For over two decades, Habitat for Humanity has been a beacon of hope for countless families in our community. With a mission centered on providing affordable housing solutions for those in need, the program has transformed lives and neighborhoods, one brick at a time.
At the heart of Tillamook’s Habitat for Humanity’s success is its unwavering commitment to collaboration. By partnering with local businesses, volunteers, and benefactors, the organization has been able to bring to life the dream of homeownership for many. As the director of the nonprofit rightly points out, “It’s a collective effort. Every hand that helps, every dollar donated, brings us closer to our goal.”
One of the ongoing projects that have garnered attention is the construction of new homes in the Maplewood neighborhood. But that’s not all. The organization is also channeling its resources into renovating older homes. The aim? To make them more energy-efficient, sustainable, and in line with modern living standards. These initiatives are supported by various fundraising events, from charity walks to auctions, ensuring a steady flow of funds and community involvement.
A standout feature of the new home in Garibaldi is its innovative construction method. Instead of traditional framing, the home uses concrete forms. The process involves pouring concrete directly into the walls, a technique captured in a short video that will accompany this article. This method not only simplifies construction but also enhances energy efficiency. Moreover, it’s scalable, making it ideal for projects like Habitat for Humanity.
The company responsible for the concrete pour in Garibaldi is backed by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s Build with Strength Coalition. With an initial goal of constructing one Habitat for Humanity home per state using their specialized technique, they have surpassed expectations. This partnership has not only benefitted the local community in Tillamook but has also had a national impact, fortifying decent, affordable, and sustainable housing across the U.S.
For readers who might be hearing about this now, there’s exciting news on the horizon. By the time you read this article, construction will have already commenced on the Garibaldi home. This project, like all others before it, stands as a testament to Habitat for Humanity’s dedication to addressing the housing crisis, one home at a time.
In the past five years alone, the program has successfully completed over 50 housing projects. And the future looks even brighter. Plans are already underway to expand the program’s reach to neighboring counties. Moreover, in a bid to involve the younger generation, partnerships with local schools and colleges have been forged. This allows students to actively participate in construction and design projects, giving them hands-on experience and a sense of community involvement.
A recent addition to the Habitat board shared their reasons for joining the organization, stating, “I joined Habitat for various reasons. One, because I align with what are my beliefs and what I believe in aligns really well with what Habitat for Humanity is actually doing and really helping those that have a need… And again, it aligns well with what I like to do and how I like to help within my community… being a board member, being able to make effective change at a grander scale was something that aligned with who I am.”
Habitat for Humanity is not just about building homes; it’s about building hope, communities, and a brighter future. With every project, they reaffirm their commitment to making a difference, and with the continued support of the community, there’s no doubt they will.
You can watch the full podcast interview with Briar Smith, Director of the Tillamook chapter of Habitat for Humanity here:
Or check out this short clip from the concrete pour in Garibaldi:
