Adhering to Nevada County Habitat’s social distancing guidelines, the first of four Habitat homes being built near Memorial Park was dedicated on Monday, January 11, 2021.
A small group of mask-wearing supporters welcomed Danise as she cut the ribbon on Habitat’s 39th home. Danise is the first single adult (without children) to partner with Habitat in building a home. And it couldn’t have happened to a more appropriate person, and at a better time than now.
Danise is a front-line healthcare worker, serving as a nursing assistant in Grass Valley. While providing care and concern for her patients, navigating the treacherous waters of the pandemic on a daily basis, for the past three months Danise has had to live in a small motel room while her home was being completed.
“I’m really looking forward to not having to walk up and down stairs with my laundry, and sanitizing my scrubs in my own washer and dryer every day,” Danise said with relief. “This home will be a peaceful retreat. I am so grateful to Habitat and all the wonderful volunteers that have made this happen.”
Lorraine Larson, Nevada County Habitat Executive Director, led the dedication ceremony, thanking all of the donors, volunteers, partners and others that contributed to the building of Danise’s home. She gave special recognition to Danise for her enthusiasm and willingness to do whatever was needed to complete her 500 hours of sweat equity.
Also on-hand making presentations were Nevada County Habitat Board President, Rick Ballantyne; Ann Davis, Chair of the Homeowner Support committee, Teresa Scott, who provided the blessing for Danise’s home; and Marcia Accola, Danise’s Homeowner Mentor, who stood beside Danise through every step of the Habitat process, from selection to dedication. Also present were Danise’s mother and a few of Danise’s close friends. The small group remained socially distanced throughout the presentation and toured the home in groups of no more than 2-3 people at a time.
Special recognition goes out to MEC Builds, Inc. for their donation and installation of the roof on Danise’s home; and to B&C Ace Hardware, Grocery Outlet, Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty, and Good Sun Solar. Also a special thanks to Habitat for Humanity International and our national corporate partners: Cree, Dow, Square D by Schneider, Whirlpool and Yale.
Funding for Danise’s home was provided by local individual and business donors, and grants from the Wells Fargo Foundation and United Auburn Indian Community.
Please watch the full dedication ceremony here.