith into action. “As a Christ follower, serving is an opportunity for me to remind others of their value as I seek to reflect the love and compassion that Jesus modeled,” says Lenée. Faith in action can make tangible change, and, although this action can be taken globally, it is also crucial to maintain roots in the local community. Lenée points out that our neighbors need us just as badly as those across the world. She says, “Caring for our neighbors is equally important as addressing global needs. These are the individuals and relationships we know, share life with, and make our valley home together. We need each other. Looking out for one another is an essential aspect of love, compassion, and strength within our community.” Having a heart for our neighbors makes our community a home for all.
Making this partnership even sweeter, The Vail Church was able to support one of its very own employees and member who will be a new Habitat homeowner. Lenée says to the new homeowner, “We hope that her new home will become a sanctuary of peace, love, and joy where she and her family can thrive. I pray that it serves as a reminder that God sees and loves her and that she knows the support of her community as she embarks on this new chapter in her life.” Stories like these remind us that it is neighbors and friends whom we are supporting when we choose to contribute to our community.
Regardless of how you choose to take part, these kinds of projects influence change for everyone involved. “Through our involvement with Habitat, we hope to encourage people to recognize their responsibility and potential to make a difference, no matter how small their contribution may seem. There is a sweet element of personal growth and connection that occurs when we utilize our resources—whether financial, intellectual, spiritual, or physical—for the benefit of others,” says Lenée. Every one of us has the ability and is given the choice to reach out to help our neighbors. Not only will it change their lives, but yours too. Lenée says she “hopes to see transformations not only in the lives of new homeowners like Elizabeth but also within the church and the community. I envision a deeper sense of connection, respect, increased compassion, and a collective commitment as we serve together.”
When it comes down to it, the more helping hands, the bigger the impact. We are deeply appreciative of The Vail Church and everyone else who is willing to pitch in and make a difference for our neighbors.
The Vail Church also sponsors the Carpenters’ Ball — our largest fundraiser of the year, helping reach our goal of building 30 homes in celebration of our 30th anniversary. The crew of 27 volunteers worked 169 hours! If you want to make a difference and learn a skill, please reach out to our volunteer coordinator to schedule an individual or group volunteer day.
