by Sophie Webster
Recently, I found myself Googling “Places to live like Vail, Colorado.” Three years ago, I moved away from the VailValley, a place which has always been my home, to go to college. Growing up here, and since moving away, has brought me a renewed sense of adoration for this place. I would love nothing more than to return to the mountain scenery, the endless activities, the four seasons, and the friendly atmosphere. However, it is no secret that this is a daunting hope—the high cost of living, including abnormally expensive rent and property prices, prevents me from feeling assured of my return to the mountains. For the first time, I have felt a deep desire to return to the place I love while simultaneously feeling pushed away. A punch in the gut—this is not just a frustrating realization, but a profound sadness that is felt by many. When a place that has always felt like a warm embrace begins to push you away, it feels as if a piece of your identity is left behind. This should push us to wonder: Why is it nearly impossible for so many to build a life in the place where their heart lives?
This past summer, I had the opportunity to observe and experience this sad reality through my internship with Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley. I was brought face-to-face with the valley-wide struggle to remain local and the feeling of losing hope regarding this opportunity. It is not just returning college students like me, but parents, teachers, and other community members, who are all grasping for a few threads of hope that they will one day be able to buy a home in this amazing place we are lucky to be a part of. It truly makes you realize how, regardless of where you are in life, we really are all just searching for a place to belong and a place to grow.
It is nothing short of heartbreaking that a home is such a struggle to attain. A home is where family gathers, relationships grow, and memories are made. Thanks to my parents, I grew up blessed enough to know what this feels like. I wish nothing more than to provide this same opportunity for my children someday. I also wish the same for my peers, friends, and strangers because I know the joy and comfort that home has brought me. However, across the country and even throughout the world, this has become a rarity. This isn’t just a local crisis, it is widespread and impacts families, individuals, and entire communities. It is a devastating loss that often goes unnoticed until you’re the one who can no longer return home. Instead of waiting to experience this for yourself, it is critical that we step in and be proactive in our efforts to give everyone the opportunity to have a home.
Working for Habitat Vail Valley allowed me to participate in tangible change that provides opportunity for people throughout the Vail Valley and across the world. It is an opportunity I will never take for granted, as I am fully aware of the importance of this mission. During my time with Habitat, I learned for certain that the entire team shares my view and works tirelessly. This work showed me that making this dream a reality for everyone requires selflessness and determination—not just from the team at Habitat, but from communities—because a home should be within reach for all.
I find it incredible that Habitat for Humanity has inspired so many and created such immense change in people’s lives. Habitat doesn’t just build houses; they partner to build homes and hope through the communities they bring together and the opportunities they provide—it brings families together and creates new ones, as the mere act of coming together for the common good can create lifelong bonds that will feel like home throughout the years. I was lucky enough to witness and to hear this from volunteers, to employees, to new homeowners. This makes me incredibly hopeful for not only my future search for a home, but for the people I call my neighbors.
I am looking forward to seeing where I will end up making my home, and I can only hope that it will be within reach for me to be where my heart’s desire is. I wish the same for others. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with Habitat and make this dream feel a little bit closer for some people. For now, it is important to go forth with appreciation for the homes we have and empathy for the people who are still waiting for theirs.
Sophie was Habitat Vail Valley’s communications intern. She brought a fresh perspective while meeting with coworkers, volunteers, homeowners and Habitat donors. We loved being part of Sophie’s journey and having her input throughout the summer. More than ever, together we are building community.
