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A House Filled With Joy

Picture of Anna Skemp Anna Skemp : 10:00 AM on October 22, 2018

Home Celebration Homeownership Program 2018

Last Thursday, Twin Cities Habitat dedicated the home of the newest Habitat Homeowners, Ying and Kou. It was a gorgeous evening with many smiling faces, not to mention a house full of amazing volunteers and adorable kids.

Every Habitat journey involves many hands and hearts to make it a success. Ying and Kou’s St. Paul home had the hands and hearts of volunteers from Holy Ying and Kou's Family Hammers. Holy Hammers is an ecumenical coalition of 15 local congregations and has been a longtime partner with Twin Cities Habitat. Since 1999, Holy Hammers have built over 22 complete homes and parts of many others. Each year, the group provides and coordinates volunteer labor for 10-11 weeks. Those weeks are filled with laughter and hard work.

Site supervisor Tara Lumley loves spending time with Holy Hammers volunteers, explaining that time with them feels like church. “This was a very fun build and we had a great time together. We also met wonderful neighbors," said Tara.

The build, however, didn’t come without some classic Minnesota weather challenges.

“It was tough to finish this build on time. Within three days of finishing the house, we spent those days shoveling snow.” Laughter rang out in the house, since it was a sunny 60 degree day.

Ying and Kou received "welcome home" gifts from various volunteers that worked on the home. One of the Holy Hammers volunteers, Ruel Carpenter, presented the family with a framed photo of the building process, a toolkit, and a “quilt for those cold nights.”

Throughout the evening, it was clear that the house was becoming a home for Ying, Kou, and their children. As a fun game of tag was beginning in the backyard and food was being served, it was clear that we all felt at home. Congrats to the family and best of luck!