We did it! Nevada County Habitat has completed all four homes near Memorial Park, in our Park Place neighborhood, and we held a Dedication Ceremony for Shawna’s home on November 17th.
A large group of supporters welcomed Shawna and her family as they cut the ribbon on Nevada County Habitat’s 42nd home. Shawna is a certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor employed by Common Goals, and you can learn more about her Habitat journey in this video interview.
Lorraine Larson, Nevada County Habitat’s Executive Director, led the dedication ceremony, thanking all of the donors, volunteers, partners and others that contributed to the building of Shawna’s home. She gave special recognition to Shawna for her enthusiasm and willingness to do whatever was needed to complete her 500 hours of sweat equity.
Also on-hand making presentations were Andy Kramer, Nevada County Habitat Board Vice President; Ann Davis, Chair of the Homeowner Support Committee; Seth Kellerman of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, who provided the blessing; Lisa Swarthout, a local community leader; Frank Sobrero, our construction chief for 22 years; and Ellen Hagan, Shawna’s Homeowner Mentor, who stood beside Shawna through every step of the Habitat process, from selection to dedication.
Special recognition goes out to Byers Roofing for their donation and installation of the roof on Shawna’s home; and to B&C Ace Hardware, Grocery Outlet, Granite Construction, Good Sun Solar, and California Solar Electric Co. A special thanks to Habitat for Humanity International and our national corporate partners: Levolor, Square D by Schneider, Whirlpool and Yale.
Funding for Shawna’s home was provided by local individual and business donors, and grants from the Wells Fargo Foundation and United Auburn Indian Community.
The dream of owning a Habitat home for Shawna began six years ago, which is when she made her first application. For a variety of reasons she wasn’t quite ready then, but Shawna kept the dream kindled in her heart and kept moving forward to qualify for her Habitat home, and now they’re ready to move in!
“There was never any other option than to move forward, even if it was hard. I accepted that challenge,” said Shawna, “Having a brighter future in a stable, affordable home is worth it for my kids! And for that I am so grateful and thankful to Habitat.”