It was just about the perfect summer evening in the park. Horses in the distance and the soft light of a warm summer evening set the stage for our first ever Meet Your Neighbor Picnic, to celebrate our first six families selected for Phase I of our Stuart Meadows 18-home affordable housing community.
With the families starting to arrive, bringing a dish to share and eat family style together, the Kittitas County Habitat for Humanity team had tables set, the grill going and were serving up hamburgers, hot dogs, and even vegan options for any who would prefer.
KC Habitat had set up games throughout the picnic area and had a piñata at the ready, the evening was an old-fashion neighborhood picnic in the park, and simply fun. It was a good reminder to make time to do this more often. Children of all ages tested out the games, played in the playground and one child stated, “I cannot wait to meet all my new neighbors and make new friends to grow up with.”
The importance of their statement rings true, as these families will be building their new homes together, side-by-side for the next year until complete. They will help each other, learn from each other, and truly come to care for their neighbor. It is part of the Habitat way. As staff person Emily Freeborn said, “This is the human in Habitat for Humanity, this is why we are here.”
Kittitas County Habitat for Humanity believes bringing a community together is essential, especially when building your home alongside your future neighbors. It is empowering to not only be able to help build your own home, but what that home represents for the future for many of these families; security, peace of mind, and a safe place to be able to dream. As the piñata was shredded and eager children chased after scattered candy, two moms were standing side-by-side, leaning into each other; new friends and new neighbors for all.